During this Holy Week, our Ignatian Workout for Lent invites us to reflect on trial and suffering. Listen to Tim Muldoon’s reflection below. If you’d like, share some of your own reflections in the comments.
Prayer
What does a meditative reading of the story of the trial stir up in you? What trials have you faced, or are you facing? Can you find a place in your heart where you are willing to trust God the way Jesus did?
Action
In the coming days, set aside time to undertake the stations of the cross. Give yourself time to consider how meditating on Christ’s way of the cross sheds light on the specific struggles you are facing.
Learn more about the book that inspired this retreat.
These reflections are helpful. A transcript of the recording would be helpful. Being able to read and reread is more helpful to me than to have to relisten!
Thanks for sharing your insights.
Cece, you might like The Ignatian Workout for Lent, the book that inspired the recording, for the written reflection you seek.
Denise Gorss
IgnatianSpirituality.com Editor
Your words Tim, are an eye opener; just as the season of Lent has been!
For, holding resentment, is’nt really worth it, its unhealthy too: this season helped me firmly believe that it is in forgiving that we are forgiven. It saddens to know how much Mother Mary would’ve endured seeing her son suffer & die….( as a Mum of 2sons its heartbreaking to read)🙏✌
To trust when the father seems absent? And when eveyone else is absent too? I know we are often told that Jesus, friends al lran away, but since He handed His mother over int othe care of St Jeohn we can assume that John was enarby as were varousother women. So there were some people who cred about Him arou..His mother, MAry the mother of , Salome etc etcnd. And yet what I have found in times of extreme trial is not only that G od seems absent but also everyone elese is truly absent too. Lack of human support is particularly difficult. And in fact Christians who one might assue are less afraid of suffering and death than most other people do not fare any better, in fact if anythng they are worst! How to find God inthe middle of all of that ? Not only feeling alone or seeming to be alone but truly alone .I often hear about St John of the Cross. What is the best way to approach him? What modern translation of his original works is recommended? Thanks for yoru miinistry
M S B
Your words are poignant Ruth. As I reflected on my particular struggles right now (refraining from judging people I feel especially resentful towards) and how Christ’s Way of the Cross might inform my choices in the matter (if God can show Mercy as he walks under the weight of a cross, how can I possibly fail to offer forgiveness for transgressions I experience?), your comment helped my insight go even deeper. I mustn’t fear/turn away from these people. I mustn’t fear/turn away from discomfort at all. Instead I must seek ways to show love. These people are themselves feeling abandon, reflecting inner pain. I can stop judging that and love it instead. Thank you.
“to trust even when the Father seems absent”……….
only possible if one has developed a deep relationship in the past
with a Father who loves us beyond our grasp.
thank you – this was beautiful Tim. Lyn