Discovering Your Personal Vocation: the Search for Meaning Through the Spiritual Exercises

Deceptively brief and simple, this is a profound reflection on identifying your "personal vocation"--not just discovering what you really want to do, but discovering the very essence of your being, what is unique and unrepeatable about you. Doing flows from being, so this is the spirit that animates everything you do; this is the secret of unity and integration at the Heart of Life, how you are called by name.

Alphonso then shows how discovering this special way of being is the deepest, furthest-reaching goal of the Ignatian Exercises. The way of being is a reality of God, difficult to express. Sometimes it may be perceived as a phrase that comes to define one's life: "Abba," "remain in my love," "unconditional acceptance," or "simply gift"--all poor examples of what is experienced on the innermost level. Once uncovered, this reality becomes the criterion of discernment for every subsequent action. It is a transforming discovery that prompts us to reach out more effectively to others and to live more deeply our commitment to our Christian life and mission. The author ends by showing how to change the examination of conscience from an exercise in morality--What did I do wrong today?--to a way of discernment--How did I live out my personal vocation today?

This book is for all spiritual seekers, as well as anyone interested in the Spiritual Exercises. It's also ideal for spiritual directors, spiritual directees, retreat directors, clergy and religious, Christian and pastoral counselors, vocation directors, and RCIA directors.