Juntos de Retiro: Encontrar a Jesús en la Oración

by James Martin

«James Martin es un excelente comunicador. Con sus libros ha ayudado a tender puentes entre la vida cotidiana y el evangelio. Y es un maestro espiritual, que busca enseñar a las personas a ponerse a la escucha de Dios y su palabra. La idea de un “retiro espiritual” o unos ejercicios espirituales a la manera ignaciana puede resultar, de entrada, muy exigente para las personas. En algún caso por la falta de disponibilidad, de tiempo o de recursos para hacer ese paréntesis en la vida. En otros casos por la inseguridad, tan humana, ante el silencio y la escucha, que nos lleva a preguntarnos: “¿Seré capaz?”, “¿Estaré a la altura?”, “¿Y si Dios no habla?”. Conocedor de dichas dificultades, Martin quiere, en las páginas de este libro, ofrecer un camino más cercano para comenzar. Un itinerario que se puede recorrer en el mismo lugar en el que transcurre la vida cotidiana. Un proyecto para realizar solos, o en grupo. Se trataría casi de una degustación, un primer tanteo, en el que el menú está bien cocinado y preparado de una manera asequible. Hoy, cuando tantos andamos buscando respuestas, palabras y presencias significativas, todo trampolín que nos ayude a lanzarnos a esa búsqueda es bienvenido. Así que, adelante» (Tomado del Prólogo de José María Rodríguez Olaizola, sj). JAMES MARTIN SJ. Jesuita, escritor y responsable de la sección cultural de la revista América, publicada por la Compañía de Jesús, a la que se incorporó en 1988, cuando tenía 28 años. Anteriormente había trabajado en la corporación General Electric durante seis años, una experiencia empresarial que no le satisfizo y que le movió a buscar nuevos horizontes como sacerdote. Desarrolla una intensa actividad como escritor y como colaborador en diferentes medios de comunicación como Canal Historia, BBC y Radio Vaticano. Es autor de más de 10 libros, algunos están escritos desde su propia experiencia personal. El Grupo de Comunicación Loyola ha publicado tres de sus bestsellers: Más en las obras que en las palabras: una guía ignaciana para (casi) todo; Tiene gracia… La alegría, el humor y la risa en la vida espiritual (en Sal Terrae); y Jesús (en Ediciones Mensajero). Su libro My life with the Saints (Mi vida con los santos) fue considerado por la revista especializada Publishers Weekly como uno de los mejores libros de 2006.

Genres: Spirituality, Religion, Faith

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 19, 2013

About the author

James Martin, SJ is a Jesuit priest, writer, editor at large of the Jesuit magazine America, and consultor to the Vatican's Secretariat for Communication.

Fr. Martin grew up in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, United States, and attended Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business in 1982 and worked in corporate finance at General Electric for six years. Dissatisfied with the corporate world, he entered the Society of Jesus (more commonly known as the Jesuits) in 1988, and after completing his Jesuit training (which included studies in philosophy and theology, as well as full time-ministry) was ordained a priest in 1999. He received his Master's in Divinity (M.Div.) and Master's in Theology (Th.M.) from the Weston Jesuit School of Theology (now part of Boston College).

During his Jesuit training, Martin worked in a hospital for the seriously ill and a homeless shelter in Boston, with Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity in Jamaica, with street-gang members in Chicago, in a prison in Boston, and for two years with East African refugees in Nairobi, Kenya, with the Jesuit Refugee Service. In addition to his work at America magazine, Fr. Martin has written or edited more than 15 books, most of which are about spirituality and religion. He is a frequent commentator on religion and spirituality and has appeared on all the major networks, served as an expert commentator for ABC for the papal conclave that elected Pope Francis, and has written for many outlets, including the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.

Father Martin's best known books The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything (2010) and Jesus: A Pilgrimage were both New York Times bestsellers; My Life with the Saints was named a Publishers Weekly Best Book; and all three were winners of the Christopher Award.

He has received over 15 honorary degrees from Catholic colleges and universities, and in 2017 Pope Francis appointed him as consultor to the Vatican's Secretariat for Communication.

