Lord, help me to live with open palms and contentment, free from any misguided attachments that would distract me from your created purpose.
Option 1:
Contemplate “Experiencing Ignatian Inner Freedom” and consider how it speaks to your life.
Option 2:
Scripture: Philippians 3:7-16; 4:4-13
Reflection: How did the Apostle Paul reach a place of inner freedom? Talk to God about where you are at in your own process and ask for greater ability to be truly free.
Option 3:
Quote (from the Principle and Foundation): “On our part, we do not want health more than sickness, riches more than poverty, honor more than dishonor, a long life more than a short life, and so in all the rest; desiring and choosing only what most helps us toward the end for which we are created.”
Reflection: Ignatius is not suggesting that we shouldn’t enjoy or desire good things. But rather we should not become so attached to having something that it prevents us from doing God’s will. That includes ascetics who might want poverty more than wealth. Instead we should live with open palms, whether that calling involves wealth or poverty. What are your thoughts? What degree of inner freedom do you currently experience?
Close with “Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace”
Option 4:
Scripture: James 1:2-4; 5:10-11; Psalm 88
Reflection: Growing in our capacity for inner freedom means we inevitably have to accept and lament losses. Talk with God about the Scripture readings, especially the contrast between James’s understanding of joy and blessedness in suffering and the psalmist’s sadness and lament. How might both approaches help you toward inner freedom?
Option 5:
Repeat one of the previous days this week.
Option 6:
Scripture: Mark 10:17-27
Reflection: Contemplate the struggle of the rich man to let go of his inordinate attachments. What specific things (or circumstances) are you holding onto that keep you from fully following Jesus in daily life?
Reviewing the Week:
Look back on the past week. What stands out to you the most as you have prayed and reflected on inner freedom (or “Ignatian indifference”)? Talk with God about what you have noticed and felt.