A MEDITATION ON LENT
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An introduction to the Observation of the Season with 40 Days of Meditations by Dr. Jimmy Jeffcoat inspired by the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
A MEDITATION ON LENT With Some Thoughts and Considerations By Dr. Jimmy Jeffcoat Introduction: As we begin our journey through the 40 days of Lent, we hope that you will use this document as both a source of information and a means of entering into the heart of this most sacred portion of the Christian Year. As is true of all things, you will only get out of this material what you are willing to put into it. If you choose to use these next 40 days to grow in your spiritual relationship with Christ, then this could your best Easter ever. We hope that this will be the case for each of you as you work through this material. Note: I have used the structure of the 4-week-long Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola to frame each week during Lent. St. Ignatius (1491-1556) was a contemporary of Martin Luther and John Calvin, and was the founder of the Order of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) in the Roman Catholic Church.1 Should you be interested in looking at the full retreat program you can go directly to the source for a translation of the Exercises. We have linked a good translation with study aids at frazer.church/ignatius.
WHAT IS LENT? The original meaning of the word, Lent, is from the “lengthening” of the daylight hours, in reference to the return of Spring. The forty days fast that occurs before Easter is also called Lent, and is an ancient tradition of the Church dating back to its earliest practices. It is unclear the first time that it was used, but the fast came to be taken seriously by the Early Church. After the Council of Nicaea (325) finished its primary theological business, for example, it put together a number of different Canons (Laws or Rules) to help govern the Church. In the fifth Canon, it sets forward the decision that synods (regional councils of church leaders) should be held twice a year. One of these should occur “before Lent, (that the pure Gift may be offered to God after all bitterness has been put away).” The period of Lent is to be a time of 1
Pope Francis, the current Pope, is the first Jesuit to ever become Pope.
spiritual purity and penitence before the Lord, and not a time of confrontation and argumentation.
LENT AND BAPTISM The practice of Lent has also been linked with baptisms that were performed on the day of Easter. The catechin would go into a period of fasting as a preparation for the rite of baptism that held powerful symbolism of death and resurrection for the early believers. As they entered into the waters, or had them poured over them, they symbolized to themselves and the observers that they were entering into death to this world and life eternal in relationship with God. This moment was the line of demarcation with their earthly desires, aspirations, and relationships ending and henceforward their whole life lived in honor to God and with reference to heaven.
THE LENGTH OF LENT Lent was practiced in different ways, sometimes varying according to geographic areas. It is possible, for example, that in the first few centuries of the Church the time of fasting lasted 2 or 3 days rather than the traditional 40 days practiced today. Irenaeus (the Bishop of modern-day France) was quoted by our earliest church historian, Eusebius giving advice about the practice of Easter, and saying: “For the controversy is not only concerning the day, but also concerning the very manner of the fast. For some think that they should fast one day, others two, yet others more; some, moreover, count their day as consisting of forty hours day and night.”1 However, the custom of fasting forty days, running from Ash Wednesday until Holy Saturday, became widespread over time. Many scholars believe the use of the number forty was linked to fasts practiced by Biblical figures such as Moses, and Elijah, and, in particular, Jesus. The forty days of fasting that Jesus completed just prior to his temptation by Satan came both at the weak point of his physical body, and at the beginning of his earthly ministry. Thus, Christ’s ability to find the highest spiritual ground in his response to physical temptation seems an appropriate analogy to the Lenten fast in which we prepare ourselves for the high point of Easter – as we simultaneously 1
Eusebius, Church History; Book 5. Chpt. 24.12
teach ourselves that the physical life is least important, and that Christ has done everything needful for our spiritual lives through his death and resurrection.
THE BEGINNING AND END OF LENT There were also variations as to when the fast should begin. In the Eastern Church the fast took place over a seven-week time frame with Saturdays and Sundays exempt from fasting. This meant that the fast actually covered only 36 days. The Western Church, on the other hand, fasted over a period of 6 weeks with only Sundays exempt, which figured out to be 36 days as well. Sometime in the 7th Century, the actual 40 days of fasting became standardized as running from Ash Wednesday all the way to Holy Saturday (the day before Easter). This practice originated in Rome and quickly spread throughout the Western church. The total number of days, in this case, is 46, but the 6 Sundays are exempt from the fast.
