June 14, 2002
To The Reader of these “Notes and Thoughts From Ignatian Retreats”,
During the course of our lives, all of the decisions that we make have consequences. Everything that we do not only effects ourselves, but also those around us. Sometimes the consequences of our decisions are good and sometimes they are bad. Sometimes the consequences that we think are good are in fact very, very bad. In order to see clearly the effect of our lives so far and to know how to amend them in the future if necessary, we must be aware of certain Truths.
One of the most important Truths all of us must understand can be stated in several ways: “What is the purpose of life?” or “Why do I exist?” or “What does God expect of me?” or “What are the real consequences of my good and bad decisions?”
St. Ignatius summarizes Christ’s teaching on these questions with: “Man was created to praise, reverence, and serve God and by this means to save his Soul.”
During an Ignatian Retreat, the retreatant is encouraged to meditate on these questions, to ask God to give him the Grace to see his soul as God sees it and to help set goals for the remainder of his life. “Speak Lord, thy servant heareth.”
An Ignatian Retreat then appeals to the Heart and the Will. It helps us to know and thereby to really love God. This love then helps us to want to do our best to serve Him in the future. During the Retreat we are encouraged to take notes on the thoughts that the Retreat Master gives us and also those that God may give us as He speaks to our Heart.
Since we all like to share the good things that we have with those that we love, I would like to share some of the Notes and Thoughts taken during my Retreats.
Yours In Christ,