Eight Days Ignatian Retreat With the Universal Apostolic Preferences Dear Friends Here is a proposal for an eight-day retreat of Spiritual Exercises following Ignatian spirituality with a special emphasis on the Universal Apostolic Preferences. Each day I suggest two prayer sheets. Later the retreatans with their siritual directors will adapt them to their needs and to their own rythm of pauses and repetitions. The scheme of each prayer sheet is approximately as follows: • The image • Texts of the Sacred Scripture and Ignatian tradition • The grace I wish to ask for • Prayer guidelines • Colloquy The idea is to move forward according to the dynamic of the four weeks of the Spiritual Exercises. I wanted to include some references to the UAPs. They will guide the mission of the Society of Jesus in the next ten years. I do not intend to leave the proposals for prayer closed. Each person has his or her own way of praying. I would rather like to share some images that can help each one's spiritual journey. It is an adventure in the Spirit that asks for our conversion to enjoy this gift received in the UAPs. Retreatants will have to adapt the contents with their spiritual directors according to persons, places and times. May the Lord be with you, guide you and bless you always. José de Pablo, SJ DAY 0 - Arrival 1– My life of faith as a River Review of last year DAY 1 2 Let your light shine: The First Principle and Foundation 3 Receiving the Universal Apostolic Preferences: The need of conversion DAY 2 4 Hell situation: A world without UAP 5 With Eyes of Mercy: Reconciliation DAY 3 6- The Call in Motion The call of the Eternal King: UAPs as a Call 7 Incarnation, God Moves First Contemplation of the Incarnation DAY 4 8 The preferences of Jesus: His first 30 years with us: Contemplating the hidden life 9 Guided by the Spirit: Temptations and the Two Standards DAY 5 10 Contemplating His Life with the eyes of the UAPs 11 The image of God From the Last Supper to Gethsemane DAY 6 12 The consequences of His Preferences. Three Judgements: Social, Political, Religious 13 The seven last sayings of Jesus on the Cross DAT 7 14 Words of Resurrection: Contemplations of the Resurrection 15 All in the same boat with Him. DAY 8 16 Attaining Love: Contemplation to reach love 17 An exercise of reform : Pray from gratitude and for gratitud.
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EightDaysIgnatianRetreatWiththeUniversalApostolicPreferences
DearFriendsHereisaproposalforaneight-dayretreatofSpiritualExercisesfollowingIgnatianspiritualitywithaspecialemphasisontheUniversalApostolicPreferences.EachdayIsuggesttwoprayersheets.Latertheretreatanswiththeirsiritualdirectorswilladaptthemtotheirneedsandtotheirownrythmofpausesandrepetitions.Theschemeofeachprayersheetisapproximatelyasfollows:
• Theimage• TextsoftheSacredScriptureandIgnatiantradition• ThegraceIwishtoaskfor• Prayerguidelines• Colloquy
TheideaistomoveforwardaccordingtothedynamicofthefourweeksoftheSpiritualExercises.IwantedtoincludesomereferencestotheUAPs.TheywillguidethemissionoftheSocietyofJesusinthenexttenyears.Idonotintendtoleavetheproposalsforprayerclosed.Eachpersonhashisorherownwayofpraying.Iwouldratherliketosharesomeimagesthatcanhelpeachone'sspiritualjourney.ItisanadventureintheSpiritthatasksforourconversiontoenjoythisgiftreceivedintheUAPs.Retreatantswillhavetoadaptthecontentswiththeirspiritualdirectorsaccordingtopersons,placesandtimes.MaytheLordbewithyou,guideyouandblessyoualways.
JosédePablo,SJ
DAY0-Arrival 1–MylifeoffaithasaRiverReviewoflastyearDAY1 2Letyourlightshine:TheFirstPrincipleandFoundation 3ReceivingtheUniversalApostolicPreferences:TheneedofconversionDAY2 4Hellsituation:AworldwithoutUAP 5WithEyesofMercy:ReconciliationDAY3 6-TheCallinMotionThecalloftheEternalKing:UAPsasaCall 7Incarnation,GodMovesFirstContemplationoftheIncarnationDAY4 8ThepreferencesofJesus:Hisfirst30yearswithus:Contemplatingthehiddenlife 9GuidedbytheSpirit:TemptationsandtheTwoStandardsDAY5 10ContemplatingHisLifewiththeeyesoftheUAPs 11TheimageofGodFromtheLastSuppertoGethsemaneDAY6 12TheconsequencesofHisPreferences.ThreeJudgements:Social,Political,Religious 13ThesevenlastsayingsofJesusontheCrossDAT7 14WordsofResurrection:ContemplationsoftheResurrection 15AllinthesameboatwithHim.DAY8 16AttainingLove:Contemplationtoreachlove 17Anexerciseofreform:Prayfromgratitudeandforgratitud.
UAPRetreatDay0Exercise1
MyLifeasaRiver
Text:John,4,7-15AwomanofSamariacametodrawwater.Jesussaidtoher,“Givemeadrink.”Hisdiscipleshadgoneintothetowntobuyfood.TheSamaritanwomansaidtohim,“Howcanyou,aJew,askme,aSamaritanwoman,foradrink?”(ForJewsusenothingincommonwithSamaritans.)Jesusansweredandsaidtoher,“IfyouknewthegiftofGodandwhoissayingtoyou,‘Givemeadrink,’youwouldhaveaskedhimandhewouldhavegivenyoulivingwater.”[Thewoman]saidtohim,“Sir,youdonotevenhaveabucketandthewellisdeep;wherethencanyougetthislivingwater?AreyougreaterthanourfatherJacob,whogaveusthiswellanddrankfromithimselfwithhischildrenandhisflocks?”Jesusansweredandsaidtoher,“Everyonewhodrinksthiswaterwillbethirstyagain;butwhoeverdrinksthewaterIshallgivewillneverthirst;thewaterIshallgivewillbecomeinhimaspringofwaterwellinguptoeternallife.”Thewomansaidtohim,“Sir,givemethiswater,sothatImaynotbethirstyorhavetokeepcomingheretodrawwater.”
CompositionIimaginemylifeasariverandItrytoidentifywheretheflowofLifehasbeenleadingmethroughoutthepastyear.AskingforGraceIaskfortheinnerknowledgeandfreedomtoopenmyselftodiscovertheworkofGodinmeandintheworldaroundmeinthepastyear.
Guidelinesforprayer● Itrytodrawmylastyear’sriver,usingtheimageofwaterasasymbolofthepresenceoftheSpiritofGodin
mylifeandinmywork.Itrytofindtheimagewhichbestdescribestheselastmonths:flowingwater,dessert,waterfall,fountain,irrigation,etc…
● IimagineJesuscontemplatingmyownriverandaskingmeforwatertodrink.Whathasmademefeeldryor
freshthroughoutthisyear?
● IasktheLordforthewaterIneedforthisretreat,forthecomingdays,months,year,forothers…ColloquyIpresentallthistotheLordandtalktohimaboutthepointsthatprovokethestrongestinnermovementsinme.IaskHimtogivemethespringofwaterwellinguptoeternallife.Otherbiblicaltextaboutwater:Gen1,2.Nowtheearthwasformlessandempty,darknesswasoverthesurfaceofthedeep,andtheSpiritofGodwashoveringoverthewaters.Is.12,3.Withjoyyouwilldrawwaterfromthewellsofsalvation.Is.44,3.ForIwillpourwateronthethirstyland,andstreamsonthedryground;IwillpouroutmySpiritonyouroffspring,andmyblessingonyourdescendants.Is.58,11.TheLORDwillguideyoualways;hewillsatisfyyourneedsinasun-scorchedlandandwillstrengthenyourframe.Youwillbelikeawell-wateredgarden,likeaspringwhosewatersneverfail.Ez.36,25-26.Iwillsprinklecleanwateronyou,andyouwillbeclean;Iwillcleanseyoufromallyourimpuritiesandfromallyouridols.Iwillgiveyouanewheartandputanewspiritinyou;Iwillremovefromyouyourheartofstoneandgiveyouaheartofflesh.Am.5,24.Butletjusticerollonlikeariver,righteousnesslikeanever-failingstream!Psalm63,1.You,God,aremyGod,earnestlyIseekyou;Ithirstforyou,mywholebeinglongsforyou,inadryandparchedlandwherethereisnowater.Mt.10,42.Andifanyonegivesevenacupofcoldwatertooneoftheselittleoneswhoismydisciple,trulyItellyou,thatpersonwillcertainlynotlosetheirreward.”Jn.7,37-38.Onthelastandgreatestdayofthefestival,Jesusstoodandsaidinaloudvoice,“Letanyonewhoisthirstycometomeanddrink.Whoeverbelievesinme,asScripturehassaid,riversoflivingwaterwillflowfromwithinthem.”Rev21,6.Hesaidtome:“Itisdone.IamtheAlphaandtheOmega,theBeginningandtheEnd.TothethirstyIwillgivewaterwithoutcostfromthespringofthewateroflife.
UAPRetreatDay1Exercise2
LettheLightShine
THEFIRSTPRINCIPLEANDFOUNDATION
TheGoalofourlifeistolivewithGodforever.God,wholovesus,gaveuslife.OurownresponseofloveallowsGod'slifetoflowintouswithoutlimit.AllthethingsinthisworldaregiftsfromGod,presentedtoussothatwecanknowGodmoreeasilyandmakeareturnoflovemorereadily.Asaresult,weappreciateanduseallthesegiftsofGodinsofarastheyhelpustodevelopaslovingpersons.Butifanyofthesegiftsbecomethecenterofourlives,theydisplaceGodandsohinderourgrowthtowardourgoal.
