Religion & Spirituality
In this last edition of the Advent Series, Fr. Ruff walks through Part 2 of the Meditation on the Incarnation which comes from the Spiritual Exercises. While the first part of this meditation asked us to explore God’s decision to save the human race, this second part focusses on Mary’s human response. Part 1 - 3: Advent (3/3) - Meditation on the Incarnation (Part 1 of 2)Understanding the Spiritual Exercises:Jesuits / Society of JesusThe Spiritual Exercises Imaginative Contemplation“To see Jesus more clearly, to love him more dearly, and to follow more nearly.”– Richard of ChichesterUnderstanding the Meditation on the Incarnation:Diptych PrayerFirst Panel: The Trinity Looks Down from HeavenSecond Panel: Mary’s Human ResponseDraw Me into Your Friendship (1996)by David L. Fleming, S.J.The Meditation on the incarnation (Part 2 of 2):1. Draw yourself into God’s presence, and ask for what you desire to see more clearly, to love more dearly, and to follow more nearly.2. Carefully read the account of the Annunciation, found in Luke 1: 26-38. Then, reflect as Fr. Flemming suggests: “Here, I try to stay with the eyes of God, and look upon the young girl Mary as she is greeted by God’s messenger, Gabriel.”3. Guided by the Holy Spirit, get to know Mary intimately. Imagine what this scene looked like as the angel Gabriel descended on Mary’s small, meager town. As St. Ignatius suggests, be present to this scene by: “Hearing the nuances of the questions, seeing the expression in the face and eyes [of Mary], watching the gestures and movements which tell us so much about a person.”4. Ask yourself some questions to help you better understand Mary: How must Mary have reacted to this divine intrusion? How would you react? What on earth could God possibly want with me? What does it mean to say“you will be the Mother of God?” How could all this come to pass?5. Sit in reflection of this scene. Stay with Mary or with the Divine Word for a little. Perhaps thank the Trinity for this gift, or Mary for her courageous response. Maybe reflect on how you can respond with courage to God’s call when it comes.6. Conclude this meditation by carrying this peace and perspective with you these last few days of Advent.