Where does the imagination fit into the spiritual life? Ignatius of Loyola in his spiritual
exercises uses the imagination to reenact events in the story of Jesus such as his birth and
asks you to imagine yourself being present in that event. For example, you are a shepherd
discovering the Christ child. You imagine that the baby Jesus has something to tell you that
could be of significance in your present life. It could be that you need to be more dependent
on God in dealing with your problems, or you experience that God does have concern for you
giving you nourishment, safety, and love. You have meditated on something from the past
and made it present in order to find meaning for your life today.
You can use your imagination as you experience being present at a setting in nature. Take
time to reflect on the beauty, the sounds, the wisdom that the natural world offers. What are
the forests, the oceans, the mountains saying to you? They could be telling you to put things
in perspective. Storms have led to new possibilities. Take care of what is most precious to
you.
Imaging the future in a world that is yet to come leads to two directions. It can bring on
feelings of dread or hope that God’s kingdom is in the process of becoming. Maybe it will
lead you to do your part in bringing this better world.
• How does valuing experiences from the past help you in living your life today?
• What do your experiences in nature have to say to you?
• What is God calling you to do to make for a better world?
O God, help me to use my imagination to draw closer to you.