CHAPTER 11: Surrendering to the Future

• In his provincial’s decision to delay his theology studies,
Fr. Martin met with disappointment. Yet his spiritual
director suggested that God might be “forming” him
through this difficult time (p. 278). What painful experiences
have formed you?


• How do you understand Walter Ciszek’s insight that God’s
will is found in the “reality of the situation” (p. 281)?


• Sister Janice suggested that an important part of life is
learning to “surrender to the future that God has in store
for you”—even when that includes suffering (p. 284). In
what areas of your life have you had to “surrender”?
Where did that surrender lead?


• The Ignatian approach to suffering includes an imaginative
encounter with the Jesus who has suffered. Do you
believe that God is “with you” as you go through difficult
times? How have you experienced this?

CHAPTER 12: What Should I do?

• One of the main goals of the way of Ignatius is “indifference,”
which is often confused with simply not caring
about things. How could a greater sense of healthy indifference
help you?

• Ignatian discernment starts with the belief that God is
with you in making decisions and that acting in concert
with God’s desires for you sometimes brings “consolation.”
Have you ever felt a feeling of “rightness” or “consolation”
after making a good decision?

• Fr. Martin notes that the “Third Time” of decision making,
when things seem very unclear, is probably the most
common. Which of the decision-making steps he outlines
on pp. 319–326 sound the most helpful?

• Fr. Martin speaks about making decisions as your “best
self.” Who is your “best self ” and how would that person
act in ways different from the way you are living now?