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The Human Journey Overwhelmed by Grace: Saint Ignatius and Tears Saint Ignatius was frequently moved to tears by the presence of God. Whether he was gazing upon creation, deep in prayer, or in the midst of everyday activities, they guided his discernment as he responded ever more deeply to the love of God in his life. Download this article in PDF format by clicking here Anthropocentrism: Good or Bad? An understanding of the universe with human beings at the centre detracts from God’s rightful place in creation. However there is an appropriate focus on the human person that enables us to honour the incarnational dimension of our relationship with God. ‘Glimpses of Heaven upon Earth’ The life of Madeleine Delbrêl (1904-1964) captures the dynamic interplay between the ordinary and the extraordinary, in which we catch a glimpse of the divine. Her desire to live simply in the ministry of spiritual consolation bears poignant witness to the living presence of God. Confronting the Abuse Crisis in the Church: The Contribution of Ignatian Spirituality The Church is moving forward in the creation of a culture of safeguarding, but there is still much more to be done. The Spiritual Exercises offer a foundation for non-abusive accompaniment by creating the conditions for God to communicate directly with the person, leading to authentic interior freedom. The Emnity, the Accuser and the Redeemer The experience narrated in the Book of Job offers an intriguingly clear parallel to Saint Ignatius’ rules for discernment in the Spiritual Exercises, demonstrating how the scriptures can enter into conversation with spirituality. To Seek and Save the Lost: Christ's Descent into Hell Continues Christ descended to the underworld after his death to bring the just to eternal life. By reaching out to those in deep despair, we can participate in this mission, reassured that Christ has already visited those depths and returned from them triumphant. The Transformative Power of Failure: ignatius Loyola and Psychological Safety The broken body of Saint Ignatius was the place where God chose to begin his spiritual transformation, and he would live on the threshold of failure for the whole of his life. The field of organisational psychology sheds light on the deep seated safety that enabled him to continue in the mission he had been given. Made in the Image of God? Darwinian evolution and Christianity have often been seen as antagonists, but Frances Murphy argues that evolution can be 'an exciting subject matter and dialogue partner for theology' provided that both partners avoid reductionism. Ecological Conversion through the Lens of the Spiritual Exercises I-Fong Wu makes a passionate appeal to human beings to wake up to the ecological challenges we face, equipped with the Spiritual Exercises, and accompanied by the risen Jesus. His gentleness can teach us how to give much needed rest to a planet damaged by over consumption. In Memory of Teresa White (1940–2025) A reflection on the life of a faithful companion of Jesus who possessed a profound insight into the relationship between spirituality, literature, music and religious life. A gifted wordsmith, she leaves behind her a rich legacy of writing that gives meaning and guidance on the contemporary Church. From the Foreword The title of this issue is taken from an article by Teresa White fcJ, who passed away at the end of 2025, and to whom it is dedicated. All who met her sensed within her a spirit of great erudition and wisdom. Over a fifteen year period, she contributed numerous articles to this journal, especially on the topics of literature, religious life and spirituality. In the article quoted—and reprinted—here she reflects upon the experience of the former atheist Madeleine Delbrêl (1904–1964), who converted to Catholicism and embarked on a life with God through reading, reflection and prayer. Delbrêl began to seek out a simple life in communion with the poor. Rather than becoming demoralised by the bleakness of poverty, she was filled with the Spirit and, according to White, ‘found meaning in the ordinariness and untidiness of the human journey’—a journey we share with human beings throughout history, and in which we can discover glimpses of heaven even in the humbleness of our daily lives. Delbrêl wrote: ‘We are destined for the eternal love of God. But we can only come to this love in our human life, in the time that belongs to us and others, in the world here and now.’ The articles in this issue explore and reflect upon our human journey through this world and this present time.Philip Harrison SJ Please click here to subscribe to The Way, | ||
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