Ineverydaylife,then,wemustholdourselvesinbalancebeforeallofthesecreatedgiftsinsofaraswehaveachoiceandarenotboundbysomeobligation.Weshouldnotfixourdesiresonhealthorsickness,wealthorpoverty,successorfailure,alonglifeorashortone.ForeverythinghasthepotentialofcallingforthinusAdeeperresponsetoourlifeinGod.Ouronlydesireandouronechoiceshouldbethis:IwantandIchoosewhatbetterleadstoGod'sdeepeninghislifeinme.
(St.IgnatiusasparaphrasedbyDavidL.FlemingSJ)
AskingforGraceIaskfortheinnerknowledgeofthelightofGodinme,andhowitmakesitselffeltinmylifesoastobeabletoloveandservetheLordatalltimes.Texts:
▪ Genesis1:3-5-AndGodsaid,“Lettherebelight,”andtherewaslight.▪ John1:1-14-Inhimwaslife,andthatlifewasthelightofallmankind.Thelight
shinesinthedarkness,andthedarknesshasnotovercome…▪ John8:12“Iamthelightoftheworld,”Hesaid.“Whoeverfollowsmewillhave
the lightoflifeandwillneverwalkindarkness.”▪ Matthew5:14-16-“Youarelikelightforthewholeworld.Acitybuiltonahillcannotbehid.Noonelightsa
lampandputsitunderabowl;insteaditisputonthelampstand,whereitgiveslightforeveryoneinthehouse.Inthesamewayyourlightmustshinebeforepeople,sothattheywillseethegoodthingsyoudoandpraiseyourFatherinheaven.
GuidelinesforprayerYoucanchoosebetweendifferentapproaches:
● ReadslowlycalmlythePrincipleandFoundationandtrytodiscovertheareasinyourlifethatareenlightenedbyGod'slight.
● YouarepartofacovenantthatGodhasmadewithussincethebeginningoftime,
goingbacktoAbraham,Isaac,Jacob,Moses,David...Jesus...Peter,Paul...Ignatius...andthetorchhasnowbeenpassedontoyou.Receivethislightasalegacyandreflectonhowithasenlightenedyourlifetothisday.Givethanksforallthosewhohavepassedonthistorchtoyou.
● EverythinginourlifeisagiftfromGod.Withourgiftsandchoiceswecanenlightenthe
worldorleaveitindarkness.Godisformelikeabeaconthatilluminatesandguidesmethroughlife.LetmetakeamomenttothankHimformyareasoflightandaskHimtohelpmegettoknowbettermyareasofdarkness.
ColloquyIthanktheLordforthegiftsIhavereceivedinmylife,forthosewhohandedthemtomeandforthelightIamabletobring.
UAPRetreatDay1Exercise3
ReceivingtheUniversalApostolicPreferences
TheImage:Justlikeinancientracesachariotwasdrivenbyfourhorses,theSocietyofJesushasreceivedthefourUniversalApostolicPreferencestohelpitmoveforwardtowardsreconciliationandjustice.Thisisthetargetpromotedbythe36thGeneralCongregation.ThelaunchingoftheUAPshasbeenalong-termandextensivediscernmentprocessfortheentireSocietyofJesus.FatherGeneralArturoSosapresentedthefruitsofthisdiscernmenttoPopeFranciswhoapprovedandconfirmedthem.FatherGeneralinsistedthatthefourUniversalApostolicPreferencesshouldadvancetogetherandbeguidedbyabasicdispositionofdiscernment,conversionandintellectualdepth.
AskingforGrace:IaskfortheinteriorknowledgeofthegiftreceivedintheUniversalApostolicPreferencesasthefruitofacommunaldiscernmentofthewholeSocietyofJesusguidedbytheHolySpiritandconfirmedbythePope.Texts:
● Proverbs2:1-9Myson,ifyoureceivemywords…FortheLORDgiveswisdom,…Guardingthepathsofjustice
● John15:4-5Remaininme,asIremaininyou.Justasabranchcannotbearfruitonitsownunlessitremainsonthevine,soneithercanyouunlessyouremaininme…
● PopeFrancis(lettertoFr.General):ThefirstpreferenceiscrucialbecauseitpresupposesasabasicconditiontheJesuit’srelationshipwiththeLordinapersonalandcommunallifeofprayeranddiscernment…Withoutthisprayerfulattitudetheotherpreferenceswillnotbearfruit.
● Fr.General:UniversalApostolicPreferences2019-2029.(Pg.1)TheUAParethefruitofanelection…OurdesirehasbeentofindthebestwaytoservetheChurchatthistimethebestcontributionwecanmakewithwhatweareandhave,seekingtodowhatisforthegreaterdivineserviceandthemoreuniversalgood
○ ToshowthewaytoGodthroughtheSpiritualExercisesanddiscernment;○ Towalkwiththepoor,theoutcastsoftheworld,thosewhosedignityhasbeenviolated,ina
missionofreconciliationandjustice;○ Toaccompanyyoungpeopleinthecreationofahope-filledfuture;○ TocollaborateinthecareofourCommonHome.
(Pg.8)ThecallistosharethelifeandmissionofJesusChrist.AttheheartofthiscallistheloveoftheOneandTriuneGodwhoisnotparalyzedinthefaceoftheworld’ssituationbutwhosendsJesustotakeonourhumanityandgivehislifeinordertoopenthegatestodivinelifeandloveforallhumanbeings.IndyingJesusexpressesthesupremelovethatvanquishesdeath.Toacceptthatcallistogiveone’slifeforloveexpressedindeedsofreconciliationandjustice;itmeansbeingtransformedintoauthenticfollowersofJesusandactivemembersoftheChurchandtheSocietythatservesthemissionincollaborationwithsomanyotherpersons.Conversionempowersustotakepartinthemission:conversiontofaithintheGoodNewsthattheReignofGodisathand,andconversiontoalivingfaiththatexpressesitselfinworksthatmakepossiblethefulfillmentofGod'spromiseinhumanhistory.
Guidelinesforprayer
- IimaginehowtheHolyTrinityhasguidedtheUAPs’discernment.HowtheLordhandsoverthismissiontotheSocietyfromthehandsoftheHolyFathertotheonesofFatherGeneral,thentothewholeSocietyofJesusandfinallytome.
- ThelaunchingoftheUAPshasbeenaverydifferentprocessofdiscernmentforeachpersoninvolved-Jesuitorpartnerinmission,communitiesorinstitutions,provinces,regions,conferencesandtheentireSociety.DidIfeelpartofthisdiscernmentprocess?HowhaveIwelcomedtheUniversalApostolicPreferences?
- Conversion.FatherGeneralinsisted:ThetemptationistorushintoputtingtheUAPsintopracticewithouttakingthetimetoassimilateanddelvedeeperintothemsoastofeelwhattheyareaskingofusintermsofpersonalandcommunaltransformationandconversion.WhatdoIneedtoreceiveandembraceintheUAPsonapersonalandcommunallevel?
Colloquy:IthanktheLordforthegiftofthepreferencesandpresentmyfeelingsofjoyorresistance.
GuidingprinciplesfortheunderstandingoftheUAPs(ExtractsfromFr.Generaltalks)
UNIVERSAL● Theyareuniversalbecausetheyreflectthe
diversityofcultures.Theyarecommittedtopluralityandtheyopposethehomogenizationofglobalisation.
● Preferencesmustmakeusgroundedandheart-feltinthecommongoodofallhumanitybydifferentpaths.
NotGLOBAL● Globalizationisthechoiceofworlduniformityas
opposedtotherichnessofthelocalandtheindividual.
● Globalizationtruststhatallhumansocietiesmusthavethesameidentityandthesamehistoricaltrajectory.
APOSTOLIC● Theyareapostolicbecausetheyassumethe
missionofJesusastheapostlesdid.● Theyaretheresultofanexerciseofspiritual
discernmentincommonaswasmadebythefirstJesuits.
● TheyarenotobjectivesandgoalsbutthesoulofalltheplansandactionsoftheSocietyofJesus.
NotIMMOBILE● UAPsarenotalistofqualitiesandcharacteristics
thatwemustfulfilinaparticularJesuitterritory.Theyarenotaticking-the-boxexercise.
● Theyareacalltoexplorethenewterritoriesofthepresentwithoutbeinganchoredtothepast,whilestilltakingintoaccountourtraditions.
PREFERENCES● Apreferenceisavitalorientationforfocusallour
apostolatesinthenexttenyears.TheyareaninspirationforeveryJesuitministry.
● Toprefersomethingistodesireitmorethanotherthings.Thisentailsmyownwillandfeelings.Apreferenceiswhatwereallyneedandhavetoseek.
NotPRIORITIES● Prioritizingisexclusive.IfIprioritize,Iam
choosingsomethingoverotherthings.● Wearenotmakingarankingofactionsorworks,
butfollowingdiscernment,wechoosewhatdirectiontotake.
Proverbs2:1-9Myson,ifyoureceivemywordsandtreasuremycommands,TurningyoureartoWisdom,incliningyourhearttounderstanding;Yes,ifyoucalltointelligence,andtounderstandingraiseyourvoice;andlikehiddentreasuressearchherout:ThenwillyouunderstandthefearoftheLORD;theknowledgeofGodyouwillfind;FortheLORDgiveswisdom,fromhismouthcomeknowledgeandunderstanding;Hehascounselinstorefortheupright,heistheshieldofthosewhowalkhonestly,Guardingthepathsofjustice,protectingthewayofhispiousones.Thenyouwillunderstandrectitudeandjustice,honesty,everygoodpath.