Reviews

[James Tomasino · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful relief, taking my back to my own days in Gloucester during the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. I really enjoyed the insights into the settings around the sea of Galilee. Jim's descriptions helped inform my prayerful imagination and led me to a series of new experiences with God.

It's a quick read, and a great introduction or refresher to Ignatian Prayer. Highly recommended.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent "mini retreat" It has been very helpful at quiet times when I'm seeking something to renew my spirit. I read the enhanced e-book on my Kindle and the beautiful photos of the Sea of Galilee, which were included with each passage, where a welcome addition to my mediations. The author also include simple instructions for the Ignatian meditation process with Scripture as well as for Lectio Divina. The scripture was also included, which made this a very portable retreat.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about different ways of delving into prayer using my imagination and senses and cultivating a prayer retreat exercise in different locations. The book provides a helpful introduction to the concept of a retreat along with prayer practices to incorporate into one's regular prayer life. The author, James Martin, writes insightfully and accessibly about following Jesus in what we pray for and how we pray.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Father Jim Martin is a media personality with a high profile in the United States; but he hasn't lost, however, the essential spiritual inspiration which led him to the Jesuits after a civilian life and a Wharton MBA. He's lived enough life outside the clergy to have a deep empathy for lay persons who wish to explore spiritual guidance within the context of the Roman Catholic Church. He is welcoming to all. In this small tome, Father Jim gives us three samples from scripture to explore. Readers can choose to examine via either the more formal Lecto Divina - with analytical questions; or Ignatian Contemplation - a review that uses the senses - and which has many essential elements of mindfulness and Buddhist meditation. If one is on a spiritual journey, Catholic or not, Father Jim is always worthy of a read and reflection. And this little tome is one to which the explorer may like to return to again and again.

[Elizabeth Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a deliberately short e-book by the renowned Jesuit theologian James Martin, SJ, who has become my favorite spiritual writer for all things Ignatian Spirituality. It's another beautiful example of his ability to really connect with the human/laity desire for deep spirituality and, as always, he makes intimate relationship with God a matter for all of us, and not just the Religious. (Priests, Monks, Nuns, etc.). It was too short though! I could read his books forever as he gives real-life access to something so profound as a "friendship" with God through prayer.

[Benedict F. Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very informative and helpful. Father James Martin, SJ is a inspiring author and great writer. I read several of his previous books and always was informed and satisfied. I recommend him to all who seek assistance in prayer and desire to come closer to God.

[Matthew Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best retreat experience! I am a huge fan of the writings of Fr. Martin and this book/e-retreat was just fantastic! I've never left North America, but now I feel like I've visited the Sea of Galilee with Jesus. Such an enriching experience!

I highly recommend the "Enhanced" Edition. Having the opportunity to see/hear Fr. Martin speak to you as a participant plus his video of the shores and waters of the sea add another level to the retreat.

Do yourself a favor and "come apart and rest awhile" with Jesus and strike up a conversation with God via this e-retreat!

[Mare · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an experience, e-retreat! I enjoy James Martin's writing, but this was very timely for me. I practiced the prayer exercises before but to have them directed by Martin was a different whole new experience for me. I recommend this for those who don't have time or money, but also for those who want to want an experience to enhance one's prayer experience.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for beginner pray-ers who want to use Ignatian Contemplation and Lectio Divina. Don't expect much of suggested Scripture text for reflection. Prayer guides who need a simple way to introduce these two prayer methods to their pilgrims will find clear articulation here.

[Rick Lee Lee James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Retreat

This would be a great resource for an actual retreat away from home but is designed with those who lack resources to do so. Father Martin is a wonderful spiritual director teaching us how to pray and hear from Gid through Ignatian Prayer and Lectionaries Divina.

[Amandanoel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saw Martin on Colbert and started reading this just after the new Pope was announced. Loved it. Will continue using this book for years to come.

[Barbara Pinnola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent eBook! Reading it is like having your own personal spiritual director. James Martin, SJ guides you through the journey. Very good.