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Father Ed Broom begins by reviewing the method of the Spiritual Exercises Classes. The method is like a tripod: 1) The Presentation of the Topic; 2) Facilitated small group sharing where each of you will share for a couple of minutes on one of the meditations that captivated your attention, that really touched you, that really moved you; 3) Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and Communion. The class presumes you are doing your daily meditation on the assigned scripture passage with the commentary. Last week we taught you a method of how to pray. Probably 90% of you never did mental prayer before, it’s probably a novelty to you. We’re basically novices, beginners in the spiritual life. If you found yourself struggling, maybe foundering, that’s normal because you’re learning. It takes awhile to learn anything new. It takes time and effort to learn a language. It takes effort to lift weights and time to build muscle tone. To learn how to play the clarinet takes time and practice. It’s called the Exercises because its going to take a little while for you to get into the habit of prayer. However, if it’s done with good will, this should be the most powerful experience in your life! This program is unlike any other Church programs you’ve taken. This program demands that you be active. It demands maturity because you have to do this on your own – you have to pray everyday on your own. You’re basically alone with God! Sometimes that’s scary, to be alone with God. Because we have to confront our own devils when we’re alone with God, and that can be scary. The Exercises work upon one basic principle – magnanimity. A Greek compound word: magna – means great and anima means soul. Great soul! In other words, generosity! So enter into these Exercises with a lot of good will! Really ask God to help you to pray well!
Last week (Week One) we covered Principle and Foundation: the purpose of our existence is to praise God and get to heaven. Today is the Feast of the Ascension. Jesus went up to Heaven to prepare a place for us. That is Principle and Foundation! Meditating on your purpose for being here – to praise God and get to heaven – should change your whole perspective on life. That should change your reasoning process. That should change your decision making. That should change your actions! This week (Week Two) we encounter what is the major obstacle or roadblock or detour that prevents us from arriving at the purpose for which we were created. It is the reality of SIN. Today’s presentation and Worksheet will be on the first sins and their consequences. We’re going to see sin as God sees sin, not as Hollywood sees sin – something glamorous. Look up at the crucifix – that’s how God the Eternal Father sees sin. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16).
