HSE12 - Contemplation to Attain the Love of God, pt. 1 - The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J.

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Contemplation to Attain the Love of God, Part 1 – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J.

Fr. Anthony Wieck, SJ, reflects with Kris McGregor on how St. Ignatius’ spirituality finds its deepest meaning through a Marian lens. St. Ignatius, often seen as a soldier and organizer, was in fact a man profoundly moved by God’s love to the point of tears. His spiritual path teaches a Marian “magnanimity” — a large-hearted openness that allows God to act within the soul. Rather than relying on human initiative, St. Ignatius shows that authentic transformation begins “from above,” through divine inspiration received in prayer. This inner receptivity is what grounds discernment of spirits and anchors the Ignatian call to serve God with one’s entire being.

Fr. Wieck then explores the “Contemplation to Attain Love,” the final exercise in Ignatius’ retreat. This prayer leads the soul to recognize creation, redemption, and every grace as expressions of divine generosity, stirring wonder and gratitude. True love, he says, manifests in deeds and self-gift — modeled perfectly by Mary and exemplified by saints like Maximilian Kolbe. Through this contemplation, one learns that surrender is the highest form of freedom: offering memory, understanding, and will back to God for purification and renewal. The fruit of the Exercises is a life centered on Christ’s heart, detached from self-will, and fully oriented toward God’s glory — a path open to all the faithful, not just Jesuits, as a gift for the entire Church.

Discerning Hearts Catholic Reflection Questions:

How do I allow God to work within me rather than trying to control or direct my own spiritual growth?
In what ways can I imitate Mary’s openness and receptivity to God’s will in my daily life?
When have I experienced the kind of tears or deep emotion that come from encountering God’s love?
Do I tend to act from my own plans and desires, or do I wait for divine inspiration before taking action?
How can I cultivate the humility to let God take the initiative in my vocation or ministry?
What concrete ways has God shown His love for me through creation, redemption, and personal gifts?
How might gratitude deepen my ability to recognize God’s love at work in my life?
What does it mean for me personally to “surrender” my memory, understanding, and will to God?
How can I become more of a self-gift to others, as Mary and the saints were?
Where in my life am I being invited to detach from false securities and place Christ at the center?

Fr. Anthony Wieck is a Jesuit priest of the Central & Southern province. Sixth of nine children, raised on a farm in Oregon, Fr. Anthony began religious life in 1994, spending his first five years of formation in Rome, Italy, studying at the Casa Balthasar and the Gregorian. The former was under the watchful patronage of Pope Benedict XVI (then-Card. Joseph Ratzinger). Fr. Anthony currently acts as retreat master at White House Jesuit Retreat in St. Louis, Missouri. He also offers spiritual direction at the St. Louis diocesan seminary for 25 future priests there.