Whose Kingdom?

‘No one can serve two masters, for a slave will either hate the one and love the other or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.’ (Matthew 6: 24)

Ignatius was a military man. One of the key meditations in the Spiritual Exercises uses the example of the military standard, or flag, to which troops of opposing armies would rally. While this imagery may be less appealing in our time, it reminds us that we are called, again and again, to decide whether we will devote our energy and passion to the kingdom of God or to our own self-interest. We cannot do both. In more contemporary language, we could express the challenge of the Ignatian Two Standards meditation in the question ‘In this situation or decision, whose Kingdom am I really serving? God’s or my own?’

On our spiritual journey, we need to understand that life doesn’t revolve around us and our wishes and demands, but that our true lives are held in being by a much deeper centre of gravity, around whom all creation revolves, and whom we call God.

Reflection

As I look back over my day, when have I found myself serving my own kingdom, or the kingdoms of others and of the world, rather than the true centre and heart of life in God?

When have I felt close to my true centre and to God this day, and how have I experienced God’s touch on my life?

It can be costly to rally to the standard of truth in a world where so much falsehood and deception abounds. When have I experienced, in my own life, the cost of speaking up for truth and justice?

Prayer for Today

My mind and heart so easily drift out of their true orbit around you, Lord, and your kingdom. I ask for the grace to recognise when this is happening and to turn back to you, my true centre. Please grant me the gift of courage to stand firm in defence of what is right and true, whatever the cost.

Novena prayer

Lord, I come into your presence, drawn by your Holy Spirit, inspired by the life and teaching of your servant Ignatius and bringing before you my own intention in this time of prayer (name your personal intention). Like Ignatius, I desire to know you more clearly, to follow you more nearly and to love you more dearly. Echoing his words and in the power of your Spirit, I dare to pray: Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all that I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours, dispose of it according to your will. Give me only your love and grace. This is enough for me.’