Ignatian Contemplation

The subject matter of Ignatian contemplations is the mysteries of Christ's life, not mere events, but mysteries ... whereas the subject matter of the meditations is facts or truths, which directly concern the person themselves.

In the Second Week, Ignatius has us contemplate, "look at," study which is translated from a key Ignatian word "Mirar," meaning a contemplative experience like studying a leaf, a flower or a loved face. Contemplation in the Exercises can never be a question of merely being present and watching indifferently.