Letting Go

 ‘For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.’ (Matthew 16:25)

Ignatius understood the depth of what Jesus was saying here. As human beings, we all have attachments to things and people on earth. Some of these are healthy attachments, such as our love for others, our desire to live healthily and to enjoy the gifts of music, art, literature, the natural world or our gardens and homes. Some are unhealthy and can become obsessive or addictive. He warns us that we must be ready to let go of any unhealthy attachments that are not, or are no longer, leading to life, if we are to find a greater fullness beyond what we think is emptiness. This is the art of detachment. It reminds us that we sometimes cling to what has no eternal value, and fail to recognise what really matters most.

Reflection

Is there anything in my life that I feel I could not possibly live without? 

Is my need becoming a dependency, the first step towards addiction?

Do I truly desire to be free of this dependency, even if my freedom requires some painful loss?

Prayer for Today

May I have the grace to sit lightly to all created things, grateful for them while I have them, but not so dependent on them that I despair if they are taken away. Please grant me the courage to let go of what is no longer leading me closer to you.

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 special 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.’