Dear

At a recent Workshop on Discernment facilitated by John Dardis SJ, he compared two images of the Church, the first as a lighthouse, strong, tall, sturdy, and distant, shining a light from a great height into the darkness. The second image, by contrast, was a group of tea light candles, each small and fragile, yet together, casting wide their flickering lights. John likened the image of the tea light candles to the Synodal Church, fragile and vulnerable yet also mobile, energised, and inclusive.

As we enter this time of Advent, reflecting on Mary’s vulnerability and courage as she set out on her new path, may we draw strength from her example, as we each become a small Synodal light in this new way of being Church. 

And our JISA Discernment Series continues with spiritual exercises and reflections. Enjoy!

Releasing myself to the Spirit of Progress

“The spiritual exercise of daily progress reminds me of the Ignatian concept of indifference that invites me to embrace a heart space of detachment and openness.” Robyn Wunder reflects on the experience of Ignatian indifference releasing the spirit of progress.

Discernment in Action

"Discernment, for me, is something that occurs gradually when time is taken to reflect on experience. It is an attentive, intentional posture, an inclination towards light and life. We are pulled onwards, upwards, down paths that may be new, but promise so much.” Michael Tod from Saint Ignatius Geelong shares his experience of discernment.

Discernment Resources from John Dardis SJ

We bring you two of John’s most valued instructional videos: Discernment in the everyday and Introduction to Spiritual Conversation.

Making a space for God’s warm embrace

Michelle Frankeni from Jesuit Communications shares her experience of a silent retreat at JISA Campion. “On a secular level, it was a chance to ‘stop the world and get off’, but the spiritual component meant so much more. Being silent did not mean there was no meaningful conversations, being alone did not mean being lonely, and being by oneself did not mean being deprived of contact – I did feel the Shepherd’s embrace."