Invitation to Freedom
One of the most important gifts of Ignatian spirituality is an invitation into deeper freedom. An invitation to a life that is joy-filled, even if sometimes challenging. It is paradoxical that in letting go the attachment to things we think will bring freedom, we actually become free.
Our society sees certain things as providing us with freedom and so we tend to want those things: wealth gives us options and flexibility; status and influence allow us to pull strings to get what we want. Sometimes we focus on pleasing or performing because we desperately want to be accepted or liked. And yet, often when our hearts are centred in such places, we become anxious and
trapped in fear of losing these things and so, our freedom.
When we make certain activities a focus in our life, we may even become addicted. Addicted to achievement that leads to burnout; addicted to substances, scrolling our social media feeds or binge-watching Netflix, that may satisfy in the moment but steal our joy. We can even be addicted to (unsuccessfully) trying to rescue or “fix” others, leaving ourselves exhausted and depleted. Addiction is
the ultimate in lack of freedom.
God wants to offer us a life that is authentically free. What does that look like? A life of freedom is one in which we are anchored in a deep trust in God, not living defensively in fear.
When we are anchored in God, we are open to gifts that he is longing to give us: healthier relationships and a more balanced life of service, work and rest. There are opportunities that we might never have considered because of our narrow view of what we thought would bring us freedom. When we are anchored in God, we are able to hold all things lightly allowing him to bless us with gifts and
moving us to where he knows we will find the greatest life.
The final words of the opening meditation in the Spiritual Exercises say: “our one desire and one choice should be this: I want and I choose what better leads to God’s deepening life in me.” This becomes the criterion by which we make choices each day. (St Ignatius paraphrased by David Fleming.) We are most free and able to fully by ourselves when God is at the centre of our
lives.
Where do I find myself most trapped and least free?
Have a conversation with God asking for the gift of freedom.