THE LENTEN FAST Finally, the question of what was allowed to be eaten, and how the fast was to be maintained came into play. In some cases one meal was allowed per day, but it came at the end of the day. In later centuries, the meal was pushed back to three in the afternoon or to noon. In the modern era, the fast has become more associated with a period of penitence (sorrow for sin) and abstention from any number of things chosen by the participant. Although almsgiving has been encouraged, it is not perceived to be a critical element of the 40-day period of “fasting.”
PRIMARY DAYS OF LENT Ash Wednesday begins the 40-day fast period of Lent. In a symbolic contrast, the palm branches used to celebrate Palm Sunday are burnt and stored for use on this day. Each year during the services starting Lent, the ashes are used to make the sign of the cross on the forehead of the followers of Christ. Thus, the glory of Christ in the previous year is exchanged for our penitence in the next. Palm Sunday occurs one week prior to Easter Sunday, and remembers Jesus entry into Jerusalem as a King prior to his arrest. In this case, the
King does not arrive with great glory physically; he sits astride a donkey (or colt of a donkey) in humility and meekness. Both Matthew and John attach this moment to the prophesy found in Zechariah 9:9: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Mt. 21:4-5; Jn. 12:14-15) Here we find the great contrast that Jesus fought so hard to project: Though he is the King of Kings, he enters his city symbolically as a servant. Though it is important to celebrate his coming, it is not about pomp and circumstance, it is about sacrifice. The Church often focuses on the spectacle of children laying the palm branches on the ground or waving them in the air as they run through the church. The music and liturgy are all about the so-called “Triumphal Entry” into Jerusalem. As Jesus says, if they don’t do this, “the very rocks will cry out” in joy. And yet, Jesus does not desire to make a big deal about this moment in his ministry. The Gospel writers note that it has happened, and then move on to the more important events of the following week—Holy Week, the final week of Jesus’ life on this plane of human existence.
THE TRIDUUM OF HOLY WEEK The word, triduum, comes from the two Latin words for “three” and “days,” and refers to religious observances over a three-day period. In the case of Lent, this three-day period of religious services is called the Paschal or Easter Triduum, and refers to the three high holy days of Good Friday; Holy Saturday; and Easter. The Easter Triduum actually begins the evening of Maundy Thursday, when Jesus shares the Passover Feast (the Last Supper) with his Apostles, and ends with the morning celebration of Easter, when Jesus comes forth in triumph from the grave. Maundy Thursday has always been seen by the Church as the time in which Jesus shared a final evening with his Apostles and instituted the Sacrament of Eucharist (Holy Communion) during the Last Supper. The word, maundy, can be defined “order, decree, mandate, instruction.” This refers to all the commands that Jesus gave to his Disciples in the last hours he shared with them prior to his arrest (especially the “New Command” to “love one another,” see John chapters 14-17).
The Church singled out this moment as the time when the Apostles were commissioned and set apart to serve as the priests for the church. Like any great leader about to go forth into battle, Jesus issues final instructions about how his followers should act and think after he is removed from their presence, and offers a final prayer for them as they go forth to share his message to the world. Jesus also emphasizes during this time the importance of Servant Leadership as he gets down on his knees and washes the feet of all of his Apostles, showing a model of the attitude that he expects the members of his future Church to have towards one another. Perhaps the most important thing that occurs on Maundy Thursday is the Institution of the Sacrament of Communion. Jesus has hinted about such things in earlier discourses after the miraculous feeding of the 5,000 men (plus women and children). In this message he cryptically tells his audience that “unless you eat my flesh and blood” you cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. (John 6). Many walk away at the time unsure of what such strange language must mean (even though a careful reading indicates that he means having faith in him). At the Last Supper, this message is given symbolic power as he tells his Disciples that the bread represents his flesh, and the wine his blood. His encouragement to “do this often in remembrance of me” becomes the starting point of one of Christianity’s holiest traditions. Generally, at the end of services held on this day the altar is stripped of its accoutrements in representation of the arrest of Jesus and in anticipation of what is about to happen on Friday. Good Friday – Considering what actually occurred on that Friday in Jerusalem, this day should be called anything but “good.” Jesus rotates between sessions of questioning and torture. Many of the people who had shouted out his name in praise a few days prior now either side with the persecuting forces or hide and hope that no one saw them with him. However, through faith the Church understands why this Friday is actually a Good Day for celebration. At this singular point in history, the forces of Heaven coalesced in a moment that had been foreshadowed since the beginning of human time. On this day God, who had become human, did what was necessary to secure the liberation of all human beings from the power of sin and the fallen human nature. On
