Boundless Love
A Meditation on a Contemporary
Translation by Andy Otto of God in All Things
INTRODUCTION
The Principle and Foundation is a cornerstone of Ignatian
spirituality written by Saint Ignatius of Loyola as part of his Spiritual
Exercises. It serves as a guiding light, illuminating our fundamental purpose
in relation to God and creation. Ignatius saw the Principle and Foundation as a
profound statement of our human existence. He believed that understanding our
ultimate purpose: to praise, reverence, and serve God, provides the framework
for all of life’s decisions and experiences. This foundational concept invites
us to recognize God’s love as a source of our being and to orient our lives
toward deepening our relationship with the Divine. I invite you now to rest in
this loving source in the presence of God as we listen to a contemporary
wording of the Principle and Foundation.
PRINCIPLE AND FOUNDATION
We are brought into existence by a God of boundless love
with the ultimate purpose of sharing in eternal communion with this Divine
source. Our lives are an opportunity to respond to this love, allowing it to
flow through us and transform us.
Everything we encounter in this world, our experiences,
relationships, talents, and challenges are potential pathways to deeper
connection with God. These aspects of our lives can serve as bridges leading us
to a more profound understanding of divine love and enabling us to express our
love in return.
However, we must be discerning. When we cling too tightly to
any created thing or experience, making it the center of our existence, we can
inadvertently create barriers between ourselves and God, hindering our
spiritual growth.
Therefore, we are called to cultivate a balanced approach to
life, whether we face joy or sorrow, success or failure, abundance or scarcity,
we are invited to see each circumstance as an opportunity for spiritual
deepening. Our level of comfort, social status, or lifespan should not be our
primary concern.
Instead, our fundamental desire and choice should be this:
to align ourselves to whatever draws us into a more profound, life-giving
relationship with God. This alignment becomes our compass, guiding us toward
our true purpose and ultimate fulfillment.
PONDERINGS
We are brought into existence by a God of boundless love.
Consider the vastness of the universe and the intricacy of your own being. In
this context, what does it mean to you that you were personally created by a
loving God? How might this shape your understanding of your life’s purpose?
Let us now consider life’s potential pathways to deeper
connection with God. Think of a recent experience that brought you joy. How
might this experience be inviting you into a deeper relationship with God?
Now, consider a recent challenge. What might this difficulty
be teaching you about God’s presence in your life?
We often hear the phrase: God is love. Reflect on the idea
that our lives are an opportunity to respond to this love, allowing it to flow
through us and transform us. What areas of your life feel most transformed by
God's love, and where do you feel resistance to this transformative love?
We are cautioned against clinging too tightly to any created
thing or experience. Examine your heart. What do you hold most dear? How much
do you honor and appreciate this while still maintaining God as the center of
your life? What would it look like to loosen your grip on this aspect of your
life?
Consider the invitation to cultivate a balanced approach to life.
Reflect on a recent decision you made: large or small. How might this decision have
been different if your primary goal was to draw into a more profound
life-giving relationship with God? What would it mean for you to use this as
your compass in daily life?
Now speak with God about anything that is rising up in your
heart.
PRAYER
Boundless and loving creator we stand of your infinite love
that brought us into being. Open our eyes to see the pathways to you in all our
experiences. Grant us the wisdom to hold life's gifts with open hands, and the
courage to align our choices with your divine invitation.
May each moment draw us into deeper communion with you,
transforming us and flowing through us to touch the world.
In gratitude and love, we offer ourselves to you.
SONG
In the silence of the dawn
I contemplate what I was born for
To love, to serve, to find my way
Back to the one who formed me from clay
In your presence I am whole
Your love the anchor of my soul
All creation sings your praise
Guide me Lord through all my days
Riches, honor, length of days
Are but shadows in your gaze
Sickness, health, or poverty
Your love remains my treasuring
In your presence I am whole
Your love the anchor of my soul
All creation sings your praise
Guide me Lord through all my days
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