Ignatian book on the contemplative path
Joy in God: Rekindling an Inner Fire (Messenger Publications) » is a new book by Joachim Hartmann SJ and Dr Annette Clara Unkelhäußer that explores a school of contemplation known as the Gries Path. Step by step, the authors take the reader through each stage, which centres on the Jesus Prayer and makes use of silence and spiritual conversation.
It is thought that many people overlook the rich and complementary relationship between silence and communication. In silence people can discover the gift of communication and become aware of its ability to effect healing, consolation, reconciliation and joy. The Gries Path, developed by Franz Jalics SJ and rooted in Ignatian spirituality, shows people how to focus on the things that open their eyes and leave their hearts burning.
Each chapter focuses on a specific theme and follows the structure of an introduction and conversation between the authors on that theme. Then, using the questions ‘Where was my heart burning?’ ‘Where were my eyes opened?’, the authors talk about what happens in silence: healing and wholeness, suffering and consolation, forgiveness and reconciliation, gratitude and joy. Finally, each chapter concludes with short exercises for the reader, relevant to the theme.
Joachim Hartmann SJ is a Jesuit trained in Gestalt therapy. He is a retreat companion and director of the Jesuit retreat centre Haus Gries, Germany. Annette Clara Unkelhäußer is a medical doctor and journalist. She is a retreat companion and director of the Jesuit retreat centre Haus Gries, Germany. Angela Simek-Hall has translated several books. She has been on the contemplative Gries Path for many years and accompanies people on spiritual retreats.
Joy in God: Rekindling an Inner Fire by Joachim Hartmann SJ and Dr Annette Clara Unkelhäußer and translated by Angela Simek-Hall is published in Ireland and the UK by Messenger Publications. Price is €12.95/£11.95.
