Dear Friends of God:

Having been informed recently that there is a fine, growing interest in all things Ignatian here in the parish, I am excited about learning how to deepen my own Spirituality and knowledge this summer. For many years, of course, I have been a “student“ of the Exercises of Ignatius as have also my brothers in this parish, Fathers Phil and Bruce -- and those brave young padres who come to help us here are no different. And, in recent days, I turned to an expert like Fr. Timothy Gallagher, OMV, to learn from him – because I’m keenly aware that we must learn from those who have discovered new and lovely insights into the pathways of Ignatian Spirituality today.   

And, I found Gallagher’s book “An Ignatian Introduction to Prayer” truly helpful! Here I shall offer just a small sample,  taken from chapter 24 of that book, and perhaps by using it, you might find yourself looking for one of his books in order to enable you, this summer or later, to improve your prayer as you widen your horizons of Spiritual knowledge!

On page 56 of his book, we find Gallagher speaking about a “gospel way of life.” This involves the Beatitudes (Matt. Chapter 5, vs. 1-15) and I will begin by offering what he says about the “meditation” to be used here:

“I see the mountainside. . .see the crowds, and join them, close to the feet of Jesus. Jesus is seated before me, and looks at me.  . . .He speaks his words now to me, to my heart. All else fades, and I simply listen to his words with all my heart. . . Beautiful words, demanding words, a gospel way of life. .  .

I listen to these words, slowly stopping wherever a word touches my heart, wherever I sense the Lord speaking to me now. . . “

Then you must read the Beatitudes as given by Matthew. In fact,  Gallagher suggests you read all of that fifth chapter, the first part of his Sermon on the Mount! 
As you conclude your prayer, you might well ask yourself a couple of strong questions:  a) What word in this Scripture most spoke to your heart?  And, (b) what did you sense the Lord was saying to you?

***** What a great gift, to be able to feel God calling us to live a little more generously the famous “sermon on the Mount.” But we can only live it if we see these as part of our deepest prayer and desires; and as a plan for our ordinary, everyday Christian lives. 

Sincerely in His love,
Fr. Peter J. Murray, S.J.
Parochial Vicar

Want to learn more? Here are some suggested resources: 
By Thomas Gallagher: 
An Ignatian Introduction to Prayer
The Examen Prayer (Ignatian Wisdom for our Lives today)
Spiritual  Consolation 

Sacred Space
Pray as You Go
Jesuitical
Examen with Fr. James Martin
Loyola Press