John15:4-5
Remaininme,asIremaininyou.Justasabranchcannotbearfruitonitsownunlessitremainsonthevine,soneithercanyouunlessyouremaininme.Iamthevine,youarethebranches.WhoeverremainsinmeandIinhimwillbearmuchfruit,becausewithoutmeyoucandonothing.
UAPRetreatDay2Exercise4
HellSituation
TheImage:AbrokenWorldImagineaworldwherejusttheoppositeofourUAPsprevails
● AworldwithoutGod,wheretheSpiritualExerciseshavenosenseanddiscernmentisanemptyword.AworldwithnocommunicationbetweenusandGod
● Aworldwherethepoorareabandonedandhumiliated;wherehumanbeingshavenodignityoftheirown.Aworldwithoutpathsofreconciliationwhereonlyinjusticeremains.
● Aworldwhereyoungpeople’svaluesaremilesawayfromsolidarity,faithandhope;andclosertosuperficiality,selfishnessandpower.
● Anenvironmentallysickworldthathaspassedthepointofnoreturn.Aworldexploited,polluted,andwornout,wherelifebecomesimpossible.
TextsSp.Ex.65-71–Themeditationofhell.AGodlessWorldHewasintheworld,andthoughtheworldwasmadethroughhim,theworlddidnotrecognizehim.Hecametothatwhichwashisown,buthisowndidnotreceivehim.John1:10-11
AWorldwherethepoorareabandonedForIwashungryandyougavemenothingtoeat,Iwasthirstyandyougavemenothingtodrink,I
wasastrangerandyoudidnotinvitemein,Ineededclothesandyoudidnotclotheme,
Iwassickandinprisonandyoudidnotlookafterme.’Matthew25:31-46
YouthwithouthopeWhentheyoungmanheardthis,hewentawaysad,becausehehadgreatwealth.Matthew19:21-22
Nocommonhomecare
Theonewhohearsmywordsanddoesnotputthemintopractice
islikeamanwhobuiltahouseonthegroundwithoutafoundation.Themomentthetorrent
struckthathouse,itcollapsedanditsdestructionwascomplete.”
Luke6:48-49CompositionIimaginemyselfinabrokenworldandtakealookatitsvictims.AskingforGraceIaskforaninnersenseofthepainthatthedamagedpeopleofthisworldareenduring.IasktheLordtohelpmeunderstandtheevilpaththatseparatesusfromthemandfromHim.Guidelinesforprayer
● Itrytoimagineabrokenworldgoingfromthesituationsthatarefarthesttothoseclosesttome.● ImeditateonthepresentsituationsofrupturewithGod,withcreation,withothers,withmyinnerself.How
willthefuturebeforthemandformeifwecontinuedownthispath?● Withmyinnersenses,Itrytoexplorethefinalconsequencesandproportionsofthewoundsofourworld.
ColloquyIpresenttotheLordthepainofthedamagedpeopleofthisworldasIconsidermyownpast,presentandfuture.IsharewithGodwhatisinmyheartduringthismeditationofabrokenworld.
UAPRetreatDay2
Exercise5
WithEyesofMercyTheImage:Inmanyofourcities,weseepeoplesellinggoodsonablanket.Manyofthemaremigrantslookingforawaytosurviveinatradethatisnotalwayslegal.Amongtheirmerchandise,theysellgenuineandcounterfeitgoods,authenticandartificialstuff,fakebrands,andsoon.InSpain,theyarecalledmanteros.Theylookforthebusieststreetstosellmorebutassoonastheyseethepolicecoming,theyquicklygrabthefourcornersoftheblanketandrunawaytoavoidgettingtheirthingsconfiscated.CompositionIimaginemyselfinfrontofGod,theGodofMercy,andpresentallthatconstitutesmylife:vocation,studies,work,community,apostolate,spirituallife,friends,family,…AskingforGraceIaskforthegracetodistinguishbetweenwhatisandwhatisnotauthenticinmylife.ThegraceofdiscoveringthroughthelightofGod’smercywhatseparatesmeandwhatbringsmeclosertoGod,toothersandmyselfinloveandtruth.Texts
- Exodus3:1-16-Mosesandtheburningbush.“Takeoffyoursandals,fortheplacewhereyouarestandingisholyground…Ihaveseentheoppressionofmypeople…”
- Luke15:11-32-TheMercifulFatherandthetwosons.Theprodigalsonandhiselderbrotherdiscoveredtheirtruth,andthetruthoftheirFather’smercy.
- Luke19:1-10–Zacchaeus.«Jesussaidtohim,“Todaysalvationhascometothishouse…FortheSonofMancametoseekandtosavethelost.”»
- Psalm139-Youhavesearchedme,LORD,andyouknowme.- Psalm51-abrokenandcontriteheart,you,God,willnotdespise.
Guidelinesforprayer
● ItakesometimetoenterGod'spresence.IacknowledgethatIaminasacredspaceandasktheLordtoplacemeunderhismercifulgaze.
● IchooseandreadoneofthetextsandcontemplatehowitspeaksabouttherelationshipwithGod
● Itakeintoaccountthedifferentrelationships,memoriesandaspectsofmylife.Iletmymindandheartto
movethroughthosedifferentmoments,peopleandplacesinmyrelationshipwithGod,withothersandwithmyself.
● Amongmyrealitytherearelightandheavythings,authenticandfalserealities,blessingsandsins...thelabels
Iwear,thelabelsIputtoothers…IpresenttoGodallthatIamandallthatIhave.
● Ifnegativememoriesandfeelingsarise,ItrytoembracethemaspartofwhoIamandpresentthemtoGodwhoknowsmebetterthanIknowmyself.IletGodshedlightontheseshadowymemoriesallinHistiming.
ColloquyIoffertheLordthepointsthatprovokethestrongestinnermovementsinmeandIaskHimtoletmeexperienceHismercyinmylife
UAPRetreatDay3
Exercise6
TheCallinMotionTheImage:Momentum:Theforcethatkeepsanobjectmovingoraneventtounfoldonceithasstarted.Momentumoccurswhenapositiveresultgeneratesmorepositiveresultscausinginturnageneralforwardforcewithacollectiveconfidence.Momentumgainsmorestrengththelongeritlasts.Texts:
● Matthew5:1-12orLuke6:20-26o Blessedarethepoorinspirit,for
theirsisthekingdomofheaveno Blessedarethosewhoare
persecutedforrighteousness'sake,fortheirsisthekingdomofheaven.o Blessedarethepeacemakers,fortheywillbecalledchildrenofGodo Blessedarethemeek,fortheyshallinherittheearth
● Fr.General:PartI:UniversalApostolicPreferences2019-2029.
(Pg7)ThepreferencesseektoembodyconcretelythemissionreceivedastheLord’sresponsetothecryofawoundedworld;thecryofthemostvulnerable,whohavebeendisplacedandmarginalized;theemptyrhetoricthatdividesanddismantlesourcultures;thegrowingchasmbetweenrichandpoor;thecryoftheyounginsearchofhopeandmeaning;thecryoftheearthanditspeoples,whohavebeendegradedtothepointofhavingtheirveryexistenceputatrisk.ThepreferencesseektorespondtoaworldinwhichentiregenerationshaveneverheardaboutJesusandhisGospel.
● PopeFrancis:TheGodofloveshowsusourplaceinthisworldtobechannelsofHislovetoalltheEarth’s
creatures,fornotoneofthemisforgotteninHissight.(LaudatoSi’246)
● SaintIgnatius:"EternalLordofallthings,ImakemyoblationwithThyfavorandhelp,…thatIwantanddesire,anditismydeliberatedetermination,ifonlyitbeThygreaterserviceandpraise,toimitateTheeinbearingallinjuriesandallabuseandallpovertyofspirit,andactualpoverty,too,ifThymostHolyMajestywantstochooseandreceivemetosuchlifeandstate."SpiritualExercises98
Theimage
● IimaginemyselfonthemountainsidelisteningtoJesusinthemidstofthecrowd.AskingforGrace
● IaskGodforinnerknowledgeofHispreferencesandmyowndesiretofollowHim.Guidanceforprayer
● Readthetextandimaginethescene.ContemplatethewayJesuslooksatthecrowdandhowheaskshisdisciplestocollaborateinhismission.
● Lookattheverbsofthepreferences:toshowtheway,towalkwith,toaccompany,tocollaboratein,…GothroughthefirstpartofFr.General’sletterandimagineyourselfdoingtheseactions.
● TheUAPsarethefirstfruitofalongprocessofdiscernmentwhichwillcontinuenowinourapostolicplanning.HowhaveIfeltpartofthisprocessuntilnowandhowdoIfeelaboutthenextsteps?
● ImagineyourlifeasananswertoJesus'programmeexpressedinthebeatitudes:ArethepreferencesofJesusmyownpreferences?ArethepreferencesgiventotheSocietyofJesusmypreferences?Whatdesireswithinmemoveinfavouroragainst?Whataremylongingsandwhat’sholdingmeback?
Colloquy:PresentyourdesirestoJesusasifyouaretalkingtoafriend.
UAPRetreatDay3Exercise7
Incarnation,GodMovesFirst
Theimage:TheHolyTrinityinmercifuldialogue.Itislikeadiptych;ononesidewehavethedialogueoftheTrinitybeforetheworldandontheotherOurLadyofNazareth.TheTrinityapproacheshumanityknowingitspainanditsseparationfromtheGodofMercy.Goddecidestosavealosthumanity:"ThethreeDivinePersonsgazed"atthegloomysightofahumanitythathaslostthemeaningoflife,brokenduetodivisionandselfishness,anddecided“thattheSecondPersonshouldbecomeahumanbeingtosavethehumanrace”.AndthusitisproclaimedtoMary.God'sfirstmovementistoasktobereceivedintotheworldbyawonderfulpoorwomanwhoisabletosayyestoGod.
