St Ignatius invites us to practice spiritual poverty. This is not about having no possessions, but about cultivating a particular attitude toward all that we possess. It is a gracious response to God’s love. Recognising that he is the Creator, that everything we have is given out of love, and that our gifts find their most profound meaning when they are used in his service.
Viewed through this lens, today’s verse calls us to hold our possessions lightly. Spiritual poverty reminds us that nothing truly belongs to us: all is a gift. When we recognise this, we begin to see how generously God loves us and how constantly he provides.
From that awareness flows gratitude. And gratitude leads to freedom—the freedom to say with open hands and open heart: “Lord, all that I
have is yours. Show me how to use it for your glory.”
Do I receive what I possess as a gift, or do I grasp these things as my own?
Reflections by Grant Tungay
SJ
