Saint Ignatius of Loyola

St. Ignatius of Loyola 1491-1556

In this way, the book sweeps away the hundreds of pious "manuals for perfection" that abounded during the high and late Middle Ages.

I used the word shove deliberately, for, in order to be sure to arrive at the center, one must first be stripped of his illusions about himself, his fantasies and sins, so that "naked he can follow the naked Christ," so that God's Word — Christ — can confront him personally, nose to nose.  This happens not somewhere at the edges but in the center of his existence, so that the call becomes a turning point in his life.

"Being called" constitutes the sole center, meaning, and purpose of the whole book and is surrounded with much prudent advice "pertaining to a proper carrying out of one's call."  The rest of the Exercises merely have to do with sharing Christ's path:  Incarnation, birth, hidden and public life and work, Passion, Resurrection, and the founding of the Church.

What is supposed to happen is the same thing that happened long ago on the bank of the Jordan.  "As Jesus was passing by," and Ignatius emphasizes that Jesus is not stationed somewhere but rather is always passing by, "John looked at him and said, 'Behold the Lamb of God.'  The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.  But Jesus turned around and, seeing them following him, asked them, 'What are you seeking?'"

When they reply "Rabbi, where are you staying?" he answers, "Come and see" (Jn 1:36-39).

Make up your mind to come, which means "drop everything" (Lk 5:11), and you shall see.  "And they went along and saw...and stayed."  What happened back then is not merely a model but is exactly the same thing that happens today, in the here and now, just as the sacrifice of the cross is present in this holy Mass, just as the Resurrection Day's remission of sins takes place in each true confession.