Editor’s observe: All through July, we’re internet hosting 31 Days with St. Ignatius, a month-long celebration of Ignatian spirituality. Along with the calendar of Ignatian articles discovered right here, posts on dotMagis this month will discover the theme of “The Audacity of Ignatian Spirituality.”
Many people who grew up earlier than the reforms of the Second Vatican Council have been taught a picture of God who was at greatest a stern dad or mum and at worst a extreme decide who had the facility to condemn us to everlasting damnation. To think about such a God as a pal was not audacious; it was unattainable.
Thankfully, most Catholics within the third millennium are acquainted with a extra benevolent God. However a pal?
Who’s God for you? I’ve typically requested religious directees and retreatants to replicate on this query. I counsel that they make an inventory of God’s names and give attention to the one which has essentially the most which means for them. Father and Jesus are the commonest; Creator, Redeemer, Trainer, and Spirit come up typically. I don’t ever keep in mind seeing the phrase Pal.
Why don’t we dare to consider God as a pal? What’s a pal, anyway?
- Somebody we will speak to
Do you speak to God? It’s straightforward sufficient to recite prayers, however actually speaking to God requires utilizing our personal phrases to specific our hopes and fears. - Somebody we will hearken to
Dialog with God is just too typically a monologue. We must be nonetheless and hear. God speaks to us in some ways—by means of the Scriptures, nature, the Eucharist, and good individuals we all know. What’s God saying to you? - Somebody we belief
Do you belief God? It isn’t as straightforward because it sounds. We give in to nervousness and worry as an alternative of trusting. - Somebody who trusts us
Consider the immense belief concerned in God’s giving us free will. Do you act as if you might be worthy of that belief? - Somebody we wish to spend time with
In a world stuffed with noise and distraction, spending time with God is a method to expertise stillness and peace. - Somebody who needs to spend time with us
Even a couple of minutes a day is sufficient for God to attract us to himself, if we’re open to the decision. - Somebody we get pleasure from sharing a meal with
When a pal invitations us to dinner, we savor it and linger. When Jesus invitations us to the Eucharist, can we linger and categorical our gratitude? - Somebody we will depend on in occasions of hassle
That is straightforward sufficient for most individuals. However can we take God as a right? - Somebody who can depend on us in occasions of hassle
In a world stuffed with violence and injustice, can God depend on us to feed the hungry, welcome the refugee, advocate for justice, work for peace, and pray for our enemies?
If it’s nonetheless troublesome to consider God as a pal, give attention to Jesus. He had mates. One of many closest was Lazarus. Within the spirit of Ignatian contemplation, allow us to think about ourselves at dinner with Jesus, Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. Think about the scene: the meals, the wine, the dialog on many topics. What’s your pal Jesus saying to you?
An audacious friendship with God? Allow us to thank the Holy Spirit for the reward of audacity.
Photograph by Marcus Aurelius by way of Pexels.
Are you grateful for friendship with God? At this time in 31 Days with St. Ignatius, contemplate The Reward of Gratitude with Michael Rossmann, SJ. Then share the hyperlink to this or any article from our web site with the hashtag #31DayswithIgnatius.
