Write a four page paper which includes all of the following:
a) As a young man, Ignatius was filled great desires for fame, glory, and adventure, and he lived in such a way as to win these things. Then he experienced a spiritual crisis. Explain the nature of his crisis while he was recuperating at Loyola castle. What questions, fears, and desires were going through his mind? What does his crisis have to do with the human desire for meaning in our lives?
b) When Ignatius was wrestling with different desires during his recovery at Loyola Castle, he said that “step by step” he began to learn how to distinguish God’s voice from the voice of the evil spirit. Explain how he came to distinguish these and how this relates to the rules for discernment.
c) Explain how the recognition of consolation and desolation in one’s spiritual life can assist a person in making a good discernment. Be specific using examples from a contemporary decision in your life.
NOTE: Spell check in Word will mark the correct spelling of Ignatian as incorrect so be sure to carefully proofread all of your spelling. I will take off 1 point for every misspelling.
Be sure to have a proper introduction and conclusion and cite all sources using APA format. I will be increasing the number of points I take off if you do not follow proper APA citation in-text and the reference list. Remember all links in the course as the readings must be referenced. Do not rely on just the information on the Content pages because it will not be enough to adaquately complete this assignment.
Foundations by John Callahan, SJ (Electronic Reserves) – This reading is essential so contact me immediately if you have trouble getting it from the library.
St. Ignatius Loyola, Founder of the Jesuits Sections I, II, III, IV
Discovering a Sacred World—Preface through Discernment of Spirits
Discovering a Sacred World—Sections I – V
http://ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examen/rummaging-for-god-praying-backward-through-your-day/ Read this entire article very carefully! The key material for the forum discussion is in final third of the article. Do not confuse the Examen with the Catholic tradition of the Examination of Conscience.
Ignatian Rules for Discernment
Jesuit Review
An Outline of the Spiritual Exercises