this long, excruciating day, God changed the course of human history. In one agonizing afternoon, God, in the person of Jesus, cleared the way for the restoration of full relationship with himself. An absolutely innocent person who was both God and Human, was made the perfect sacrifice for a completely sinful humanity, and in doing so, secured the opportunity for forgiveness for all who believe (have faith) in this Son of Man/Son of God. It was an awful, yet glorious day, and thus the Church expresses in its services both mourning for the cost of salvation and celebration for completion of salvation. The services held on this day are focused on the terrible price Christ paid for our sins. Many end with the “Tenebrae” Service (a service of darkness or shadows) in which the participants share together in hearing the last words of Christ on the Cross, and offer prayers to honor Christ’s sacrifice leading up to the Christ candle being taken out, leaving the sanctuary in darkness. Holy Saturday – Some churches hold a vigil on Saturday as the faithful await the resurrection of their Lord from the tomb. In other cases, the vigil takes place pre-dawn on Sunday morning as Easter is about to break forth. The service held on this day is usually a mixture of light and darkness as the Church expresses the sadness of death and gladness of new life. Some feel that the significance of this day is that it is the Day of Rest when Christ Jesus rested from his “work” of redeeming humanity. The concept of a “holy rest” fits with the last words Jesus uttered from the cross: “It is finished!” Easter Sunday is the most Holy Day in the Christian year. The date varies because it is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon of the vernal equinox (the day in the earth’s orbit when there are equal periods of light and darkness). Of course, the importance of Easter has nothing to do with its date, but with what took place; namely, the Resurrection of Christ. Christians the world over celebrate that Jesus Christ was unlike any other famous leader who ever lived. He came back to life after he had died, and he now rules the Church and its followers forever. The whole stated purpose of Jesus was to come and die at the hands of the Roman soldiers. It was not a case of mistaken identity, nor unfortunate politics. His coming was foretold by the Hebrew Prophets.
He become a sacrifice to save humanity from our broken relationship with God. The fact that he was human meant that he could act on our behalf; the fact that he was God meant that he didn’t deserve or have to do so. His sacrifice was a willing gift offered by God to settle the debt humanity owed for its sins, and the means of healing for our sin-corrupted nature. The Resurrection sealed the deal. Christ became, as Paul puts it, “the first fruits of those who have died.” (I Corinthians 15:20) His resurrection ensured our resurrection as his followers. Thus, the Passion of Christ represents a twofold process in the Salvation Story. Christ’s death became the payment for our forgiveness. Christ’s resurrection became the guarantee of our eternal life.
SPIRITUAL EXERCISES DURING THE WEEKS OF LENT St. Ignatius, as noted earlier, created the Spiritual Exercises as an intense time of Retreat and Reflection. We will incorporate some of his thoughts and requirements so that we can have a Lenten Season that takes on a deeper spiritual meaning in our lives.1
BEFORE WE BEGIN I want to offer the reader several preparatory notes to help with the experience of this set of Exercises. 1. First, every session should begin with what Ignatius called the Readiness Prayer. Every Readiness Prayer is the same throughout the Ignatian Retreat, and is meant to help the participant come to a place of proper receptivity before the Lord. The prayer is this: “I ask you Lord for the grace that all my intentions, all my outward acts, and all my inward operations, may be directed purely to the praise and service of Your Divine Majesty.” 2. Second, each week of Exercises begins with a moment to Imagine the Place. You will be encouraged to use your imagination to 1 For this material I am using the translation of the Exercises by Joseph Tetlow, a former director of the Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House in Lake Dallas, Texas. The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius Loyola. The Crossroad Publishing Co. New York: 1992.
visualize where the event or Scripture passage takes place. For example, if the passage under consideration is dealing with Christ on the Cross, then we should imagine what it would be like that day if we were there. What would I smell; what would I hear; what would I see? I should look around in my imagination at the crowd surrounding the cross; the skeptics and critics; Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the other ladies; the Apostle John. In my mind I should take a look at my Savior as he dies agonizingly on the cross, and the two thieves who suffer beside him. This use of imagination helps you gain access to the power of the story that you are being told as you read the passage. 3. Finally, each week of Exercises begins with a Asking for What You Want. The purpose is to clarify what I want God to do in me and for me through this Exercise. As Ignatius explains: “What I ask for will depend on the subject matter. For instance, when I contemplate the Resurrection, I beg for joy with Christ full of joy. When I contemplate the Passion, I beg grief, tears, and anguish with Christ anguished.”