AskingforGraceIasktheLordforthegracetoseetheworldwithits“manyanddiversepeople”throughHiseyes.AndtorespondasOurLadydidfromherhouseinNazareth.IaskfortheinteriorknowledgeoftheLord,whobecamehumanforme,sothatImaylovehimmoreintenselyandfollowhimmoreclosely.TextsJesus'wayofseeing- OurLordisachildthatbringslightandsalvationfor
SimeonandAnna.Formyeyeshaveseenyoursalvation…Luke2,25-35
- Helookstothedisciplesandhecallsthem.John
1:35-42- Whenhesawthecrowd,hehadcompassionon
them,becausetheywereharassedandhelpless,likesheepwithoutashepherd.Matthew9:36
- Hesawalargecrowdandhehadcompassionon
them.Matthew14:13-14- Helookstotheonewhodeniedhim,andHe
changeshisheart.Luke22:61-62- Jesuslookedattheonewhodidnotwhattochange
andlovedhim.Marc10:17-27- Jesuslookswithmercytilltheend.Father,forgive
them,fortheydon’tknowwhattheyaredoing.Luke23:34
OurLady’swayofseeing- Annunciation.Mayyourwordtomebefulfilled…
Luke1:26-38- Magnificat.FortheMightyOnehasdonegreat
thingsforme…Luke1:39-56- Marytreasuredupallthesethingsandpondered
theminherheart.Luke2:19,51Othertexts- Iasknomoreofyoutolookathim…Silencedthe
understanding,Ilookthathelooksatme.SaintTheresaofAvila
- BygivingushisWord,hedoesnothaveanotherword
todeliver,andbygivingushisownSon,hehasnoothergifttograntus;hehasnothingelsetosay,nothingelsetograntus.BygivingusJesus,hehassaidall.SaintJohnoftheCross
- Teachmeyourwayoflookingatpeople…yourimage
changesthosewithwhomyoucomeintocontact.Fr.PedroArrupe
Guidelinesforprayer(SpEx101-109)
1. Tosee,listentoandlookattheworld“insuchblindness”:Theworldweliveinisadividedoneneedyofsalvation:"Toseethepeople,listentowhattheyaresaying,seewhattheyaredoing...”,“someinpeaceandothersatwar,someweepingandotherslaughing,somehealthyandotherssick,somebeingbornandothersdying”.Itisahumanitythatasks"tobefreedfromtheshacklesofmortalityandistoenteruponthegloriouslibertyofthechildrenofGod”(Rom8:21).Ibringthisscenetomylife.
2. Tosee,listento,andlookattheTrinity:“Letusworktheredemptionofthehuman”.Godtakestheinitiative
tosaveus.ThesecondpersonoftheHolyTrinitybecomesincarnate,andbysodoing,hesharesalltheproblems,hopesandpainofhumanity...Andmakemenandwomenperceivehowfraternityandaffiliationislived:"GodsolovedtheworldthathegavehisonlySon"(Jn3:16).Itrytotransposethisscenetomylife.
3. See,listentoandlookattheannunciationtoMaryMaryistheresponsemodeltothecallforcollaborating
inthecomingoftheKingdomofGod.God’sinterventioninhistorypreviouslyrequireshumanconsent.Beforeinterveninginthehistoryofmen,Godasksforconsent.BychoosingMary,Godchooseswhatissimple,weak,feminine,inordertocarryoutgreatdeeds.Itrytotransposethisscenetomylife.
ColloquywithourFather,richinmercy;withhisSon,whohastakenonHimallthatisoursandtowhomnothingisstrange;withtheSpirit,giveroflife;andwithMary,instrumentoftheNewAlliance,"IwillaskforfavoursaccordingtowhatIperceiveinmyheartthatImaybetterfollowandimitateOurLord,whointhiswayhasrecentlybecomeahumanbeing”(SpEx109).
UAPRetreatDay4Exercise8
ThePreferencesofJesus:HisFirst30Yearswithus
Theimage:Therearealwaysdifferentpathswecantake.Somearewideandeasy,othersarenarrowandhard.Mychoiceofpathisaquestionofpreferenceandselection.Manyhumanbeingscannotchoosetheirwayofliving.Goddid.AskingforGrace:OLord,teachmeyourways(Ps.25).IaskforinteriorknowledgeoftheLord’swisdom,Hewhoformysakebecameman,thatImayloveandfollowHimmore.Texts:
- Luke2:1-20-TheNativityofJesus:Shewrappedhiminclothsandplacedhiminamanger,becausetherewasnoguestroomavailableforthem.
- Matthew2:13-15-Sohegotup,tookthechildandhismotherduringthenightandleftforEgypt.- Luke2:39-40,51-52–ThehiddenlifeofJesusinNazareth…AndJesusgrewinwisdomandstature,andin
favourwithGodandman.- SpEx.110-117–ContemplationoftheNativity
o …toseethepersons;thatis,toseeOurLadyandJosephandthemaid,and,afterHisBirth,theChildJesus,Imakingmyselfapoorcreatureandawretchofanunworthyslave,lookingatthemandservingthemintheirneeds,withallpossiblerespectandreverence,asifIfoundmyselfpresent;andthentoreflectonmyselfinordertodrawsomeprofit.
o …tolookandconsiderwhattheyaredoing,asgoingajourneyandlabouring,thattheLordmaybeborninthegreatestpoverty;andasaterminationofsomanylabours—ofhunger,ofthirst,ofheatandofcold,ofinjuriesandaffronts—thatHemaydieontheCross;andallthisforme.
Guidelinesforprayer
● IfollowthetextscontemplatingtheNativityand/orthefirstyearsofthelifeofJesus.IreflectonhowJesusChristrevealsGod’spreferenceforthepoor,thehumble,andthesimplelifeinasimplevillage.
● Nazarethisanexampleofahealthyandecologicalenvironment,thekindofenvironmentIseektotaste
simplicityandthevaluesoftheGospel.Itissuchenvironmentsthathealmyanxietiesanddesperatesearchforefficiencytohelpmefindtherightbalance.ItistherethatIfindtheinspirationtobearthedailyroutinebecauseeverysinglethingmakessense.InNazarethImayencounterMaryinsandalsorbarefoot,holdingdeartoherheartthefaceandwordsofhersonJesus.ItistheplaceofthenewWisdomwhereJesusgrew,theschoolwhereJesuslearntthelivinglanguagehebroughttousall.Inshort,itistheplacetogainadivinewayoflooking,thinking,feeling,judging…Igobacktotheplacewhereitallbegan.
● IobserveJesusinhisgrowingprocess.Inthewayhebehavedwithhisfamily,withneighbours,friends,with
theOnehewasgettingtoknowbetterashisFather.Igodeepinsidehisheart,aheartnurturedanonymouslytostrengthenafullwayofbeinghuman-divinefromhischildhoodtohisadolescenceandyoungadulthood.
Colloquy:IfinishwithacolloquywiththeVirginMary,who“keptallthesethingsinherheart”.IsharewithherwhatinmyprayerappearedasGod'spreferencesinthehiddenlifeofJesus.
UAPRetreatDay4
Exercise9
GuidedbytheSpirit
Theimage:OntheplatformIknowwhichtrainIwanttogetonandIknowmydestination,buttherearemomentsinwhichpeople,relationships,wishesandpossessionsunexpectedlycrossmylife.SuddenlyIfindmyselfonadifferenttrainthatisalreadyonitswaytodestinationsIdidn'twanttoreach.
Texts:▪ Matthew4:1-11-ThenJesuswasledbytheSpiritintothewildernesstobetemptedbythedevil.
▪ Luke4:16-21-TheSpiritoftheLordisuponme,becausehehasanointedmetopreachthegospeltothe
poor;hehassentmetohealthebroken-hearted,topreachdeliverancetothecaptives,andrecoveringofsighttotheblind,tosetatlibertythemthatarebruised,topreachtheacceptableyearoftheLord.
▪ Sp.Ex.136-147–MeditationonTwoStandards
▪ Fr.General:PartII:GuidedbytheSpirit
o WearedeeplyconvincedthatthepreferenceswillhelptheapostolicbodyoftheSocietyiftheymaintainaclearunitybetweenlifeandmission;ifweunderstandthemasorientationsthatgobeyond“doingsomething”andenableustoachieveourtransformationaspersons,asreligiouscommunities,andasapostolicworksandinstitutionsinwhichwecollaboratewithotherConsequently,whileeachpreferencepointstosomeimportantaspectofourapostolate,italsoinvitesustorenewourownlivessothatourworkwillbecredibleandeffective(Pg.7)
o Theuniversalapostolicpreferencesseektodeepentheseprocessesofpersonal,communal,andinstitutionalconversion.TheyareorientationsforimprovingboththeapostolicworkofthewholebodyoftheSocietyandthewaysinwhichweaccomplishourministries,inwhichthepreferencesareexpressed.Atthesametime,theyseektohelpJesuitsandourcompanionsinmissiontomaketheirapostoliclivesapathwaytoGod.WewanttoinviteallpeopletofollowthepathopenedupbyJesusofNazareth,apathonwhichweourselvesarewalking,followinginhisfootsteps,encouragedbyhisSpirit.(Pg.8)
o Theyarenotourpreferences.WehavefollowedtheHolySpirit,whohasguidedandinspiredus.(Pg.8)
AskingforGrace:OLord,teachmeyourways(Ps.25).HolySpirit,givemeinsightintotheDECEITSoftheworldandhelpmetostayawayfromthem.GivemeinsightintotheGENUINELIFEthatJesusshowsus.
