Jesuit Journeys
Spring 2007

It’s Time to Get in Shape –Spiritually

By Amy Guckeen

This is the time of year when thoughts of getting “back in shape” crowd our minds as warmer weather might just peak on the horizon. On the heels of Lent which is popularly known in today’s culture as the time to give up vice, whatever it may be, and if you lose weight or become healthier as a result, even better. Yet while self-denial and discipline can be a good thing, perhaps it’s time to consider more than just the physical this year – it’s time to get spiritual.

“Physical exercise is good for toning up the body,” said Fr. John Schwantes, SJ, director of the Jesuit Retreat House in Oshkosh, Wis. “Spiritual exercise is good for increasing the openness of the Holy Spirit. We do spiritual exercises so that we can limber up and be open to the movement of the Spirit to help us be more responsive to God’s presence and his workings in our heart.”

Just as one might go to the doctor to get an assessment of their physical health, Schwantes offers a new idea for a spiritual checkup. Check the pulse to make sure it’s still alive and ticking, step on the scale to make sure you’re not getting weighed down by sin, and as you see necessary, consider the following prescriptions to remedy any problems or to give yourself an added boost.

Recommit yourself to God’s presence

Between work, family and other commitments, it’s easy for one to lose sight of the reason why we do what we do. Taking a step back, Schwantes said, is the first step in achieving spiritual health.

“We must recommit ourselves to becoming more attentive to God’s presence in our lives,” Schwantes said. “Be willing to commit yourself to some little prayer every day. We need to connect ourselves to our connection with God.”

Once one has established that connection, taking a moment to listen to that connection can help you determine what direction you should head next.

Ask, What I am really asking for from myself, and what I am really looking for, is to walk with Christ. Whether it be for reasons like letting me know that I am frail and that I am no Savior, or if it gets me into a more intimate relationship with Christ, either way I am improving my lot and in turn improving my soul’s chances of reaching God’s heavenly arms.

According to Creighton University Online Ministries, another way of incorporating Christ into our daily lives may be placing symbols in our home-such as a crucifix, water, sand, or a bible to remind us of God’s constant presence.

Eat some spiritual fruit

Fruit, vegetables, whole grains and calcium are all things that nourish the body. Nourishment for the soul however, is an important part of one’s spiritual life, Schwantes said. “Everybody says to eat more healthy – get more whole grains, more fruits and vegetables,” Schwantes said. “Our spiritual version of that is Scripture. Decide to read something, do some spiritual reading and put away the junk reading you might do for a little while. Put some space in your life for something that would be more nourishing spiritually.”

Some ideas of spiritual reading may be a prayer book, the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola, or a local diocesan publication. Don’t, however, forget the basis of it all –the Bible.

Read about Christ in the Gospels, the story of Christ’s passion. Read what he really said, and how those last few days went for the four Gospel writers.

Keep holy the Sabbath day

God rested on the seventh day, something anyone rarely does in today’s world. Schwantes offers a challenge that’s hard for some to imagine, do what God did, and take some time for yourself.

“This is a lot harder to do,” Schwantes said. “But really create some Sabbath time in your life. Take some time out and just go for a walk. Do not be afraid to sit down, take some time to rest.”

While this may seem like an indulgent behavior to some, according to Schwantes, it is a vital commitment one must make to them self.

“When we work too hard it destroys the fruit,” Schwantes said. “By resting you really do get in touch with the Holy Spirit, and that’s the place we make our best decisions out of. With the rush and pressure of modern life, you can contribute to peacemaking in the world by just taking some Sabbath time and not being so violent towards yourself.”

Challenge yourself to reach out

While looking inwardly is an important Lenten practice, taking a look at our relationships with others can also be helpful and not just our relationships with the ones we know and love.

“We must move beyond our own little circle of friends and our comfortable way of living and become more attentive to the needs of people around us,” Schwantes said. “People can choose something simple that would be of service to others, whether it be each day to say a little prayer for peace, or committing to reach out beyond your own.”

Finally...just pray Something exciting or terrible happens in our life and what’s the first thing we do? Call a friend or a family member. Talking. It’s something we do to connect, even if it’s just with random people we meet on the street or the bus. So in all of your conversations, don’t forget about the one person you should be going to with all your joys and sufferings – God.