Welcome to the Second Week of the Lenten audio retreat, presented by Ignatian Young Adult Ministries, an initiative of the Office of Ignatian Spirituality.

Pause, breathe deeply, and notice the Spirit of life around you, wherever you are. If it will help you to light a candle, brew a cup of tea, move to a more comfortable spot, or close your eyes. Be present, as much as you are able, feeling yourself held by the floor, chair, or ground. And for a few more breaths, imagine you are resting in the hands of God as we explore this week’s theme: “Openness, Listening, and Responding to God’s Call.”

This reflection was written by Declan Foley, a member of the 2021-2023 Contemplative Leaders in Action program in Boston. It is narrated by Kate André, CLA-New York and Virtual Cohort Coordinator.

Openness, Listening, and Responding to God’s Call(Lent 2023 Week 2)

If you desire to be more loving and connect more with God and others, try this simple prayer practice of resting on God's loving gaze and notice what invitations arise of you.

Resting in the Loving Gaze of God - Practice

In this week’s episode of the Transformation Intensive podcast, Ned Arnold gives a detailed explanation of Rule Number Three of discernment, which addresses consolation and the fruits of the Spirit. Valerie McIntyre introduces Week 11, which focuses on contemplating the Incarnation and Nativity of Jesus Christ. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on familiar biblical stories to gain a deeper, more personal knowledge of Jesus. The episode offers tips on using images and imagination to enhance prayer and meditation. Practical advice on creative and imaginative prayer, supported by visual art, poetry, and even family activities, is given to help participants more fully engage with the exercises. The episode concludes with a guided prayer session using Rublev’s famous Trinity icon.

00:00 Introduction to Transformation Intensive
00:34 Entering the Second Movement: Week 11
01:40 The Power of Images in Prayer
04:29 Understanding Consolation
09:04 Prayer Exercises for the Week
10:04 The Role of Imagination in Ignatian Spirituality
17:38 Tips for Creative Prayer
22:27 Daydreaming and Background Prayer
29:35 Guided Prayer Exercise with Icons
40:53 Closing Prayer and Blessing

Music by Austin Sebek, "Something"
www.worshipstart.com/royaltyfreemusic



Contemplating the Incarnation and Nativity (M2-W11)

This episode of the Transformation Intensive podcast welcomes participants into Week 12 of the Ignatian exercises, focusing on Jesus' childhood and hidden years. Host Tim Gemmel emphasizes the importance of preparing the night before to ensure uninterrupted prayer time, outlining practical steps for creating a conducive environment for spiritual exercises. The discussion also delves into Ignatius of Loyola’s rules for discernment, specifically touching on the concepts of consolation and desolation, and how these affect one's spiritual journey. Valerie McIntyre invites participants to contemplate Jesus' humanity and the humanity of the other Bible characters.

00:00 Introduction to Transformation Intensive
00:27 Welcome and Opening Remarks
01:22 Preparing for Uninterrupted Prayer
06:59 Rules of Discernment
08:44 Understanding Desolation
13:27 Guided Time of Prayer
15:38 Introducing this week of prayer
17:38 Contemplating Jesus' Childhood
21:17 Imaginative Prayer and Gospel Characters
26:45 Insights on Mary, Mother of Jesus
30:15 Conclusion and Further Reading

Music by Austin Sebek, "Something"
www.worshipstart.com/royaltyfreemusic


Jesus' Hidden Years (M2-W12)

This episode of the Transformation Intensive podcast introduces week 14, Jesus Baptism. Ann Gemel comments on the Tip of the Week, “Stand Firm” and introduces Rule 6 of Ignatius’ discernment tools, “Act Against Desolation.” Ann advises acting against desolation through prayer, self-care, and service to others. Valerie McIntyre introduces the prayer exercises for this week emphasizing the humility and humanity of Jesus. The episode includes a guided contemplation of Jesus baptism in the Jordan River.

00:00 Introduction to Transformation Intensive
00:39 Stand Firm: Weekly Tip and Personal Reflection
02:46 Scriptural Insights and Rule of Discernment
05:26 Practical Actions Against Desolation
08:10 Personal Anecdotes and Encouragement
12:53 Contemplating Jesus' Baptism
24:51 Guided Contemplation Exercise

Music by Austin Sebek, "Something"
www.worshipstart.com/royaltyfreemusic



Jesus' Baptism (M2-W14)

"Spiritual directors are companion people that allow our directees to be seen and heard and known in the deepest ways possible with the love of God."

The Ignatian Spiritual Direction Initiative's Nancy Small speaks with Marcy Dolan Haley, the Associate Director for the Murphy Center for Ignatian Spirituality at Fairfield University about her hopes for spiritual direction in these trying times.