Guidelinesforprayer● TheUniversalApostolicPreferencesliketheMeditationonTwoStandardsdemandofusaunityofspiritand
action.TheyinviteuspermanentlytoacknowledgewhereweareandtolookagainatthemapoftheroutetofollowthesameSpiritasJesusChrist.
● TemptationswerepresentthroughoutJesus'life,notonlyinthedesert:
o ThetemptationofusingGod'spowerandgiftsforone'sownprofit.Richnessvs.Povertyo Thetemptationoftakingshortcutsinsteadofaccompanyingpeopleintheirlifesituations.Powervs.Serviceo Thetemptationofworshippingothergodsinexchangeforsolutions.Famevs.Humility
● Ibecomeawareofthecombat.Allthosetemptationsor“innerdemons”walkwithusastheywalkedwithJesus
tryingtochangethedirectionofourinnerjourney.Infact,thetextfinishessaying“thedevildepartedfromhimuntilanopportunetime”.Thedevildoesthesamewithus.Whatarethetemptations/deceitsIfaceinlife?Whicharemytemptations/deceitsasIreflectontheUAPs?
● IcontemplateJesusintheSynagogue,hispeaceandsenseofsecurityasheisledbytheHolySpirit.Thegoalof
thejourneythatJesusisproposingarethepoor,thecaptives,thebroken-heartedandallthosesuffering.Theyarehiscompanionsandthegoalofhislifejourney.
TripleColloquy:Colloquy1AcolloquywithOurLady,askinghertoobtainformegracefromherSonandLordthatheacceptsmeunderHisbanner,firstinthehighestspiritualpoverty,butalso,ifHisDivineMajestyrequiresthisandshouldbepleasedtochooseandreceivemeforit,inactualpoverty.Secondly,insufferinginsultsandreproaches,soastoimitateHimmoreclosely,providedonlythatIcansufferthesewithoutsinonthepartofanyotherpersonandwithoutdispleasuretoHisDivineMajestyIendwithaHailMary.Colloquy2ToaskthesameoftheSonthatHemayobtainitformefromtheFather,andthensayanAnimaChristi.Colloquy3ToaskthesameoftheFatherthatHegrantsthisHimself,andsayanOurFather.
UAPRetreatDay5Exercise10
ContemplatingHisLifeTheimage:Aseedisacarrierofafulllifecontainedinaverysmallrecipient.Itneedscareandtimetogrow.Ifjustforonemomentinyourlifeyouhavecontemplatedaseedgrowing,youwillneverforgetthevalueofsmallthings.ThesamehappenswhenwecontemplateJesus.StepsinIgnatianContemplation:1.ChooseaGospeltextforyourprayer.Prepareitbeforeenteringyoursacredspace.
2.Prepareforgospelcontemplationbybeingstillforatime.BeawareofGod'spresencewithinyouandallaroundyou.Withtheeyesofyourheart,'lookatGodlookingatyou'.BeawarethattheSpiritisguidingyouinyourprayer.
3.BeawareofyourselfinthepresenceofGod,yourmoods,yourdesires,yourhopes.OutofthatawarenesstrytofocusonaparticulargracetoaskoftheLordduringyourprayertime.
AskingforGrace:OLord,teachmeyourways(Ps.25).Jesuspleaseshowmewhereisthefulfillingandhappylifetowhichyouareinvitingmeto.Teachmetohaveinteriorknowledgeofyouinordertobetterloveandfollowyou.
4.Readandre-readthegospelpassagelettingitsdetailssettleintoyourmemory.
5.Usingthesensesofyourimagination,seeandhearthesceneinwhichtheeventtakesplace,thepeoplewhoarethere,theirexpression,theirposture,theirwords.Donotbeafraidtoletyourcreativitytakeoverwhenyoudothis.HowyouseeandhearwilloftenbehowtheGospelpassagewilltouchyou.
6.Useyourothersenses(smell,taste,touch)bothliterallyandspiritually.Whatisthetaste,thefeeloftheinteractionsinthestory,andhowdotheytouchyou?Identifywithoneorotherpersoninthestory.Youcancomebacktothestorytimeandtimeagainlivingitinthepositionofotherpersonswithinthetext,includingJesus.
7.Bespontaneous.Enterintoyourownconversationandinteractinyourownwaywiththepersonsinthestory.TheGospelpassagebecomesthebackdropforyourowninvolvementwithJesus.IfatacertainpointyoufeeldrawntobesilentandtosimplyenjoythepresenceofGod,staythere.Donotfeeltheneedtomoveon.TaketimetolistenandhearwhatGodhastosay
8.Gathertogetherthemainstrandsofyourcontemplationandspendafewminutesgivingattentiontothepartinthecontemplationthatmostdeeplymovedyou.Alsobeawareofthosepartsofthecontemplationthathavedisturbedyouorleftyoucold.Thereissomethinginthatforexplorationanothertime.
9.SpeaktotheLordinaspontaneouscolloquy.ConcludewiththeOurFatherorsomeotherfavouriteprayer.
Textsandguidelinesforprayer▪ UAP1-Luke5:1-11-Jesuscallstoworkbesidehim“Putoutintodeepwater,andletdownthenetsforacatch.”
“Don’tbeafraid;fromnowonyouwillfishforpeople.”
o Jesusleadsusoutoftheshoresweknow.Heinvitesustoenterdeeperwaters,tocastthenetwherewehadnotfishedbefore.ItisaninvitationtotrustinGod.
o SpiritualExercisesandDiscernmentarepossibleifwejourneytoourdeepestself.Wearecalledtoofferanalternativetootherseculartrends.
▪ UAP2-Marc6:30-44–Jesusfeedsthepeople.“Yougivethemsomethingtoeat.”“Howmanyloavesdoyou
have?”…Hegavethanksandbroketheloaves.Thenhegavethemtohisdisciplestodistributetothepeople.
o IrecallthegiftsIhavereceivedfromGod,myloavesofbread.IaskJesustofeedother(thepoor,theoutcast,thesufferers…)withthegiftsgiventome.
o WithJesusIcanbeaserverofreconciliationandjusticeintheworld.▪ UAP3-Luke7:11-17–Jesusraisesawidow’sson-WhentheLordsawher,hisheartwentouttoherandhe
said,“Don’tcry.”…“Youngman,Isaytoyou,getup!”
o HumanstoriestouchtheheartofJesus.Whatwasadeadchild,resurrectedasaman.Jesushelpedtomakepossiblethisjourneytocreateahope-filledfutureforhim.
o WithHimwewhattohelpyoungpeoplefeelthemselveslovedandhealed,savedandforgiven.▪ UAP4-Matthew8:23-27-Jesuscalmsthestorm-“Lord,saveus!We’regoingtodrown!”…Hereplied,“Youof
littlefaith,whyareyousoafraid?”Thenhegotupandrebukedthewindsandthewaves,anditwascompletelycalm.
o Weareallinthesameboat(theChurch,thecommonhouse…).SometimesGodseemstobesleep.
Whicharethestormsthatthreatourlifetogether?o Weneedanewrelationshipwiththeenvironment.Wecanlivewithanewhorizon,embracing
Jesus’visionoftheKingdomofGod,ofarenewedandtransformedworldandecosystemwhereweareallbrothersandsisters,responsibletoeachother.
ColloquyDonotforgettofinishyourprayerinagentledialoguewithGod:theFather,theSon,theHolySpiritandconcludewithyourfavouriteprayer:OurFather,AnimaChristi,Psalm23
UAPRetreatDay5Exercise11
TheImageofGodFromtheLastSuppertoGethsemane
Theimage:WeliketolightcandlestopraytoGod.TherearetimeswhendarknessbecomesmoreintenseandwefinditmoredifficulttoseeGodandourbrothersandsisters.ItispreciselyinthisdarknessthatGodrevealsHimselfastheclosestonetooursuffering.However,thisisnoteasytoperceive.SufferingisatheologicalplacewhereonecomestoknowGod.TellmewhatyouthinkabouthumansufferingandIwilltellyoutheimageofGodyouhave.
Texts
▪ Sp.Ex.196-IgnatiusinvitesustoenterinthemysteryofGod:“ConsiderhowDivinityhidesitself”▪ John13:1-17-JesusWashesHisDisciples’Feet
o Havinglovedhisownwhowereintheworld,helovedthemtotheend.o …Sohegotupfromthemeal,tookoffhisouterclothing,andwrappedatowelaroundhis
waist. Afterthat,hepouredwaterintoabasinandbegantowashhisdisciples’feet,dryingthemwiththetowelthatwaswrappedaroundhim.
o “UnlessIwashyou,youhavenopartwithme.”o “IhavesetyouanexamplethatyoushoulddoasIhavedoneforyou.”
▪ JesuspraysatGethsemaneo Mark14:32-40–HetookPeter,JamesandJohnalongwithhim,andhebegantobedeeply
distressedandtroubled. “Mysoulisoverwhelmedwithsorrowtothepointofdeath,”hesaidtothem.“Stayhereandkeepwatch.”
o Luke22:39-45-Hekneltdownandprayed,“Father,ifyouarewilling,takethiscupfromme;yetnotmywill,butyoursbedone.”
AskingforGrace:IasktheLordforthegraceofbeingwithHimandbeingabletoidentifymyselfwiththepainandsufferingthatHeunderwentformeinHisPassion.Guidelinesforprayer
● Contemplatehow“Helovedthemtotheend”.Duringthemeal,Jesusobserveshisdisciplesinsilence.Itisatimeofcontemplation,ofthanksgiving,ofpetition,andofoffering.Helooksatthemonebyone,herecallsthebuildingofthecommunity,afirstandimperfectsignoftheKingdomtocome.
