Joyful Mother:
A Guide for an Ignatian Reflection/ Prayer
Written by Fr. Randy Roche, SJ
A favorite Ignatian exercise of prayerful reflection with the use of imagination is an after-Resurrection meeting of Jesus with his mother. In this time of anxiety and much suffering in our world, spending some quiet time in such a consideration as this offers a means of becoming centered and grounded in an experience of love that takes place in a troubled time.
The key to this exercise is to imagine that you see and hear Jesus and Mary just as you might when reading a story about a man or a woman whose mother was with them last when they were in the midst of terrible suffering, and now sees them as they are in complete and perfect health.
Before you begin, reserve at least five or ten minutes of private time, and find a comfortable position.
Quietly focus your attention on this story of reunion of Jesus and Mary after his resurrection from death by crucifixion. If it is suitable for you, ask that you might experience the joy of this occasion.
Intentionally relax any tension in your body and your mind, choosing to let the story go where it will, rather than assuming that there is only one “right” way to proceed.
Now imagine the place where this meeting takes place: perhaps a room of the home where Mary lives, or out in a garden; what the space looks like.
Notice Mary, her appearance, what she might be thinking and feeling so soon after her son’s death.
Observe how Jesus makes his presence known; with what sensitivity and with what manner he consoles his mother.
What takes place, as you imagine this scene? How do they communicate their thoughts and feelings? What do they say? How does their reunion proceed from the first moment, through their words and gestures, to a mutually satisfying conclusion? How is their love and joy made manifest? What do they experience within themselves?
Take your time, allow your imagination to make the situation “real,” based on your own experience and sensibilities.
Allow yourself to be present in this meeting of mother and son.
If you are moved to enter some form of direct prayer, do that freely. There are no rules that are supposed to be followed for this kind of meditation.
When you sense that you are finished, you might conclude with a favorite prayer from memory.
Finally, before going on to whatever is next, you might reflect for a moment on what you experienced that was of value to you.
Take a final few moments of stillness before you return to your day.