Allowing the Creator to Deal With the Creature: An Approach to the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola

by William A. Barry

In his advice to spiritual directors, Ignatius of Loyola declares that directors should not steer, in one direction or another, those believers who face difficult life decisions. Rather, says Ignatius, the director should "allow the Creator to deal immediately with the creature and the creature with his Creator and Lord." But how can one make this happen, in practice? How do directors perceive the action of God in a person's soul? How does a person who seeks God open himself or herself to God's saving action? The "Spiritual Exercises" of Ignatius were designed to bring believers into contact with the person of God in a controlled, existential encounter. Believers come to that experience with all their gifts and flaws and with many possible paths open before them. In our day more and more people, both clergy and lay people, Catholic and Protestant, are turning to this traditional practice as a way of deepening their relationship with God. William Barry has more then twenty years of experience as a director of the "Exercises." In this book he offers wise advice to other directors regarding the best ways to "allow the Creator to deal with the creature." All spiritual guides will benefit from these pages.

127 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1994

About the author

William (Bill) Barry, a distinguished spiritual director and author, was born in Worchester, MA. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1950, studied philosophy in Germany from 1953 until 1956, and was at Weston College for theology studies from 1959 until 1963. Ordained a priest in 1962, Barry went on to earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Michigan in 1968.

In 1969, he began teaching psychology at Weston School of Theology, Cambridge, MA, and in 1971 was named director for the Center for Religious Development. He served in both capacities until 1978, when he was put in charge of formation for the New England Jesuit Province. Barry was the Assistant Director of Novices for the Province (1985-88) when he was named Rector of Boston College.

From 1991 to 1997, he served as Provincial of the New England Jesuits. Following that, he was named co-director of the Jesuit Tertianship Program. Barry directs retreats at Campion Center in Weston, MA.

Despite such a busy and committed life, Barry found the time to write 15 books, including The Practice of Spiritual Direction, God and You, Finding God in All Things, Spiritual Direction and the Encounter with God, Who Do You Say I Am?, With an Everlasting Love, and A Friendship Like No Other.

Barry has the rare ability to present complex spiritual issues in clear, well-written prose. He is one of the most influential Ignatian commentators at work today.