eight days ignatian retreat...here is a proposal for an eight-day retreat of spiritual exercises...

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)