Contemplatives in Action: The Jesuit Way

One of the greatest challenges of responding with a life-giving "Yes" to the call to become a living reflection of Christ's presence in the world is dealing with the seemingly conflicting pulls. Do I spend time in prayer or in service? Do I want to join a religious order or become involved in a ministry where I live? "Contemplatives in Action" shows how these paradoxes can actually become a creative tension in our lives. It's wonderful!

This small book is an excellent, accessible introduction to Jesuit spirituality. The authors, both highly respected Jesuits with vast experience of the Spiritual Exercises, have written a work intended for a general audience. Containing only 80 pages of text, the book is organized according to what the authors describe as "a set of lifegiving and creative tensions" inherent in Jesuit spirituality. Their approach is both innovative and clever. They cover some of the historical circumstances which called forth the kind of responses from the earliest Jesuits that have come to characterize Jesuit spirituality. I cannot think of a better, more compact introduction to Jesuit spirituality for the novice. Especially good for those working with Jesuits or in Jesuit apostolates who want a quick, helpful primer.