● Jesus“takesadifferentplace”.Heplaceshimselfathiscompanions’feet,invertstherolesand“dis”placesus.Hebecomesoneofmany,lowersanddispossesseshimselfofthisstatusand,withhisgesture,dignifieshisdisciples,andmakesthemreal,andunitesthemwithHewhoserves.WhatplacesorpostsdoIoccupyorhaveinmylife?WithwhatattitudeordispositionhaveIoccupiedtheseplacesorposts?
● Jesusinvitesus:“youaretodoasIhavedoneforyou”.Hewashedthefeetofthetwelve,includingPeterandJudas.PeterinshockreactstoJesus’gesture-hecannotallowtheTeacher“tobeoutofhisplace”and,onceagain,Jesus’replyisastounding.Jesuswantstobeamongthemattheplacehehaschosen.HowdoIacceptthehelpofothers,theirnicegestures,thelessonstheycanteachme?
● IconsiderandimaginetheprayerofJesusinGethsemane.IimaginehowhewouldspeaktotheFatherknowingthatallhisfriendswereabouttoabandonHim..Wheredoeshegetthefaithandassurancefrom?IsthisthewaytobuildtheKingdomofGod?HowdowespreadtheGoodNewsofaGodwhoisFatherwhenitnowentailsconflictandtheriskofdeath?
● AmIabletoprayinmymomentsofanguish,darkness,tirednessandanger?WhatismyimageofGodinthesemoments?Isthereany“angel”tohelpme?IsGodstillthecentreofmyprayer?
ColloquyIsitnexttoJesus,accompanyhim,speaktohimaboutwhatitmeanstosharethismomentofmylife,toreceivehiswill,andtellhimaboutthefeelingsandhopesthatarestirredupinme.PraytogetherwithJesus…OurFather
UAPRetreatDay6Exercise12
TheConsequencesofHisPreferences.ThreeJudgements
Theimage:Thephysicalprincipleofactionandreactionisalsofulfilledintheactionsofourlife.Everyactionhasitsconsequencesandsomearedisproportionate.Similarly,Jesus’actionshadtheirconsequenceswhentheauthoritiessawhimasathreattosocialstability,thepoliticalorderandthereligiousimmobilism.Jesus'preferencesledhimtoactionsthatledhimtothecross.Texts
▪ ReligiousJudgement:o Luke22:70-71-Theyallasked,“AreyouthentheSon
ofGod?”Hereplied,“YousaythatIam.”Thentheysaid,“Whydoweneedanymoretestimony?Wehavehearditfromhisownlips.”
o Luke23:5-Theyinsisted,“HestirsupthepeoplealloverJudeabyhisteaching.HestartedinGalileeandhascomeallthewayhere.”
o Matthew26:57-68-…Thenthehighpriesttorehisclothesandsaid,“Hehasspokenblasphemy!...Whatdoyouthink?”“Heisworthyofdeath,”theyanswered.
▪ PoliticalJudgement:o Mark15:1-15-“WhatshallIdo,then,withtheoneyoucallthekingoftheJews?”Pilateasked
them.“Crucifyhim!”theyshouted.o John19:1-16–“Hereisyourking,”PilatesaidtotheJews.Buttheyshouted,“Takehimaway!Take
himaway!Crucifyhim!”“ShallIcrucifyyourking?”Pilateasked.“WehavenokingbutCaesar,”thechiefpriestsanswered.FinallyPilatehandedhimovertothemtobecrucified.
▪ SocialJudgement:
o Luke23:8-12-WhenHerodsawJesus,hewasgreatlypleased,becauseforalongtimehehadbeenwantingtoseehim.Fromwhathehadheardabouthim,hehopedtoseehimperformasignofsomesort.… ThenHerodandhissoldiersridiculedandmockedhim.
o Matthew2669-75-“ThisfellowwaswithJesusofNazareth.”Hedenieditagain,withanoath:“Idon’tknowtheman!”
AskingforGrace:IasktheLordtogivemetheinteriorknowledgeofthelinkbetweenJesus’preferencesandthepassionheenduredforallofus.Guidelinesforprayer
● BeforeenteringprayerIchoosethetextsthatIamgoingtopraywith.ItrytocontemplateJesusinhistrialsbeforereligious,politicalandsocialtribunals.
o ReligiousJudgement:JesushasblasphemedagainstGod.HehasridiculedtheJewishauthorities.Hehasshownnorespectforthelawandtraditions.AllthiscannotcomefromGod.Hence,hemustdie.
o PoliticalJudgement:JesushasdisturbedtheRomanpeaceandthatofhisgovernor.Pilatedoesnot
wanttolosepoliticalfriendsormoneybytakingJesus'side.HethenseeksanaccusationofrebellionagainstCaesar.IfJesusdeclareshimselfking;Hemustdie.
o SocialJudgement:Jesusremainscompletelyalone.Separatedfromfriendswhodenyhimandsurroundedbyenemieswhomockhim.Herodseeshimasacelebritywhodeceiveshim.Jesusisafraud;Hemustdie.
● ImagineyouwereinatrialandwereJesus'defendinglawyer,trytobringtothestandthewitnessesonJesus'
behalf.Askthosewhowitnessedhisgooddeedstotestify.Thepeoplehehelped,theparableshetaught,hiscoherentlife.Unfortunately,allhisgooddeedsdonotcountintheeyesofthejudgesandauthorities.Similarly,IconsiderthatthroughouthistorythefollowersofJesushaveoftensufferedthesameconsequencesastheMaster.TheUniversalApostolicPreferencesoftheSocietyofJesusareafruitofdiscernment;theyhavebeengiventous.“ThepreferencesareanopportunityforustofeelthatwearetheleastSocietyincollaborationwithothers”:(letterUAPspg.8).Thisworldisnotgoingtoallowit.
o InaworldthatdoesnotwanttohearaboutGod,wewanttomaketheGoodNewsknown.o Inaworldthatprotectsitselffromthepoor,themigrants,theexcluded,wewanttoopenthedoors
tohospitality.o InaworldwhereyoungpeopleliveunderinfinityofmodelsthathijackChristianvalues,wewantto
accompanythemtoafuturewithfaithandhope.o Inaworldwheretheeconomicbenefitcountsmorethantheenvironmentalsustainabilityofthe
planet,wewanttoliveandtakecareofacommonhouseforallhumanity.ColloquyAnimaChristi.SoulofChrist,sanctifyme.BodyofChrist,saveme.BloodofChrist,inebriateme.WaterfromthesideofChrist,washme.PassionofChrist,strengthenme.OGoodJesus,hearme.Withinyourwoundshideme.Permitmenottobeseparatedfromyou.Fromthewickedfoe,defendme.Atthehourofmydeath,callmeandbidmecometoyouThatwithyoursaintsImaypraiseyouForeverandever.Amen.
UAPRetreatDay6Exercise13
TheSevenLastSayingsofJesusontheCross.
Theimage:TheimageofChristinSaintFrancisXavierCastle(13thCentury).ManyJesuitsthroughouthistoryhaveprayedinfrontofthisimage,especiallythemissionarieswhowenttofarawaylandslikeSt.FrancisXavier.LookingathisfacehelpsustofeelbesideChristinhisPassion.Throughouthislife,Jesusopenedhisarmstoembraceallofus.Onthecross,withhisarmswideopen,hereachedthemostvulnerablepositionamancanbein.
AskingforGraceIaskforthegraceofbecomingonewithChrist’sfeelingsonthecross,soastofeelclosertothepainandgriefhesufferedbecauseofus.Textsandguidelinesforprayer:
IgothroughthepassionofChrist,lettingespeciallyChrist’slastsevensayingsonthecrossresoundwithinme.Identifyinghiswordsinmylifeandcontextsasacallforconversionandactioninfavourofthosewhoneedreconciliationandjustice.
● Luke23:34:Father,forgivethem,fortheyknownotwhattheydo.
o Forgiveness:Fortheperpetrators,forthosewhokilltheinnocent,forthosewhokeepquiet,forthosewhodeny,forthosewhohide...
o Jesusforgivesnotbecausewedeserveit,butbecausehebringsmercyandnotrevengeoranger.o Hedoesnotdenyorjustifywhatisunjust;heopensotherwaysevenfromthecross.("without
forgivenessthereisnofuture"DesmondTutu)o Whoarethosethat"don'tknowwhatthey'redoing"intoday’sworld?Whoarethevictimswhoopen
newpaths?● Mark15:34MyGod,MyGod,whyhaveyouforsakenme?
o Psalm22.WeneedGodtotouchwithhisblessingourexperiencesofemptinessandabandonment.o "There’snosolitudeinwhichyoudon'tgrowstrong"(JoséLuisBlancoVega,SJ)o DoyourecallexperiencesofabandonmentandabsenceofGod?Ontheotherhand,calltomind
momentsoffaithandtrust?● Luke23:43:Truly,Isaytoyou,todayyouwillbewithmeinparadise.
o ThegoodthiefseessomethinginJesusthatbringsachangeofheart.IfIwereinhissameposition,wouldIbeabletoshowthesamefaithinJesus?
o Jesuswelcomeshisrequestandopenshisdoorswideopen.God'shearthasaplaceforeveryone.Hewantstoprepareaplaceforus.
o Heisalwaystheshepherdofthelostsheep.● John19:26–27:Woman,beholdyourson.Son,beholdyourmother
o TogetherwithMaryIrememberthesorrowfulmothersofalltimeso OurLadyisthefirstwomanofthenewhumanity.Shehasopenedtousthehomeofthefollowersof
Jesus.o Whoarethemenandwomenwhomaketoday’snewhumanity?
