Brian O’LEARY, SJ.  God Ever Greater: Exploring Ignatian Spirituality.  Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2018.  pp. xiii + 126.  $19.95.  pb.  ISBN:  978-0-8146-8813-7.  Reviewed by Moni MCINTYRE, Pittsburgh, PA  15213.

The author succeeds in providing a helpful snapshot of the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556).   Brian O’Leary, an Irish Jesuit, knows whereof he speaks.  Having worked in the arena of spirituality for most of his life, he exhibits a deep appreciation of the founder of his religious society as well as for the power and persuasion of the Spiritual Exercises.  Although suited for the beginner in Ignatian spirituality, the book provides some useful insights for those who have a more mature understanding of the life and spirituality of Ignatius.

O’Leary begins his slim volume with an overview of the book.  In Chapter One of Part One, he introduces the notion of spirituality and, after considering religious and non-religious influences on human lives, he presents two models of spirituality.  He calls the first model “the human spirit” and the second model “the divine spirit.”  In the first model, one can appreciate beauty and humanitarianism without having to confront the presence or absence of the Divine.  In the second model, the Holy Spirit looms large in O’Leary’s specifically Christian approach.  Each model may contribute to the other.  He considers relevant cultural influences today as well as at the time of Ignatius before offering three contemporary definitions of Christian spirituality.  He also discusses the Pauline influence on Luther’s notion of faith and works before presenting a glimpse of the Ignatian tradition.

In Chapter Two, O’Leary introduces the life and legacy of Ignatius, including the Spiritual Exercises.  It is quite a satisfying chapter in that the author selects interesting and provocative details of the saint’s life and message.  The special places in the life of Ignatius and the Jesuit congregation, e.g., Manresa, are explained clearly and become familiar as one reads the book. Chapter Three unpacks the somewhat confusing details of Acta Patris Ignatii: The Autobiography.  O’Leary’s explanation would be helpful to anyone expecting Ignatius to be the author of his own “autobiography.”  Chapter Four is a reverent description of the mystical gifts of Ignatius, including his peak experiences.  In this chapter, O’Leary explains the title: “For Ignatius, God is the ultimate reference-point for all of reality.  He is ‘God Ever Greater’ . . . .”  Chapter Five explores the notion of discernment in Ignatian spirituality.  The author describes various modes of communication with the divine, including paranormal, reason, and affectivity.  O’Leary draws upon his vast knowledge of spiritual masters as he makes observations and clarifications concerning aspects of traditional spiritualities.  Chapter Six describes the early days of the Jesuit community.  O’Leary explains some of the decisions that the men had to make, e.g., whether to become a religious order.  In clear detail, he describes the deliberate and admirable process in which they engaged the Holy Spirit for guidance over time.  One leaves Part One impressed with the spirituality of Ignatius and his original companions.

Part Two, “Towards a Personal Response to Ignatian Spirituality,” provides some helpful ideas for those who wish to deepen their prayer life in this way.  The author concludes each of seven short chapters with a “prayer suggestion.”

There is much to like about this book.  O’Leary knows his subject matter and writes for a broad audience.  His insights into the life and times of Ignatius help the author to present an honest appraisal of one of the greatest saints of all time.  I recommend it for those who would like either an accessible introduction to Ignatian spirituality or a brief refresher course.  O’Leary has done a fine job.