A terrific interview by Bill McGarvey over at Bustedhalo with Jim Conroy, S.J., director of the "Jesuit Collaborative," a new venture of the New England, Maryland and New York Provinces of the Society of Jesus, designed to bring the riches of St. Ignatius's Spiritual Exercises to more men and women.
I think people are really looking for meaning in their life, and they’re looking for truth. In a culture that is built around “quick and easy,” that looks for satisfaction and then moves on as quickly as it can to the next thrill, there becomes a substantial part of who we are that is malnourished. And that’s the part that’s looking for meaning, and that’s the part that’s looking for deeper truth. And it’s not only to give in to instant gratification or satisfaction, but it is that spirit within us — and I think it’s innate — that draws us to look for more, for greater insight, for a relationship that’s based on substance. So I think the Exercises then become that vehicle for a lot of different people who become aware of a desire to understand what’s going on in their life, to relate to the experience of God, to begin to enter into that kind of prayer, that kind of relationship with God, which just opens up all kinds of doors, all kinds of windows. And whether one recognizes it or not in the traditional religious language that is often used, there is still that hunger for meaning, that desire for truth, for a relationship that’s based on substance. That’s all of God. And our culture is loaded with opportunity for that, because what is around us is sometimes so shallow and vapid.
Read the rest here. And, especially if you're a young(ish) believer or seeker, check out Bustedhalo on a regular basis. Also, for more info on the Collaborative check out their website.
