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Spiritual Conversation The Ignatian Art of Spiritual Conversation Spiritual conversation is an Ignatian practice which awakens the depths of the person. It is characterized by the turn of what is already spiritual in our past experience. Just as it infused the ministry of the early Jesuits it can inspire how we conduct ministry today. Download this article in PDF format by clicking here From the Sixth Exhortation Jerónimo Nadal (1507-1580) explains the place of spiritual conversation in the ministry of the early Jesuits. He gives timeless practical guidance about how to conduct such conversations that may be adapted to persons, places, times and circumstances. Spiritual Conversation and Intellectual Conversation A spiritual director and organic chemist outlines how the experience of wonder is a bridge connecting intellectual and spiritual conversations. By highlighting the similarities between these two worlds she demonstrates how conversations in any academic field can be enhanced using Ignatian principles. A Spiritual Conversation: Robert R. Marsh speaks to the editor, Philip Harrison In an interview recorded just before the publication of his collected essays, the editor speaks to Rob Marsh about the role of imagination in discernment and spiritual direction. He makes the invitation to discover that everyday discernment is a pathway to salvation. Resonances of the Known In The Unknown: Multi-faith Spiritual Conversation The Spiritual Exercise form us in the virtue needed to enter into a hospitable conversation with others who are different from ourselves. This face to face encounter leads naturally to a spiritual encounter that enables us to rediscover a vision of reality permeated by God. The Conversational Word of God This reflection humbly brings together the lifetime experience of a great spiritual conversationalist, Michael Holman. He reminds us to pray for the people we speak with and invites us to rediscover the Ignatian ministry of ‘going fishing’ to discover unexpected conversation partners in the street. Still, Small Voice of Calm The process of finding a voice that communicates the truth in authenticity can take a lifetime to achieve. This meditation on that challenge walks a tightrope over the dark chasm of semiotics guided only by the light of experience. The Spiritual Exercises as Conversation The Spiritual Exercises are both a conversation with a director and a conversation with God. The ensuing paradox is resolved by Patrick Goujon with the help of the image of jazz improvisation. Just as structure compliments creativity in music so does the guidance of the director compliment spontaneity in prayer. Discerning a Vocation: The General Examen of St Ignatius This discussion of the General Examen in the light of the Spiritual Exercises explores Ignatius’ outline of the conversation to be held with those who sought entrance to the Society of Jesus. He discovers an ever-deepening structure that helps to elucidate the determination of the applicant and the presence or absence of a vocation under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. All Humanity Is Mere Breath This poetic commentary on the Hebrew text of Psalm 39 explores how the liminality runs as an axis throughout the poem. Even troubling psalms can yield important insights into the conversation between humanity and God, especially when we find ourselves in moments of trial. Spiritual Conversation Spiritual conversation runs throughout the course of human life. It has many twists and turns but once in a while a conversation can be the occasion for a seed to be planted that just grows and grows. Ignatian Spiritual Conversation and Synodal Experience The Autobiography of Ignatius gives hints at how the practice of spiritual conversation emerged in his life. His later guidance demonstrates how it developed as a ministry among the first Jesuits. In recent years it has emerged as a defining aspect of the culture of encounter promoted by Pope Francis and the synodal process he has awoken in the Church. From the Foreword HE IMAGE FEATURED on the cover of this Special Issue of The Way is And He Disappeared out of Their Sight by Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859–1937), who was one of the first African American artists to gain international recognition. It depicts the moment in the Gospel of Luke when Christ disappears from the sight of the disciples upon their arrival at Emmaus. The continuing presence of Christ is evoked by the shadow cast on the wall behind them. As they recognise to whom they have been speaking they begin to understand why their hearts were burning within them upon the road.All of the articles here ponder experiences that resonate with that of the disciples. The first companions of St Ignatius described such experiences as the ‘turn’ in conversation: that moment when wonder strikes, energy is found and new horizons are revealed. For them, moments such as this indicate rich seams of human experience where God is at work. They invite us to remain attentive, just like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, so we can discover the presence of Christ right by our side. Philip Harrison SJ Please click here to subscribe to The Way, | ||
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