This week’s theme on discernment, has turned attention to practices of knowing and noticing one’s self – our unique story, giftedness, proclivities, and motives as a source of inner wisdom. In the practice of the Examen, we tend to to our willfulness, the actions of the enemy, and God’s Spirit at work in our lives. We named the necessity of knowing and trusting the goodness of God, and seeking God’s Spirit dwelling within us to show us the better yes, the greater good. Let’s turn again to Ignatius of Loyola for another teaching that is critical in discernment – Holy Indifference. We’ve glanced this direction throughout, but today we will name it more specifically. By Holy Indifference, Ignatius did not mean a resigned, apathetic attitude that ignores desire. Instead, it is an attitude of deep care, true love for God and the things of God, such that our heart’s deepest desire is to willingly make way for God’s high calling in our lives and in this world. This is Jesus in Gethsemane. He had a preference, but His deepest desire was the will of the Father. Jesus bent to it. He was able to walk the unfathomable because of His love and deep trust in the goodness of God. Before Jesus ever approached the cross, He learned to immerse Himself deeply in the Father’s love. He grew up into it; abiding love is the only way into Holy Indifference. This week we’ve leaned into discernment and the teachings of Ignatius of Loyola who developed the Spiritual Exercises about 500 years ago. Since then, thousands of people across denominational lines have experienced the Exercises as a deep well of wisdom for life and experiencing the intimate love of God. If this has piqued your interest, come by thesoulcareplace.com to find out how you can join this companioned prayer journey to immerse in God’s love. Discernment sessions are available now; the cohort will begin in September. Guest post: Niecy LoCricchio, spiritual director and retreat guide; thesoulcareplace.com.

Posted by Anam Cara Abbey at 2023-07-14 13:30:00 UTC