Ignatian Retreat in Daily Life

Week of Prayer 0 - Introduction

Summer Reading Assignment: "God's Unconditional Love: Healing Our Shame" by Wilkie Au and Noreen Cannon Au

Respond to any one or two of the following questions. Post your reflections for the other interns to consider and comment on. Comments (that is, replies to a posting, are to be limited to "affirming," "clarifying," or "mirroring" statements. And, as usual, they are to be non-judgemental avoiding any form of debate.

Questions to consider as you review the reading.

1, What were the highlights of the material for me?

 2. What touched me or gave me new or nuanced insights? 

 3. What challenged me in this material? 

 4. What connects or resonates with my experience of the Spiritual Exercises

 5. What was relevant to my formation as a prayer companion or spiritual director? 

 6. What would you like to take to prayer?

Lesson 1 - Day 6

Suggested Reading:

(a) For question #1 & 2: Mark 4:1-9, 13-20

(b) For question #4: John 16:13

Questions for Reflection

For questions 1 - 3, read Mark’s parable of the sowing of the seed (see above) and imagine that you are the soil that Jesus is speaking about.

1. Which of the soils best describes your readiness and to receive the seed?

2. What in your life might be keeping you from being the most fertile and receptive soil for the seed.

3. What might you do or change in your life to better receive and nurture the Word of God?

4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in our prayer, study, and reflection on Scripture.

Lesson 1 - Day 5

Suggested Reading:

(a) For question #1: Psalm 107:19-20; Psalm 119:105; Isaiah 40:8; Isaiah 55:10-11; Jeremiah 23:29

(b) For question #2: John 8:31-32; Romans 10:17; Hebrews 4:12; James 1:22-25

Questions for Reflection

1. How do the Old Testament readings above describe the powerful effects of the Word of God?

2. How do the New Testament readings above describe the Word of God?

3. As you reflect on these Scriptural passages, do find that any of them speak to your own experience of the Word, the impact of the Word of God in your own heart, life, or thinking?

4. Describe some way in which the Word of God has impacted your life. Perhaps there is an image that captures your understanding of how God’s Word touches your life. What might it be?

Lesson 1 - Day 4

Suggested Reading:

(a) For question #1: Deuteronomy 6: 4-5; Deuteronomy 6:6-9

(b) “The Church has always venerated the divine Scriptures just as she venerated the Body of the Lord, in so far as she never ceases, particularly in the sacred liturgy, to partake of the bread of life and to offer it to the faithful from the one table of the Word of God and the Body of Christ.” (Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, 21)

Questions for Reflection

1. What do the readings listed above suggest about how we are to honor the Word of God?

2. How does the liturgy of the Word at Mass (the place and manner of proclamation of the Scripture readings) reflect the presence of God to us?

3. How has the Bible, reading and reflecting on it, been a part of your life? How do you see it becoming more or less a part of your life?

Lesson 1 - Day 3

Suggested Scripture Reading:

(a) Overview for the day: Acts 8: 26-40

(b) For question #1: Psalm 91:1-4;Isaiah 62:5; Jeremiah 31:9-10; Hosea 11:1-4; John 10:14-15

Questions for Reflection

1. How do symbolic images help us better understand God’s relationship with his people? (see the readings listed above)

2. How is it that both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible are considered the inspired Word of God for Christians?

3. What are the obstacles, fears, or doubts that you experience in your efforts to read and reflect on the Bible. Check the blog posting entitled, “Feeling some resistance?”

Lesson 1 - Day 2

Suggested Scripture Reading:

(a) Overview for the day: John 16:12-15

"I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth."

(b) For question #3: Exodus 19: 4-5; 1 Peter 2:9-10

(c) For question # 4: Gen 9:1-17; 12:1-5; 15: 1-6; 26: 1-5; 28: 10-22; 2 Sam 7:8-17

Questions for Reflection

1. In what ways have you recognized God present to you and at work in your life?

2. In what ways have you recognized God present and active in our world?

3. What is God's desire in communicating with us and to the world? (See Exodus 19: 4-5; 1 Peter 2:9-10)

4. The following Scriptural passages touch on the convenant that God has entered into with his people. What stands out in these stories - what connections do you notice? Read: Gen 9:1-17; 12:1-5; 15: 1-6; 26: 1-5; 28: 10-22; 2 Sam 7:8-17

Lesson 1 - Day 1

Suggested Scripture Reading

John 1: 29-41

"They asked, "Where are you staying?" "Come," Jesus replied, "and you will see." (Jn 1:38-39)

Questions for Reflection

1. At this time of your life, how would you describe your level of familiarity with the Bible?

2. Who or what has stirred your desire to study the Bible now or in the past?

3. What do you hope to gain from your study of the Bible? How do you expect it to impact your life?

Study Guide Reading

Begin pages 1-14

Comments can touch on any of the above or all of them!

Encountering God's Love

In Catholic spirituality, God and God's compassion and love are encountered in both the sacrament and in the Word (Scripture). The author of "Introduction to the Bible" puts it this way.