NOTE FOR CLASSES AND SMALL GROUPS If you are doing these exercises as part of a class that meets only once a week and want to do all the week’s Exercises in your meeting, it may be helpful to assign people to take one day each, and become the facilitator for that day. Facilitators can identify discussion questions that develop as you walk through the material. You can rotate facilitators each week so that everyone gets involved. Having explored the special Holy Days that begin and end Lent, we are now ready to begin the spiritual exercises that can prepare us to participate in the season more fully.
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MEDITATIONS AT THE INITIATION OF LENT PREPARATION Readiness Prayer – As noted above, pray for God’s grace to purify your intentions, outward actions, and inward motivations, and to help you lead a life focused on the praise and service of the Lord Jesus. Imagine the Place: Think of the reality of our lives under the oppression of sin. We live in bodies that wear out and will eventually die. Consider the fact that are exiles in a world of darkness and evil. Ask God for what you Want: Ask for shame and repentance for the sins that I have committed from time to time. If one sin alone is sufficient to condemn me to separation from God, I am reminded of how many times I have committed acts or had thoughts worthy of separation from God.
DAY ONE (ASH WEDNESDAY) Consider the nature of sin as reflected by the Fall of a portion of the Angels, and the sin of Adam and Eve. What is it that characterized their sin, and how does that apply to me?
DAY TWO Call to mind the things that I have done that are displeasing to God, or blatantly sinful. Ignatius suggests recalling the location where I lived; the people I associated with; and where I was in my career at the time. My purpose here is to feel the weight of my sins, and how unlike God they were. In comparison, I should consider who this God is that I have sinned against, and reflect on the difference between his purity and my impurity.
DAY THREE Ask for three gifts. One: that I might have a deeper understanding of my sins, and feel revolted by them. Two: that I might truly sense the disorder in the way that I have been acting, be repelled by it, and desire to change. Three: that I might have a better insight into the world
in which I live, and feel repulsed by it so that I might be less attached and tempted by pride and worldliness.
DAY FOUR (CLOSE OF THE WEEK) Ignatius suggests that we offer a prayer called The Anima Christi: Soul of Christ, sanctify me; Body of Christ, save me; Blood of Christ, intoxicate me; Water from Christ’s side, wash me; Passion of Christ, strengthen me; O good Jesus hear me; Within thy wounds hide me; Suffer me not to be separated from Thee; From the malicious enemy defend me; In the hour of my death call me And bid me come unto Thee That I may praise Thee with the Saints And with Thy angels forever and ever; Amen.
MEDITATIONS OF THE FIRST WEEK PREPARATION Readiness Prayer – same as previous week. Imagine the Place: Meditate on the nature of Hell. I use my imagination to feel, see, and hear what Hell must be like. I ask God to help me really get a sense of the nature of the punishment associated with Hell. What is the experience of being utterly separated from the presence of God—all that is pure? and joyful and alive? What about the alienation from all goodness in other people? Ask God for what you Want: Ask for a healthy fear of God, that I might not take lightly the reality of the choice we each have to follow the path of righteousness that leads to eternal life through faith in Christ, or follow the path of sin that leads to eternal death.
DAY FIVE Consider the story of the farmer that Jesus told his listeners (Luke
12:16-21). He gets so caught up in material prosperity that he ignores his spiritual health. Am I spiritually healthy as represented by what is most important to me (what I treasure)?
DAY SIX Consider the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant that Jesus tells to emphasize the need for forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35). How have I responded to God’s mercy? Have I extended the same mercy to others?
DAY SEVEN Consider the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats that Jesus tells to underscore the judgment that comes on those who ignore the needy (Matthew 25:31-46). How have I treated the “least of these?” Does my life look more like the “sheep” or the “goats”?
DAY EIGHT Consider the betrayal of Jesus by Judas and the denial of Jesus by Peter. Both promised they would never fall away, but both failed. Peter grieved and eventually came back to Christ, but Judas had regret but did not repent. How have I fooled myself into thinking I would never fall in my faith? Does my life look more like Judas or Peter when it comes to how I have responded to God after a failure?
DAY NINE Consider the two rebels crucified on either side of Jesus. In the midst of extreme suffering and imminent death, one chose to mock and insult Jesus. The other initially seems to have joined in this mockery, but then humbled himself and asked Jesus to remember him “when you come into your kingdom,” thus acknowledging Jesus as king. Which thief does my life look more like when I lash out amidst pain or suffering?