● John19:28:Ithirst.o Jesusknowsthelimitsofhumanthirsto It'sabasicneedthatmakeshimshoutfromthecross.o TheChristianresponse:"Iwillbetheonetoquenchyourthirst"SaintTheresaofCalcutta
● Luke23:46:Father,intothyhandsIcommitmyspirit.
o TheyarewordsofprofoundtrustinGodasasafeplaceinlifeanddeath.o TrustintheFatherisnotsomethingimposed.Itdoesnotgiveprefabricatedanswerstohumanpainbut
allowsustolivetheprocessesofmourning.o WhatarethesituationsofpainthatIleaveinGod'shands?
● John19:30:Itisaccomplished
o Everythingisblessed,everythingisassumed,everythingissaved...inChrist.o Wheneverythinghumanisassumed,theincarnationisfulfilledo Thegrainofwheathasdiedandfallentotheground...fidelitywillbearfruit.
ColloquyAnimaChristi.SoulofChrist,sanctifyme.BodyofChrist,saveme.BloodofChrist,inebriateme.WaterfromthesideofChrist,washme.PassionofChrist,strengthenme.OGoodJesus,hearme.Withinyourwoundshideme.Permitmenottobeseparatedfromyou.Fromthewickedfoe,defendme.Atthehourofmydeath,callmeandbidmecometoyouThatwithyoursaintsImaypraiseyouForeverandever.Amen.
UAPRetreatDay7Exercise14
WordsofResurrection
Theimage:Ibeginthisretreatbyimaginingmylifeoffaithasaflowingriver.ThinkingofthepresenceoftheRisenLordIcannotforgettheimageofthewateroflifethatispresentineverything.AskingforGrace«ToaskforwhatIwant,andhereitwillbetoaskforgracetofeelgladnessandtorejoiceintenselyoverthegreatgloryandjoyofChristOurLord»[SpEx221].Onceagain,thecenterofourprayeristoshareJesus’experience,anexperienceoffullnessandfulfilment.Jesusshouldbethecenterofourlives,notus.Thisde-centeringofourlivesissomethingwemustbearinmindatalltimes. TextsandguidelinesforprayerTheresurrectionofJesusisthePassoverfromdeathtolife.TheresurrectionisanewrelationshipwithGodthatgeneratesamoreauthenticanddeeperlifeforthosewhowanttofollowHim.
o LettherisenLordreachyourlifeashedidwithhisdisciples,withMaryMagdalene,withhisMother...o LetyourselfbefoundthroughJesusinthetomb,inthegarden,inthecenacle,inallthewaysandpathsof
yourlife.o IntheResurrectionofJesustherearewordsoflife.Gothroughthesayingsoftheresurrectionpassagesand
asktheLordtoaccompanyyouinyourjourneyfromdeathtolifewhereveryouneeditmost.Peacebewithyou(fromanxietyanddistresstohopeandpeace)
● Luke24:36-36Whiletheywerestilltalkingaboutthis,Jesushimselfstoodamongthemandsaidtothem,“Peacebewithyou.”
● John20:19-29-AgainJesussaid,“Peacebewithyou!Don’tbeafraid.Fromfeartoapostoliccourage
● Matthew28:10ThenJesussaidtothem,“Donotbeafraid.GoandtellmybrotherstogotoGalilee;theretheywillseeme.”
● Matthew28:20-andsurelyIamwithyoualways,totheveryendoftheage.”Community:Fromindividualismtounity
● John20:17-Goinsteadtomybrothersandtellthem,IamascendingtomyFatherandyourFather,tomyGodandyourGod.
● Luke24:13-33-TheygotupandreturnedatoncetoJerusalem.TheretheyfoundtheElevenandthosewiththem,assembledtogether34andsaying,“Itistrue!TheLordhasrisen.
Mission:Fromdispersiontolivewithamission
● Matthew28:19-20-Thereforegoandmakedisciplesofallnations,baptizingtheminthenameoftheFatherandoftheSonandoftheHolySpirit,andteachingthemtoobeyeverythingIhavecommandedyou.
● Mark16:15Hesaidtothem,“Gointoalltheworldandpreachthegospeltoallcreation.● John21:1-25-Hesaid,“Throwyournetontherightsideoftheboatandyouwillfindsome.”…● John20:19-29-AstheFatherhassentme,Iamsendingyou.”
Discernment:frombeingdistractedtobecentredintheHolySpirit● Luke24:13-33-AndbeginningwithMosesandalltheProphets,heexplainedtothemwhatwassaidinallthe
Scripturesconcerninghimself.● John20:19-29-Andwiththathebreathedonthemandsaid,“ReceivetheHolySpirit.Ifyouforgiveanyone’s
sins,theirsinsareforgiven;ifyoudonotforgivethem,theyarenotforgiven.”…Witnesses:fromsharingsecond-handstoriestobefirst-linetestimonies
● Luke24:45-48-ThenheopenedtheirmindssotheycouldunderstandtheScriptures.Hetoldthem,“Thisiswhatiswritten:…Youarewitnessesofthesethings.
PersonalrelationshipwithGod:Fromdistancetoreconciliationandblessing
● John20:11-18Heaskedher,“Woman,whyareyoucrying?Whoisityouarelookingfor?”…Jesussaidtoher,“Mary.”
● John20:19-29-ThenJesustoldhim,“Becauseyouhaveseenme,youhavebelieved;blessedarethosewhohavenotseenandyethavebelieved.”
● John21:1-25-AgainJesussaid,“SimonsonofJohn,doyouloveme?”Colloquy:ItalktotheRisenLordsharingmyprayer.Whichofhiswordsresonatesmoststronglyinmetoday?andIfinishpraying“TakeLord,receive…”Take,Lord,andreceiveallmyliberty,mymemory,myunderstanding,andmyentirewill,AllIhaveandcallmyown.
Youhavegivenalltome.Toyou,Lord,Ireturnit.
Everythingisyours;dowithitwhatyouwill.Givemeonlyyourloveandyourgrace,thatisenoughforme.
UAPRetreatDay7Exercise15
AllintheSameBoatwithHim
TheimageTheseashorewithJesus.IimaginemycommunityandmyselfduringamomentofrestwiththeLord,sharingthefruitofourwork.Texts:
● John21:1-17○ “I’mgoingouttofish,”SimonPetertoldthem,andtheysaid,“We’llgowithyou.”○ Hecalledouttothem,“Friends,haven’tyouanyfish?”○ Jesuscame,tookthebreadandgaveittothem,anddidthesamewiththefish.○ Jesusaskedhimthethirdtime,“Doyouloveme?”Hesaid,“Lord,youknowallthings;youknowthatIlove
you.”Jesussaid,“Feedmysheep”.
● Fr.General:PartIII:Thenecessarypersonal,communal,andinstitutionalconversion
Receivingthepreferencesmeansthatweinitiatetheirimplementationimmediatelybychanginganystylesoflifeorworkthathindertherenewalofthepersons,communities,andworkscommittedtomission.Weareinspiredbytheresponseofthefirstapostles,whopromptlyabandonedtheirnetsandtheirlivesasfishermeninordertosetoutonthepathofdiscipleshipfollowingJesus.(Pg.8)
Makingourcommunitiesspacesforcommunaldiscernmentwherealifeofprayerisencouraged,theEucharistissharedandspiritualconversationispracticedenablesustosharethegiftofdiscernmentasawayoflettingourselvesbeguidedbytheSpiritinapostolicworksandinallministries.Livingsimply,closetothepoor,awakensthecreativityweneedtodomorewithless,anditgivesgreatercredibilitytoourapostolicworkofferedfreelytoothers.(Pg.9)
Itcorrespondstous,asabodyobedienttotheHolySpirit,toplanwithdiligencetheimplementationofthepreferencesineverydimensionofourlife-mission.Thepreferencesseektounleashaprocessofapostolicrevitalizationandcreativitythatmakesusbetterservantsofreconciliationandjustice.(Pg.9)
Letusundertakethisprocess,designingitandassessingitinaccordwithpersons,times,andplacesinthelightoftheChurch’sorientationsandtheSpirit’sguidance.(Pg.10)
● SaintIgnatius:"Loveoughttomanifestitselfmorebydeedsthanbywords."ContemplationtoAttainLove-SpiritualExercises230-237
AskingforGraceIaskGodfortheinteriorknowledgeofsuchgreatgoodreceived,sothat,beingmovedtoprofoundgratitude,me,mycommunityandprovincemaybeabletoloveandserveHisDivineMajestyinallthings.
Guidelinesforprayer
● ReadtheGospeltextandimaginethescene.ContemplatethewayJesus,throughHisresurrection,gathersthecommunityofdisciplesaroundthework,theEucharistandthepersonalrelationshipwitheachoneofus.
● LikeSt.PetertherearetimeswhenwejumpintothewatertolookforJesus,butthentherearetimeswhenwegetdistractedcounting153fishwhenJesusisbesideus.ThenewapproachtotheUAPsfocusesnoton“action”,buton“conversion”thatleadstoaction.AretheredistractionsinourpersonalandcommunitylifewhichwecanworkontoembracetheconversionthattheUAPsaskofus?
● ReadthethirdpartofFr.General'sletterandimaginepossiblestepswhichcouldhelpourcommunityto
shareinthespiritualpaththathasopeneditselftouswiththeUAPs.
● OnlyrecognitionandgratitudeforsomuchgoodreceivedcanhelpustofollowJesusclosely.Morethanthreetimeswewillaskourselvesif,inspiteofeverything,weloveHim;andHewillcontinuegivingusamissionsaying"feedmysheep".
