HSE13 - Contemplation to Attain the Love of God, pt. 2 - 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 2 – The Heart of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola with Fr. Anthony Wieck S.J.

Fr. Anthony Wieck continues his reflection on St. Ignatius’ “Contemplation to Attain the Love of God.” He explains that this prayer is not a study in technique but a grace-filled invitation to let God act within us. The four movements of contemplation are: recognizing God’s sustaining presence in all creation; marveling at His ongoing labor in nature and human life; perceiving that every good gift descends from above; and responding by returning all things to God in gratitude. He highlights how St. Ignatius invites the soul to sit before these realities—to let the heart be filled with wonder, joy, and awareness of divine love that holds all things in being.

Using the daily Examen prayer is a practical way to live this awareness. By reviewing moments of grace each day, the soul begins to see God’s nearness in ordinary experiences and grows in grateful receptivity. This recognition transforms the heart, allowing love received to overflow naturally toward others. Such interior renewal naturally leads to mission, as one becomes a “living cell” within the Body of Christ.

Discerning Hearts Catholic Reflection Questions:

How do I recognize God’s sustaining presence in the ordinary details of my daily life?
In what ways can I allow myself to be filled with awe at God’s ongoing work in creation?
What prevents me from receiving God’s love fully and freely in prayer?
How can I grow in daily gratitude through the practice of the Examen?
Where have I seen God’s love flowing through others—or through me—to bless someone recently?
How do I experience being a “living cell” in the Body of Christ, connected to others in love and service?
What gifts or graces has God entrusted to me that I am called to return in loving response?
How might I pray the Anima Christi more intentionally as a way of drawing closer to Christ’s heart?
In moments of prayer, how do I let myself simply rest and bask in the presence of the Father?
How does receiving God’s love compel me to share that same love with the world around me?

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.