DAY TEN (CLOSE OF THE WEEK) Pray that the experiences of this past week will help you become more sensitive to the things that would cause you to struggle in your relationship with Christ.
MEDITATIONS OF THE SECOND WEEK PREPARATION Readiness Prayer – same as previous week. Imagine the Place: Use your imagination to place yourself in the land where Jesus lived and moved. Imagine yourself looking at villages, towns, and synagogues where Jesus used to go preach and interact with people. Ask God for what you Want: Ask the Lord to give insight as to what it took for Him to become human in order to save my soul. Entreat the Lord to give the grace to accept his call to Discipleship. I will ask him to keep me from being to deaf to hear him, or too distracted to notice him. I will also pray that the Lord help me to quickly come to him and work hard to fulfill his holy will. Additional Aid to Meditation: Bring to the mind’s eye what the greatest human king imaginable might be like. Then, I should apply this concept to the Lord Jesus. Everything that the greatest human king ever would be should multiplied ten times over in the person of Christ. If the human king is absolutely just, then Christ is justice incarnate. If the human king is loving, then Christ is the epitome of love.
DAY ELEVEN This first day is a key day for the whole week. Here we should consider the Salvation Story and what Christ’s coming to Earth looks like. I begin with consideration of the fact that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit chose to consider coming to earth in human flesh to save everyone in the world. I also consider what is taking place all over the world at this time: the suffering, the oppression, the violence, the lack of mercy—all that is evil in the world today. I should then consider what it must have been like to be Joseph and Mary; the shock of visits by angels; and the fact that in their poverty and humility they offered the richest gift ever imagined for the salvation of all humankind.
DAY TWELVE Meditate on the Presentation of Christ at the Temple (Luke 2:22-39), and their Flight to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-18). Consider the way that humanity and divinity combine in the baby Jesus, and the fact that evil sought to destroy him and his work even while only an infant.
DAY THIRTEEN Seek to think of Jesus as the God-Child as he lives in obedience to his earthly family. (Luke 2:51-52) Reflect on how they found him at the Temple in conversation with the Jewish leaders, who were mystified by his insights and authority. (Luke 2:41-50)
DAY FOURTEEN Ignatius asks us on this day to consider the two Standards that are at work in this world: The Standard of Satan and the Standard of God. The First Standard is the Great Enemy of God and all humanity, Satan. The areas that he most often traps us are through wealth and materialism; honors and self-image; and pride and self-love. His purpose is to unite his forces to demean and destroy God’s creation both human and non-human. The Second Standard is the true sovereign and leader, Christ Jesus our Lord. Christ Jesus identified himself as both Lord and Servant, and wishes to bring his message to all portions of the world. The Lord has chosen a great number of followers to spread throughout the world in order to evangelize and teach them about who he is. In some cases, this chosen-ness is expressed in the specific callings of ministers and evangelists. In other cases, he has done the work through the everyday believer who lives out his teaching and witnesses both in words and deeds.
DAY FIFTEEN Meditate first on the story of the Temptation of Christ by Satan and his response. Note what the Temptations were ultimately aimed at doing, and the way that Christ chose to answer them. (Luke 4:1-13). Next, meditate on the story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11:45). Note the circumstances relating to the story, and actions occurring in
it. What do we learn about Christ from this story, and about humanity? How can these two stories encourage us in our faith?
DAY SIXTEEN (CLOSE OF THE WEEK) Pray that you will become more aware of the Kingly nature of our Divine Lord. Pray also that you will see through all the schemes of Satan to ruin your walk with Christ. Finally, pray that God will choose to use you in spreading the message of Christ’s love to the world.
MEDITATIONS OF THE THIRD WEEK PREPARATION Readiness Prayer – same as previous week. Imagine the Place: Imagine that you are standing before the Lord and all those who have gone before us. This is to help us want to be more pleasing to the Lord and his Divine Goodness. Ask God for what you Want: Ask the Lord to give you the grace to choose the kinds of things that will bring glory to him, and salvation to my soul.
DAY SEVENTEEN Today we will begin a consideration of three types of people in order to help me want to embrace what is best for me. Ignatius sees these people in light of their relationship to the world while trying to simultaneously live the Christian lifestyle. The first sort of people desire to remove their attachment to the world and what they have acquired. They want to know the Lord of love and peace, and be secure in their salvation, but they make no real efforts to deal with their earthly attachments until their death. They will not find great satisfaction in following Christ because they are only partway committed to him. We should consider where we stand on our relationship to the world; are we living with a proper relationship to the material world?