"From its beginnings, Christianity has been a sacramental religion. The church is the continuation of the healing, forgiving, nourishing presence of Christ calling us to new and deeper life....

This experience of the Lord in both word and sacrament is mirrored in the human experience of love. To truly know that we are loved, we need to both feel it and hear it. The sacraments are the touch of God's love; the Scriptures are the words of God's love. Together, God's word and the sacraments of his church offer a wondrous experience of God's ardent and personal love for us.

Stephen Binz, "Introduction to the Bible," Liturgical Press, 2007, p7

In our ordinary human experience both words and actions can mediate love and care. But, words without action eventually become empty and meaningless.

Your thoughts?

Touching Your Deepest Desires

On page xi of the preface of "Introduction to the Bible," the author writes,

"I want to encourage and assure you that putting the Bible at the heart of your life in Christ can indeed transform you. When you make reflective reading and study of the Bible a part of your daily life, you will notice changes within yourself that will deepen your spirituality and lead you in a direction you sincerely desire. As you reflect on this ancient, inspired literature of God's family, you will become ever more a child of God and enter more deeply into a personal relationshiip with Jesus the Lord. This book is only an invitation to that adventure of a lifetime. I pray that it will lead you to a renewed and committed life in Christ's church."

Stephen Binz, "Introduction to the Bible," Liturgical Press, 2007, pxi

There is no better way of getting in touch with one's deepest desires and very best and authentic self

Feeling Some Resistance?

On page 5 of the first lesson's supplemental reading, the author writes the following:

"How can I ever hope to read such a huge book? How can I understand the Bible when even scholars can't understand it? How can I interpret the Bible when it is the cause of so much controversy and division? How can I understand the Bible that is written in such ancient language about events that happened so long ago? Why should I read the Bible when I seem to be getting along so well without it? These are the kinds of questions that people face when they consider the possibilities of studying the Bible. It is these kinds of uncertainties that sometimes prevent people from ever beginning to really read the Bible seriously. Let's try to respond to these major obstacles ...

Stephen Binz, "Introduction to the Bible," Liturgical Press, 2007, p5

Now go to page five and read his response. Would love to hear your comments!

Hi All:

I am looking forward to this unique launching of our Family Bible Study. What a great way for us to celebrate and participate in the election of Pope Francis and the hope that he brings to the Church and world.

I would suggest that we begin with the Introduction to the Bible segment. That material costs $14. The recommended Bible costs $50. This Bible has commentaries on the readings we will be reflecting on. And though it would be helpful if we were all reading the same commentary, it is by no means necessary. So that any Bible you may already have would be fine.

When you make a post on this blog, be sure to go to options and click on "LIMITED MEMBERS." This will ensure that only the family members signed up for the Family Bible Study will see our postings. Click on "Anyone" if you are okay with anyone coming to the sight seeing your comment. I am letting some of my comments be for anyone - including this one.

Let me know when you are ready to go!

Little Rock Scripture Study

The Bible used in this study: http://www.littlerockscripture.org/en/Detail.aspx?ISBN=9780814636480

Introduction to the Bible Study Set: http://www.littlerockscripture.org/en/Studies.aspx?ID=88

Further Introductory Bible Study Sets – Gospels: http://www.littlerockscripture.org/en/Studies.aspx?ID=85

Hi All:

I am looking forward to this unique launching of our Family Bible Study. What a great way for us to celebrate and participate in the election of Pope Francis and the hope that he brings to the Church and world.

I would suggest that we begin with the Introduction to the Bible segment. That material costs $14. The recommended Bible costs $50. This Bible has commentaries on the readings we will be reflecting on. And though it would be helpful if we were all reading the same commentary, it is by no means necessary. So that any Bible you may already have would be fine.

When you make a post on this blog, be sure to go to options and click on "LIMITED MEMBERS." This will ensure that only the family members signed up for the Family Bible Study will see our postings. Click on "Anyone" if you are okay with anyone coming to the sight seeing your comment. I am letting some of my comments be for anyone - including this one.

Let me know when you are ready to go!

Little Rock Scripture Study

The Bible used in this study: http://www.littlerockscripture.org/en/Detail.aspx?ISBN=9780814636480

Introduction to the Bible Study Set: http://www.littlerockscripture.org/en/Studies.aspx?ID=88

Further Introductory Bible Study Sets – Gospels: http://www.littlerockscripture.org/en/Studies.aspx?ID=85

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Suggested Reading:

(a) For question #1 & 2: Mark 4:1-9, 13-20

(b) For question #4: John 16:13

Questions for Reflection

For questions 1 - 3, read Mark’s parable of the sowing of the seed (see above) and imagine that you are the soil that Jesus is speaking about.

1. Which of the soils best describes your readiness and to receive the seed?

2. What in your life might be keeping you from being the most fertile and receptive soil for the seed.

3. What might you do or change in your life to better receive and nurture the Word of God?

4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in our prayer, study, and reflection on Scripture.

