In this book Louis Puhl has faithfully translated the text of St. Ignatius' The Spiritual Exercises. This is a smooth, faithful translation of the Spiritual Exercises for the modern reader.
St. Ignatius of Loyola was born in 1491, one of 13 children of a family of minor nobility in northern Spain. As a young man Ignatius Loyola was inflamed by the ideals of courtly love and knighthood and dreamed of doing great deeds.But in 1521 Ignatius was gravely wounded in a battle with the French. While recuperating, Ignatius Loyola experienced a conversion. Reading the lives of Jesus and the saints made Ignatius happy and aroused desires to do great things. Ignatius realized that these feelings were clues to God's direction for him.Over the years, Ignatius became expert in the art of spiritual direction. He collected his insights, prayers, and suggestions in his book The Spiritual Exercises, one of the most influential books on the spiritual life ever written. With a small group of friends, Ignatius Loyola founded the Society of Jesus, or the Jesuits. Ignatius conceived the Jesuits as "contemplatives in action." This also describes the many Christians who have been touched by Ignatian spirituality.
Table of Contents:
TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE
Introductory Observations
Title of the Exercises
Presupposition
First Principle and Foundation
FIRST WEEK
Daily Particular Examination of Conscience
Additional Directions for Examination of Conscience
Note
General Examination of Conscience
Thoughts
Words
Deeds
Method
General Confession and Communion
First Exercise on the First, Second, and Third Sin
Note on Colloquies
Second Exercise, A Meditation on Our Sins
Third Exercise, A Repetition of the First and Second
Fourth Exercise, A Summary of the Third
Fifth Exercise, A Meditation on Hell (Other Exercises)
Note
Additional Directions
Penance
Notes
The Kingdom of Christ
Notes
SECOND WEEK
First Day, First Contemplation, the Incarnation
First Day, Second Contemplation, the Nativity
First Day, Third Contemplation, Repetition of the First and Second
First Day, Fourth Contemplation, Second Repetition
First Day, Fifth Contemplation, Application of Senses
Notes
Second Day
Note
Third Day
Introduction to the Consideration of Different States of Life
Fourth Day, A Meditation on Two Standards
Note
Fourth Day, Three Classes of Men
Note
Fifth Day
Notes
Sixth to Twelfth Day
Notes
Three Kinds of Humility
Note
Introduction to Making a Choice of a Way of Life
Matters About Which a Choice Should Be Made
Note
Three Times When a Correct and Good Choice May Be Made
Two Ways of Making a Good Choice in the Third Time
First Way of Making a Good and Correct Choice
Second Way of Making a Good and Correct Choice
Directions for the Reformation of One's Life
THIRD WEEK
First Day, First Contemplation
Note on Colloquies
First Day, Second Contemplation
Notes
Second to Sixth Day
Note
Rules with Regard to Eating
FOURTH WEEK
First Contemplation
Notes
Contemplation to Attain Love of God
Three Methods of Prayer
The First Method of Prayer
I. On the Commandments
II. On the Capital Sins
III. On the Three Powers of the Soul
IV. On the Five Senses
The Second Method of Prayer
The Third Method of Prayer
Mysteries of the Life of Our Lord
VARIOUS RULES
Rules for the Discernment of Spirits
For the First Week
For the Second Week
Rules for the Distribution of Alms
Some Notes on Scruples
Rules for Thinking with the Church
NOTES ON THE TRANSLATION