DAY EIGHTEEN Continuing from yesterday, the second sort of people also want to rid
themselves of their attachment to this world, but only in such a way that they still keep their material wealth. They want God to come around to their point of view. These people are the classic example of the Lord’s insightful statement that you cannot serve God and worldly riches. (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13) They will never find peace in the Lord because they are still too attached to this world. We should check our hearts to see how we relate to our possessions. Do we possess them, or do they possess us?
DAY NINETEEN Continuing from the past two days, the third sort of people likewise want to rid themselves of their attachment to worldly things. They do this by not developing an attachment to having or not having worldly wealth or things. Their desire to have or not have is submitted to the will of Christ, and they desire him to move their wills to do that which brings most honor to him. Whether they have material things or not is a matter of indifference compared to their desire to love and cherish their relationship with the Lord. These people will find peace and happiness because they understand that their relationship with Christ is not dependent upon their material circumstances. Paul gives us insight into this lifestyle in his letter to the Philippians (4:11-13).
DAY TWENTY During this week, Ignatius also offers us insight into the proper way to make godly choices in our lives. Today, we will look at two of the four guidelines that he gives us that can help us make healthy choices in life that will please God and bring glory to his name. First, as I consider any choices that I need to make, I should always begin with a fresh awareness of my relationship to Christ Jesus. I should remember that God loves me, and therefore my choices should honor that love. Second, I should imagine myself being in the presence of someone I care about, and who I want to receive the very best that God has to offer them. I then think about what I would say to him/her if I were advising them on making this particular choice. Whatever advice I would offer to them, I should take myself.
DAY TWENTY-ONE Continuing from yesterday, we will consider the next two of the four insights into making good choices. The third way that I can use to help myself make a healthy choice that honors God is to pretend that I am laying on my deathbed. I consider what I might think about my choice as I look back at my life as I close it out. I want to look back on my life with no regrets, and with a great deal of satisfaction. The fourth way that can help me make an appropriate choice is to measure the decision by how the choice will appear when Christ returns as Judge. What will he say about what I decided to do, or not do, in the course of my life? Will he say “well done” or will I feel embarrassed or ashamed by my choices?
DAY TWENTY-TWO (CLOSE OF THE WEEK) Pray for the grace of God to help you not become too attached to this world and the things that are in it. Pray that you will place Christ first, and everything else a distant second in priority. Pray also that the Lord will help you make healthy choices that bring honor to Christ, and, at the same time, help you become a strong witness to your love and commitment to his cause and purpose.
MEDITATIONS OF THE FOURTH WEEK PREPARATION Readiness Prayer – same as previous week. Imagine the Place: Imagine being with Jesus during the final days of his ministry. Think of those spiritually high moments when you saw Jesus heal lepers and lame people; raise the dead and cast out demons. Imagine how you might struggle now as he talks about going to Jerusalem to be arrested, tortured, and killed (even though he tells you that he will rise again). What would you think as you hear him tell his disciples that they must take up their cross and deny themselves in order to follow him? Consider how this would have felt and looked to them (to you), and what it was like to make the decision to either leave him or continue to follow him. Ask God for what you Want: Pray that you learn how to choose
Christ regardless of the things or persons who would steer you away. Ask Christ to give you wisdom so that you might live a life that pleases him, and also avoid coming under the influence of those who would turn you away from him. Note: At this point, Ignatius offers us a section on how to recognize the difference between good and evil spiritual influences, times of blessing and periods of challenge that help us grow.
DAY TWENTY-THREE On this day we begin with at consideration of the types of movements that occur in our souls as we seek to live for Christ. We should first consider how Satan and his followers seek to promote their cause in human beings. Generally speaking, those who are under attack find their imaginations filled with all manner of sensual gratifications and delights that keep them locked in on their vices and sins, and make it hard to break free. The anti-Christian spirits tend to evoke gnawing regret, to overwhelm with sadness, and upset with false reasoning and reports. All that tends to push us away from Christ comes under this heading. As Christ says, we must be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) We should also remember the insightful words of James: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
DAY TWENTY-FOUR Contrasting with yesterday, today we contemplate the pattern of influence offered to us by Christ and his followers. When we become sensitive to failures to live up to our responsibilities as a Christian, we will be filled with remorse and repentance. The goodness of Christ will prick our conscience so that we seek forgiveness and wholeness. Where before we felt regret and sadness, now we will feel courage and inspiration, and will set about removing the obstacles that hinder our path. We are helped in this process when we surround ourselves with Christians seeking the better way like ourselves. What are the influences that affect our spiritual life?
