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Jesuit Journeys
Fall 2001
Co-authors plead:
Do Not Read Our Book
By Phil Nero
Fr. Gene Merz, SJ and Sr. Carol Ann Smith, SHCJ, co-authors of an award-winning book, have an unusual message for would-be readers.
Please, don't read their book.
Moment by Moment, a Retreat in Everyday Life, received top honors from the Catholic Press Assoc-iation this year in the first-time author category.
"This is not a book you want to read," Sr. Carol Ann insists.
"Like The [Spiritual] Exercises," Fr. Gene adds, "it should be experienced, not read." And apparently thousands of people are doing just that, as Moment by Moment, released in August of 2000, is now in its third printing at Ave Maria Press.
The book is rooted in Ignatian spirituality, a vision of the relationship between God and the human person grounded in the experiences of St. Ignatius of Loyola who founded the Jesuit order in 1540. He reflected on his experiences and developed a way to share them in a manual titled The Spiritual Exercises.
Completing The Spiritual Exercises in their original form required a 30-day retreat in a place of solitude, something Jesuit novices still do immediately after entering the order. However, various adapted versions of the Exercises, allowing the experience to span several months, were encouraged by St. Ignatius and developed over time.
Based on their extensive experience of giving the Exercises - most recently at the Center for Ignatian Spirituality at Marquette University-Sr. Carol Ann and Fr. Gene produced in Moment by Moment a format that follows the classic retreat model in a series of 32 "moments" - or periods of reflection and prayer.
"We wanted to put it together in a way that people would not need a lot of expertise in the theory of Ignatian Spirituality to be able to pray through the book," Sr. Carol Ann says. "We had a pretty good sense of what happens as people go through The Spiritual Exercises and were able to draw on that experience to present Moment by Moment in a user-friendly format."
"We wanted to provide something that would give busy people an opportunity to experience the Exercises. We wanted to make them available for lay people today as Ignatius did originally for women and men in his time. People are searching for a way to find focus, balance, meaning, and direction in their lives. The Exercises have been a great aid for renewal and conversion of heart because they feed the human hunger and thirst for God," says Fr. Gene.
The text guides the reader through human life experiences by grouping them in five thematic sections. Photos by renowned Jesuit photographer Fr. Don Doll, SJ help set the tone for each section, and each moment provides thought-provoking questions, practical suggestions, and carefully chosen excerpts from scripture and The Spiritual Exercises. The simple format can be used by individuals or by groups as a way of making the Exercises in daily life, as a guide for daily prayer, as companion for reflection, or as suggested themes for retreat.
"Different components in each moment facilitate reflection and help busy people tune out the influences of culture and tune into the influences of God," Fr. Gene says.
In announcing the award, the Catholic Press Association praised the book effusively: "Reflection questions, an aid to discernment, and an examen prayer lead the pilgrim into a dynamic prayer about ordinary life rhythms. These elements work together to allow the action of God to penetrate gradually and more deeply into one's whole being."
Success of the book is related largely to the inherent power of the Exercises to deepen a person's relationship with God regardless of where he or she is spiritually, say the authors.
"The surprise to me, and the delight," says Fr.Gene, "is the book's broad appeal. I expected it would be helpful in retreat centers, hoped it would be helpful in parishes, thought it would be dynamite for married couples. But we're hearing wonderful stories about it being used by families. We know it is being used in prisons; we hear reports of its use by chaplains in retirement homes, hospice facilities and hospital. Doctors also are using it for their own personal growth. Jesuit universities, high schools, parish councils, parishes, book clubs, school faculties and staffs are using it as well. The book is taking on a life of its own as people find different ways to use it individually and in groups."
As people make their way through the book, they may experience the gift of the Exercises.
"The Spiritual Exercises comprises more than just a classic spiritual text that helps people pray. The Exercises are a multifaceted gift that offers guidance in life. As people move through the experience, they understand that the Exercises are going to help them interpret their lives, guide them in their decisions, and help them develop a deeper understanding of God and self," Sr. Carol Ann says.
So buy the book. Borrow the book. Ask your library to stock the book. Even give it at as gift.
Just remember, thou shalt not steal the book, and do not read the book.
"Pray the book," both authors suggest.
Note: Copies of Moment by Moment are $10.95 each and
can be ordered from: Ave Maria Press,
P.O. Box 428, Notre Dame, IN 46556
Tel: 1-800-282-1865, Ext. 1
E-mail: avemariapress.1@nd.edu
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