Both the author of the Fourth Gospel and St. Ignatius could truly exclaim: "I encountered God!" Both, too, have left us a record of their spiritual experiences, from which sprang their outlooks on God and humankind.
The present book reveals the similarity in their outlooks on the spiritual life. From John's "spiritual Gospel" Father Stanley selects passages appropriate to an Ignatian retreat and interprets them in depth.
He presents up-to-date biblical theology oriented toward the heart. It is intended to open the way to affective prayer and contemplation.
The author gives much help toward practice of the age-old "prayerful reading of Scripture" (lectio divina). In an Appendix, "A Suggested Approach to Lectio Divina," he shows what it has been in history and suggests a method of doing it.
This is predominantly a book for deepening one's spiritual life, especially by basing it more firmly on a deeper understanding of Scripture.
This volume is useful particularly for retreat directors or exercitants who have had experience with St. Ignatius' Spiritual Exercises.
But a prayerful reading of this work will help others also to absorb directly from St. John much of the result ordinarily expected from an Ignatian retreat.
"The spirit of John consists totally in love and in bringing others to love."