DAY TWENTY-FIVE On this day, we consider Spiritual Consolations, and how they
benefit us. A consolation, according to Ignatius, occurs when an interior movement is produced in our soul that helps a person catch fire with the love of God. In those moments, no other love on earth can replace our love for Christ. It is also the Lord’s consolation when we shed tears that help us love the Lord even better. The tears may come from sorrow for sin, or because of an awareness of what it cost Christ to save us, or because of an inward joy that causes us to have peace in Christ. Consolations are special expressions of a healthy relationship with Christ. When have you felt an especial sense of joy in the presence of the Lord? What brought it about? What did you learn?
DAY TWENTY-SIX In contrast to yesterday, today we consider the role of Spiritual Desolations in our lives. Desolations are the opposite experience from Spiritual Consolations. These are times of darkness and confusion in our spirit, a leaning towards low-minded and earthly things, a recklessness that is brought on by things that bother us or temptations. On occasion, we may find ourselves drawn to things not pleasing to Christ, becoming spiritually lazy, unhappy, and lukewarm in our relationship to God. Ignatius reminds us that during these times of desolation it is best not to make any kinds of rash choices spiritually. Rather, we need to stand firm in our belief in Christ, and choose to follow rather than quit. During these difficult times we should push ourselves to pray more often, meditate on spiritual truths and Scripture more frequently, and spend time in spiritual self-examination looking for the root cause of this state of being. Consider that perhaps the Lord has left us to prove ourselves by having to fight off the oppressions of our enemy and stress of temptations by our own powers so that we might see more clearly our absolute need for his presence in our everyday lives.
DAY TWENTY-SEVEN Continuing from yesterday, today we look at the three basic causes of Desolations of the Spirit. The first cause is because we have become spiritually lazy—lukewarm in our passion for Christ, or careless in our spiritual disciplines. When these things become the norm in our lives, consolation eventually goes away and desolation comes upon us. The second cause is when God chooses to test us to see how strong
we are and how far we will go when we are not experiencing consolation or recognition from others. Ultimately, this helps us learn to desire Christ Himself more than the blessings He gives. The third cause is when God is trying to give us clear knowledge and awareness of our lack of spiritual maturity. The purpose is to show us that we are not as strong spiritually as we think we are, and to expose our pride and over-confidence so that we are clear about our spiritual devotion and commitment. Awareness of our weakness then allows us to learn greater dependence on God’s grace.
DAY TWENTY-EIGHT (CLOSE OF THE WEEK) Pray that we are able to discern those times when we are under the subtle attacks of the enemy of our souls. Pray further that we will recognize those moments when Christ is blessing us with his Consolations, and giving us encouragement for the battle that is ahead of us. While we are in a time of Consolation and Blessing, let us pray that God will strengthen our resolve so that in Desolation we may remain steadfast and strong as we wait for Christ to bring us deliverance and power.
MEDITATIONS OF THE FIFTH WEEK PREPARATION Readiness Prayer – same as previous week. Imagine the Place: Recall the events of the Passion of Christ. I imagine myself on the way to Jerusalem. I consider the room in which the Last Supper was held. I see with my mind the gathered Apostles, and their interactions with Christ Jesus. Now I am at the Garden at the time of Jesus’ arrest, and later with Jesus before Caiaphas and Pilate. I try to imagine in my mind’s eye the terrible suffering that Jesus undergoes at the hands of his captors. Finally, I am at the cross, watching Christ suffer, and the few who have remained with him cry in sadness in sorrow. I see him taken down from the cross and placed in the tomb. Ask God for what you Want: As Ignatius puts it: “I beg for sorrow, grief, and shame because for my sins the Lord goes to his passion…grief with
Christ grieving, heartbreak with Christ heartbroken, weeping, inward pain upon the great pain that Christ suffered for me.”1
DAY TWENTY-NINE Remember the salvation story. I think about how Jesus sent the two disciples to prepare the Passover supper. I recall that after eating the Passover lamb, Jesus washes the feet of the Disciples, and teaches them about what they should do after he is gone.
DAY THIRTY I begin this contemplation by recalling the events that take place from being in the Garden to the house of Annas, and then to the house of Caiaphas. (Matthew 26; Luke 22; Mark 14) I use my senses to try and place myself there with Christ during this time of his Passion.