What is Your Hope for Spiritual Direction? #1

In this episode of the Transformation Intensive podcast, we dive into 'Week 19: The Grace to See.' Ned Arnold, emphasizes the need for the grace to understand both our own blindness and the message of Jesus. The episode explores the parallels between the disciples' spiritual blindness and our Lenten journey, providing insightful reflections from Henri Nouwen and practical advice on deepening prayer. The 'Tip of the Week' encourages listeners to ask for spiritual guidance, drawing from Mark 9 and the importance of a support network. A poignant story about Val's silent retreat illustrates the 11th Rule of Discernment, emphasizing gratitude and humility in spiritual journeys. The episode concludes with a detailed preview of the week's prayer exercises, focusing on Jesus and the disciples' journey from Caesarea Philippi to Jerusalem, including a guided contemplation of the Anointing at Bethany from Mark's Gospel.

00:00 Introduction to Transformation Intensive
00:33 Grace to See: Understanding Spiritual Blindness
04:11 The Importance of Asking for Help
06:24 Relying on Your Support Network
07:44 The Gift of Consolation and Desolation
09:58 Personal Story: Silent Retreat Experience
13:30 Preview of Week 19: The Grace to See
22:23 Contemplation Exercise: The Anointing at Bethany
37:30 Closing Prayer and Reflection

Music by Austin Sebek, "Something"
www.worshipstart.com/royaltyfreemusic


Grace to See M2-W19

This episode of the Transformation Intensive podcast, Tim Gemmel, introduces 'Week 20: Jesus Begins His Passion.' The focus is on the third movement of the Ignatian exercises, where participants seek union with Christ in His passion and aim to understand Jesus' human suffering. Tim shares personal reflections on enduring hardships with divine grace and emphasizes waiting for God's grace during times of pain. The episode explores Ignatius' rules of discernment, particularly rules 12 to 14, which deal with resisting Satan's attacks. Advice is given on fighting spiritual battles, utilizing God's truth, renouncing Satan’s lies, and fasting. Valerie discusses the concept of Union with God and what it means in the Spiritual Exercises The episode concludes with instructions for the week's prayer exercises and a Collect for Monday of Holy Week.

00:00 Introduction to Transformation Intensive
00:34 Entering the Third Movement: Jesus Begins His Passion
01:39 Personal Reflections and Encouragement
03:50 Ignatius's Rules of Discernment
06:14 Pushing Back Against Satan
09:12 Lenten Reflections and Spiritual Practices
19:26 Union with God: Purgation, Illumination, and Union
28:15 Prayer Exercises for the Week
30:57 Conclusion and Final Prayer

Music by Austin Sebek, "Something"
www.worshipstart.com/royaltyfreemusic


Jesus begins his Passion M3-W20

In this episode of the Transformation Intensive Podcast, Anne Gammel welcomes listeners to the 21st week of the Ignatian spiritual exercises, focusing on staying with Jesus during Lent. She shares personal reflections on God's grace, the power of carrying a solidarity stone, and insights into recognizing Jesus in his 'distressing disguise.' The episode also delves into Ignatius' Rule 13, highlighting the importance of bringing struggles into the light to avoid the enemy's deceptive tactics. The discussion includes practical advice on deepening one's connection with Jesus through his Passion, as well as encountering God through the distress of others. Finally, Megan and Tim Davis share their experiences hosting refugee families, shedding light on the profound impact of such acts of love and service. The episode concludes with a prayer written by Peter Faber, reflecting on finding blessings through Jesus' trials.

00:00 Introduction to Transformation Intensive
01:03 Solidarity Stones and Personal Reflections
02:17 Jesus in His Distressing Disguise
03:57 Rule 13: The Enemy's Tactics
09:37 Union with God Through Suffering
10:58 Revealing Jesus Through Human Weakness
22:00 Personal Stories of Refugee Support
27:39 Tim and Megan's Reflections on Service
37:57 Closing Prayer and Final Thoughts

Music by Austin Sebek, "Something"
www.worshipstart.com/royaltyfreemusic


Staying with Jesus M3-W21

The Office of Ignatian Spirituality (OIS), a ministry of the Jesuits on the East Coast, works to promote the ministry of the Spiritual Exercises and to create opportunities for people to experience its graces. Listen here for audio reflections that incorporate Ignatian themes into daily spirituality as well as resources for spiritual directors.

Spiritual accompaniment & Christ-centered holistic wellbeing guide, RYT500.  Remember the past with gratitude, walk towards the future with hope and live in the present with abundant joy!

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