Friday, May 24, 2013

Suggested Reading:

(a) For question #1: Psalm 107:19-20; Psalm 119:105; Isaiah 40:8; Isaiah 55:10-11; Jeremiah 23:29

(b) For question #2: John 8:31-32; Romans 10:17; Hebrews 4:12; James 1:22-25

Questions for Reflection

1. How do the Old Testament readings above describe the powerful effects of the Word of God?

2. How do the New Testament readings above describe the Word of God?

3. As you reflect on these Scriptural passages, do find that any of them speak to your own experience of the Word, the impact of the Word of God in your own heart, life, or thinking?

4. Describe some way in which the Word of God has impacted your life. Perhaps there is an image that captures your understanding of how God’s Word touches your life. What might it be?

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Suggested Reading:

(a) For question #1: Deuteronomy 6: 4-5; Deuteronomy 6:6-9

(b) “The Church has always venerated the divine Scriptures just as she venerated the Body of the Lord, in so far as she never ceases, particularly in the sacred liturgy, to partake of the bread of life and to offer it to the faithful from the one table of the Word of God and the Body of Christ.” (Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, 21)

Questions for Reflection

1. What do the readings listed above suggest about how we are to honor the Word of God?

2. How does the liturgy of the Word at Mass (the place and manner of proclamation of the Scripture readings) reflect the presence of God to us?

3. How has the Bible, reading and reflecting on it, been a part of your life? How do you see it becoming more or less a part of your life?

Wednesday, May 22, 201

Suggested Scripture Reading:

(a) Overview for the day: Acts 8: 26-40

(b) For question #1: Psalm 91:1-4;Isaiah 62:5; Jeremiah 31:9-10; Hosea 11:1-4; John 10:14-15

Questions for Reflection

1. How do symbolic images help us better understand God’s relationship with his people? (see the readings listed above)

2. How is it that both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible are considered the inspired Word of God for Christians?

3. What are the obstacles, fears, or doubts that you experience in your efforts to read and reflect on the Bible. Check the blog posting entitled, “Feeling some resistance?”

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Suggested Scripture Reading:

(a) Overview for the day: John 16:12-15

"I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth."

(b) For question #3: Exodus 19: 4-5; 1 Peter 2:9-10

(c) For question # 4: Gen 9:1-17; 12:1-5; 15: 1-6; 26: 1-5; 28: 10-22; 2 Sam 7:8-17

Questions for Reflection

1. In what ways have you recognized God present to you and at work in your life?

2. In what ways have you recognized God present and active in our world?

3. What is God's desire in communicating with us and to the world? (See Exodus 19: 4-5; 1 Peter 2:9-10)

4. The following Scriptural passages touch on the convenant that God has entered into with his people. What stands out in these stories - what connections do you notice? Read: Gen 9:1-17; 12:1-5; 15: 1-6; 26: 1-5; 28: 10-22; 2 Sam 7:8-17

For Monday, May 20, 2013

Suggested Scripture Reading

   John 1: 29-41

          "They asked,  "Where are you staying?" "Come," Jesus replied, "and you will see."  (Jn 1:38-39)

Questions for Reflection

1. At this time of your life, how would you describe your level of familiarity with the Bible?

2. Who or what has stirred your desire to study the Bible now or in the past?

3. What do you hope to gain from your study of the Bible? How do you expect it to impact your life?

Study Guide Reading

Begin pages 1-14

Comments can touch on any of the above or all of them!

In Catholic spirituality, God and God's compassion and love are encountered in both the sacrament and in the Word (Scripture). The author of "Introduction to the Bible" puts it this way.

"From its beginnings, Christianity has been a sacramental religion. The church is the continuation of the healing, forgiving, nourishing presence of Christ calling us to new and deeper life....

This experience of the Lord in both word and sacrament is mirrored in the human experience of love. To truly know that we are loved, we need to both feel it and hear it. The sacraments are the touch of God's love; the Scriptures are the words of God's love. Together, God's word and the sacraments of his church offer a wondrous experience of God's ardent and personal love for us.

Stephen Binz, "Introduction to the Bible," Liturgical Press, 2007, p7

In our ordinary human experience both words and actions can mediate love and care. But, words without action eventually become empty and meaningless.

Your thoughts?

On page xi of the preface of "Introduction to the Bible," the author writes,

"I want to encourage and assure you that putting the Bible at the heart of your life in Christ can indeed transform you. When you make reflective reading and study of the Bible a part of your daily life, you will notice changes within yourself that will deepen your spirituality and lead you in a direction you sincerely desire. As you reflect on this ancient, inspired literature of God's family, you will become ever more a child of God and enter more deeply into a personal relationshiip with Jesus the Lord. This book is only an invitation to that adventure of a lifetime. I pray that it will lead you to a renewed and committed life in Christ's church."

Stephen Binz, "Introduction to the Bible," Liturgical Press, 2007, pxi

There is no better way of getting in touch with one's deepest desires and very best and authentic self.