DAY THIRTY-ONE Focus on the time spent from Caiaphas to Pilate, and all the events taking place there. (Matthew 27:1-24; Luke 23; Mark 15) I should use my imagination stand beside Christ during this time of his Passion.
DAY THIRTY-TWO Focus on the events taking place from Herod to Pilate and then to the nailing on the cross. I will recall Jesus being taken down from the cross and being buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. (Matthew 27:24-61; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19:13-37)
DAY THIRTY-THREE Contemplate all of the Passion in its entirety. I should focus on the different events that occurred during Christ’s Passion, and what they meant to my salvation. Throughout the day, I should as frequently as possible think of how the Lord remained separated and buried in a tomb because of my sins. Ignatius suggests that we focus on individual events such as the Last Supper; the washing of the feet; the institution of the Eucharist; the words that Jesus said to his disciples in his last discourse with them. 1
Third Day, p. 139-140
DAY THIRTY-FOUR (CLOSE OF THE WEEK) Pray that you are able to truly gain a perspective on what it cost your Lord to bring salvation to you and the world. Ask the Lord to give you a proper attitude of grief and repentance that reflects an understanding of how much God must love his broken creation if he is willing to go to such lengths to save it.
MEDITATIONS OF THE SIXTH WEEK PREPARATION Readiness Prayer – same as previous week. Imagine the Place: Think of being at the Tomb on the morning of the Resurrection. Recall the various ways that Christ Jesus reveals himself to the individuals who make their way to the tomb. Imagine what these individuals saw as they peered into the Tomb, and conversed with the Angels. Ask God for what you Want: Ask for a great sense of joy at the prospect that Christ has come forth from the grave with the promise of eternal life for his followers now fulfilled. Pray to receive a keen sense of thanksgiving that Christ has forgiven my sins, and made it possible to overcome sin in my life from that day forward.
DAY THIRTY-FIVE Recall each of the encounters with Christ at the tomb. What did they see; what did they feel; how did they react? What can I learn about the Resurrected Christ from these encounters? (Matthew 28:1-15; Mark 16:1-11; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18)
DAY THIRTY-SIX Contemplate the story of the men walking to Emmaus and their encounter with Christ. What did they see and hear? What did he say to them, and why was it significant? What does their experience say to me about what Christ wants us to know about himself, and his work for our salvation? (Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-35)
DAY THIRTY-SEVEN Consider the various appearances that Jesus makes to his Disciples after his Resurrection. What does Jesus say to them in these brief encounters; how do they react? What can I learn about my role as a disciple of Christ from these encounters? What does Christ teach me about himself in these moments? (Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:14-18; Luke 24:36-49; John 20:19-23, 21:1-14)
DAY THIRTY-EIGHT Focus on two men’s particular encounters with the Resurrected Christ: Thomas and Peter. What do we learn about each man as they interact with Jesus? What does Jesus wish to convey to each man in this encounter? What do I learn from these two encounters that will benefit me and my faith? (John 20:24-29; 21:15-19)
DAY THIRTY-NINE Ignatius suggests that this be a day of prayer focused on three areas: The Ten Commandments and Seven Capital Sins; the Three Powers of the Soul; and the Five Senses. Focus your attention on each of his suggestions. Pray that you will be given power to fulfill the Ten Commandments, and to overcome the Capital Sins. (These are: pride, envy, lust, greed, gluttony, sloth, and wrath). Pray that you will receive the grace to live within the bounds of their opposite virtues, humility, admiration, love, generosity, judiciousness, zeal, forgiveness. The three power of the soul are: Memory, intellect, and will. Pray that your memories will reflect positive experiences beneficial to your faith; your intellectual powers will be focused on things that honor Christ; and you will choose Christ in all things. Pray that each of your five senses will be used to draw you closer to the Lord who wishes to bring to us holiness in each and every part of our lives.
DAY FORTY (CLOSE OF THE WEEK) Pray that you can truly appreciate the wondrous miracle of Christ’s resurrection. Pray that, like the Disciples, you will have an experience
with the Risen Lord that changes you forever. Pray for a deeper sense of gratitude for salvation; it’s price and its benefits. Last of all, pray that you will fulfill the two Greatest Commandments: To love God with all your being; and to love your neighbor as you love yourself. Only then can we be truly holy.
n We hope that this Lenten Season you have had the chance to try a whole new way of focusing on Easter and the story of Salvation. May the humbling experience of doing the Lenten fast be replaced by the incredible blessings of Easter and Christ’s Resurrection.
CHRIST IS RISEN; HE IS RISEN INDEED!
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