Ignatian tips 16

Notes: We continue our journey with Jesus, so we may see Him more clearly, love Him more deeply, and follow Him more closely. We now enter into the “third week” of our interior pilgrimage. Remember the “introductory prayer” before beginning prayer as well as during the day. Remember that the final conversation with God at the end of prayer becomes very important. We beg to grow in our interior knowledge of Jesus who strengthens our commitment to life. We discuss all of this with our “friend” Jesus in the dialogue at the end of prayer, as well as throughout the day.

Grace: I beg the Father to draw me closer to Jesus so I may hear and understand His challenge, thrill to the adventure he invites, and ardently desire to serve Him and His people, all the while sharing His lot and His suffering.

Reflections: The gospels tell us that, as Jesus walked along the Sea of Galilee, He called two disciples who were casting their nets into the sea. “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of all people.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. So mysteriously compelling is this

Jesus, we are told, that two fishermen simply drop their nets, leave the past behind, and follow Jesus toward a new life, a new pilgrimage. We pray to know this Jesus better, and to have deeper insight into the attractiveness of His call. We also beg for a growing desire to be with Jesus, so that an important criterion in my life choices will become less “what would please me,” but rather “what will help me to walk with and to become like Jesus.” Much will be asked of the King’s followers.  There will be the challenge to discover “the one thing necessary” and the “one thing more.” Pondering these challenges, I pay attention to the interior movements that are taking place within me during this pilgrimage. Do I know where I am headed? Does this matter to me?

Scripture:

Luke 9:57-62. I pray not to be a half-hearted follower of Jesus.

Luke 10: 1-9. After this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them on ahead of Him.

Luke 10:38-41. Jesus says to me: “One thing alone is required.” My challenge is to include both “Martha and Mary” in my life, as I become the contemplative-in-action whose work for the Lord is animated by constant intimacy with Him.

Mark 10:17-27. As Jesus looks with love on a good man whose life has been a model of goodness and fidelity, Jesus challenges him – as He also challenges me — with these words: “There is one thing more you must do.” I know what He said to the man in the gospel.  I listen now as Jesus tells me in my own heart what one thing more is asked of me.

Final Colloquy: Make a summary of your thoughts in this time of prayer, speaking to Jesus as one friend does with another. Open your heart to Him about what you have discovered within during this pilgrimage. As you are able, invite Jesus to accept you under His banner. End with the “Our Father”.