Second Week (introduction)
The Call of the King
Christ’s invitation to work with him in redeeming the world, overcoming our own self-love.
Preparatory prayer
Ask God our Lord for the grace that all my intentions, actions and works may be directed purely to the service and praise of his Divine Majesty.
Composition of place
See with the imagination the synagogues, towns and villages where Christ our Lord preached.
Petition
Ask for the grace not to be deaf to his call, but ready and eager to fulfil his most holy will.
Points
- Place before me a human king, chosen by God, whom all Christian princes and people honour and obey.
- Listen to how this king speaks to all his people: “My will is to win the whole world. Whoever wishes to come with me must be content to eat as I eat, drink and dress as I do; must work with me by day and keep watch by night; so that afterwards he may share with me in the victory as he has shared in the labour.”
- Consider how good subjects would answer so generous and kind a king, and how anyone who refused his request would deserve the scorn of the whole world.
- Apply this to Christ our Lord: how much more worthy of attention it is to see Christ calling everyone: “Whoever wishes to come with me must labour with me, so that following me in suffering, he may also follow me in glory.”
Colloquy
Ask for the grace to offer myself entirely to work with him, making an offering of greater worth and moment: “Eternal Lord of all things, I make my offering…”
Adapted from the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola (1548).