Two Standards

Give me only your love and your grace, that is enough for me. ~ St. Ignatius of Loyola

Tonight I taught again in the preparation retreat for the Spiritual Exercises. This concept was a little more difficult to explain than contemplation. The Two Standards is an amazing image of discernment and the struggle to always choose the Light, and not be deceived by the Evil One. Sometimes when a choice is placed before us, it is easy to see the Darkness: cheat on the exam or not, steal the item that is sitting out in the open or walk away without it, commit adultery or be faithful. No brainers for the most part, right?

The tricky part is when something looks good and pure but if you chip away at the surface, you discover it is not. Egos are funny things. We need stroking and pride takes control of our senses instead of love. We need fame and God intervenes with humility while Satan goads us on to conceit. We need security and do not step out in faith, instead hanging back and not using our gifts. These are all destructive patterns.

If we, like Ignatius, could see that we really have everything with God’s love and grace, then how different would we be? What choices would be made more freely? What attachments would be discard? What joy would bubble within?

Take Lord, receive. Give me only your love and your grace. These must be enough for me.

Peace,

Suzanne