Colloquy:ConversationwithGodPresenttotheRisenLordyourlightsandshadows,yourcertaintiesanddistractions,bothinpersonalandcommunitylife,andaskforthegracetolivetheconversionthatenablesustoparticipateinChrist'smission.AsktheintercessionofOurLadytohelpusremainclosetoHerSoninthedevelopmentoftheUAPs.
UAPRetreatDay8Exercise16
AttainingLoveTheimageIsaiah49:17Thosewhobuildyougofasterthanthosewhodemolishyou.Sp.Ex.230-231.First,loveoughttomanifestitselfmorebydeedsthanbywords.Second,loveconsistsinamutualcommunicationbetweentwopersons.Thatis,theonewholovesgivesandcommunicatestothebelovedwhatheorshehas,orapartofwhatonehasorcanhave;andthebelovedinreturndoesthesametothelover.Thus,iftheonehasknowledge,onegivesittotheotherwhodoesnot,andsimilarlyinregardtohonorsorrichesAskingforGraceToaskfortheinteriorknowledgeofallthegoodnessIhavereceived,inorderthat,stirredtoprofoundgratitude,Imaybeabletoloveandserveinallthings.Textsandguidelinesforprayer:
● Sp.Ex230-237–FollowtheIgnatiancontemplationsteps.○ God’smemory(SE234).Todiscoverourhistoryoutoflove:LovedbytheOnewhohasgivenmelife
(creation).Lovedbyhiminthisorthatoccasion(andalways)ashehasalwaysbeen“mySaviour”(redemption).
○ God’sdwelling(SE235).Hedoesnotonlygrantusthegift,butHispresence.Loveisneverfaraway.Itisfollowingthenotion,“I’llbewithyou”,asJesussaidmanytimes.
○ God’slaborsandwork(SE236).Hedoesnotonlygrantusgiftsanddwellsinallofus,butHeisdoingsoforme.Rememberwithloveallthosepeoplewhohavegivenyouagiftthattheyhavemadethinkingaboutyou.
○ Allisagift(SE237).“Allthegoodthingsandgiftsdescendfromabove”.ThereisnoothersourceofgoodnessbutGodandwhatHegivesmeisapartofHimself,“justastherayscomedownfromthesun,ortherainsfromtheirsource...”;forthisreason,thereistheemotionofthosewhoseeyesareenlightenedfromtheheart.GodisdescendingsothatthesmallestmaybeatHisheight.
○ TakeLordReceive…
● Psalm13-God’sWorkinCreationandinHistory○ GivethankstotheLord,forheisgood,forhissteadfastloveenduresforever.
▪ Irewritethepsalmofmylife.Idomyownreadingasabelieverofmylastdays,months,years...▪ Igivethanksforthesuccessesandforthestrength,butImightalsowanttoconsiderbeing
gratefulformyweaknessesandapparentfailures
● Deuteronomy8:7-18–BlesstheLordforthegoodlandgiventoyou.o FortheLordyourGodisbringingyouintoagoodland…o TakecarethatyoudonotforgettheLordyourGod…
▪ IfacethetemptationofforgettingwhenIdwellinthePromisedLand.▪ AlwaysremembertheOnewhogaveyoustrengthtoreachyourwealth.
Contemplativeway:Thetenleppers-Luke17:11-19
○ Thenoneofthem,whenhesawthathewashealed,turnedback,praisingGodwithaloudvoice.HeprostratedhimselfatJesus’feetandthankedhim.AndhewasaSamaritan.ThenJesusasked,“Werenottenmadeclean?Buttheothernine,wherearethey?WasnoneofthemfoundtoreturnandgivepraisetoGodexceptthisforeigner?”Thenhesaidtohim,“Getupandgoonyourway;yourfaithhasmadeyouwell.”▪ Wherearetheothernine?WhereareyouwhenyoufeeltheactionofGod?AmIoneofthose
nineattimes?Letmeaskforconversion.▪ FeeltheasymmetrybeforeGodatthemomentofthankingandworshippinghim.▪ LearnfromtheSamaritans,foreigners,andtheonesinshadows.▪ Yourgratefulfaithleadsyoutoanewwayoflivinginthankfulness
ColloquyLetyourheartpouroutachantasareplytoallthegoodreceived:TAKE,LORD,ANDRECEIVE...
UAPRetreatDay8
Exercise17
AnExerciseofReform
1. Iaskforahumble,pureandfreeattitude.Theimagenowistheimageofmyselfattheenoftheretreat:Myownimage.
Ringthebellsthatstillcanring Forgetyourperfectoffering Thereisacrackineverything That’showthelightgetsin.(LeonardCohen)
2. Ireadthereviewingprayers.IseetheoriginanddirectionofthosemomentsinwhichIhaveexperiencedconsolation,inner peace, calmness, spiritual harmony, light… I alsofocus on those moments in which I have experienceddesolation,anxiety,obscurity,lackofhope…
3. IwritedowninafewwordsatitleforallmyexperienceoftheExercisesupuntilnow,somethingexpressingthecoreofthesedays.IcouldrecallatextfromtheGospelinwhichthat nuclear aspect is well depicted, or simply a passagethathasbeenmoremeaningfultomeduringthesedays.
4. I remember as a given gift the action verbs of the fourUniversalApostolicPreferences:
• ShowingthewaytoGodthroughtheSpiritualExercisesanddiscernment
• Walkingwiththeexcluded.Walkwiththepoor,theoutcastsoftheworld,thosewhosedignityhasbeenviolated,inamissionofreconciliationandjustice.
• Journeyingwithyouth.Accompanyingyoungpeopleinthecreationofahope-filledfuture.
• Caring for our common home. Collaboratewith Gospel depth, for the protection and renewal ofGod’sCreation.
5. WhichattitudesshouldIdeepenintotomakethetitlebecomemorerealinmylifeaccordingtotheUAPs?Iput3,andthentake justone.Forexample:simplicity,cleanness,honesty,unionwithGod, trust,patience,mission, letmyselfbe loved,attention,community,masteringmytime,beingclosertothesufferingoftheworld,help,respect…
6. WhichmeanscouldIput?Ilookforthepossible,nottheimpossible;theordinary,nottheextraordinary,thesimple,notthecomplex…Forexample,prayer,bemorewithpeople,community,personalaccompaniment,dutiesathome,dailyexam,sacraments…Butanymeanshastobespecifictobeevaluated:vaguenessleadstoreformnothing.
7. Colloquy. Ioffer ittotheLordandseekconfirmation.TheThirdandFourthWeeksaremomentsespeciallyadequatetoconfirmoradaptthereform.
TheReformisnothingmore–orless–thanthewayGodencouragesustocarrytheExercisestooureverydaylife
PrayfromgratitudeandforgratitudeKeepthisrecipeforyourlife:
- Toknowwhatisgoodistoacknowledgewhohasshownittoyouandgivenittoyou.- Gratitudeisaspontaneousandlearnableattitude.- Gratitudecanbechoseninthefaceofattitudesofcomplaintorresentment.Butbewareofhurtingyourself:
youcanalsorecognizewhatisunjustandcomplainaboutit.AskGodtohealyourexperienceoftime:
- Facedwiththeunhealthynostalgiaofthepast…showgratitude- Inthefaceofunnecessaryanguishforthefuture...showgratitude
AskGodtomatureinyourspirituallifeandinacceptingsuccessandfailurealike
- Inconsolation,whenprideandself-sufficiencyappear,whenthereisariskofscepticismandnotneedingGod...insistongratitude
- Indesolation,whenweseeandfeelnothing,wecancomplain,whilelookingforsourcesoftrustandgratitudeallalong.
- Insuccess:"ThankyouLordforwithyoueverythingwouldhavebeenmuchbetter"- Infailure:"ThankyouLordforwithoutyouallthiswouldhavebeenmuchworse"
Gratitudeasthemosthumanlyhealthyrootofourcommitment
o Thinkingisthanking.(DenkenistDanken)–MartinHeideggero ToloveanotherpersonistoseethefaceofGod.VictorHugo,LesMiserables
PsalmsofGratitudeYourrighthandsustainsme;Youstoopdowntomakemegreat.Youmaderoomformysteps.(Psalm18)BlessedbetheLord,forhehasheardmyvoiceasIpleadformercy.TheLordismystrengthandmyshield;inhimmyhearttrusts.Iamsustained,andmyheartleapsforjoy,andwithmysongIpraisehim.(Psalm28)BlessedbetheLord,whoseunfailingloveformewaswonderful…InsuddenalarmIsaid,‘Iamshutoutfromyoursight’;ButyouheardmypleawhenIcalledtoyouforhelp.(Psalm31)Ishallpraiseyou…forourunfailingloveisashighastheheavens;yourfaithfulnessreachestheskies.(Psalm57)ThusallmylifeIblessyou…Icallyoutomindmybedandmeditateonyouinthenightwatches,
foryouhavebeenmyhelpandIamsafeintheshadowofyourwings.Ifollowyoucloselyandyourighthandupholdsme.(Psalm63)Ishallpraiseyou,LordmyGod,withallmyheart.Andgivehonourtoyournameforever.Foryourlovetowardsmeisgreat,andyouhaverescuedmefromthedepthsofSheol.(Psalm86)ItisgoodtogivethankstotheLord…Todeclareyourloveinthemorningandyourfaithfulnesseverynight…Youracts,Lord,fillmewithexultation;Ishoutintriumphatyourmightydeeds.Howgreatareyourdeeds,Lord,Howverydeepareyourthoughts!(Psalm92)BlesstheLord,mysoul,andforgetnoneofhisbenefits.Hepardonsallmywrongdoingsandhealsallmyills.Herescuesmefromdeath’spitandcrownsmewithloveandcompassion.Hesatisfiesmewithallgoodintheprimeoflife.(Psalm103)
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