Genesis is the first Book of the Bible and the first two
chapters recount two different versions of God’s work in creation. Entering into the Spiritual Exercises Saint
Ignatius presents us with the Foundation of all the other Exercises that follow,
entitled “Principle and Foundation”.
Ignatius’ first idea is about
creation. “Man is created….” Therefore, a very efficacious meditation (or
meditations) can flow from reading, meditating, pondering, contemplating
creation. The material is more than
abundant; but still we will offer a few other ideas as a springboard for
reflection and prayer.
However, it is of capital importance
this point that as soon as any passage seems to strike you and move you to
prayer to stop reading and enter into dialogue with the Lord. As Ignatius reminds
us it is not in much knowing that satisfies but interiorly relishing the truth.
Finally, MAGNANIMITY. Listen to the words of the Master, St.
Ignatius, on the disposition of soul we should have in entering to the Spiritual
Exercises:
“It will be very
profitable for the one who is to go through the Exercises to enter upon them
with magnanimity and generosity toward his Creator and Lord, and to offer Him
his entire will and liberty, that His Divine Majesty may dispose of him and all
he possesses according to His most holy will.” (Annotation #5 Spiritual Exercises)
POINTS FOR MEDITATION ON CREATION…
1.
Creation means that God makes
something out of nothing. God can do
anything. Man is weak but God is
powerful. All things are possible with
God. Meditate upon the attribute of His OMNIPOTENCE--- God is
all-powerful! But I am the essence of
weakness. God said to Saint Catherine of
Siena, woman Doctor of the Church, “ I am everything and you are nothing.”
2.
MAN/WOMAN: THE CROWN OF
CREATION. Of all that God created and
brought into existence in the created world, man/woman is the crown or apex of
creation. St. Thomas explains the ladder
of existence. Stone exists; the plant
exists and grows; the animal additionally has locomotion or movement, but all
will one day cease to exist. Man has all
of these qualities, but something far superior---- an immortal soul that will
live for all eternity. Reflect upon the gift of human life God has given you,
its dignity and your destiny but also your responsibility before God. The more we have received the more we are
responsible to give in return!
3.
IMMORTAL SOUL. Remember the words of Pope St. Leo the
Great, “Christians recognize your dignity.” Also call to mind the theological
concept of St. Thomas Aquinas, “One soul is worth more than the whole created
universe.” Furthermore, your soul has
been redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the
world.”
4.
VARIETY IN CREATION. How great and
majestic is God our Creator! God could have created the world in black and
white—a boring and uninteresting existence. But no!!! He created a wide range
of variety: colors, plants, animals, seas and mountains, and an enormous
variety of species in the plant and animal world. Never forget: all of creation
God did for me as a stepping stone to arrive at heaven and not as a stumbling
block to lose my soul. May God grant me
the grace to appreciate creation, to praise Him for creation, but always to use
creation with moderation, right intention, and having always my end in mind—the
eternal salvation of my soul!
5.
PERSONAL REFLECTION AND PRAYER. Within the huge expanse of God’s limitless
creation, what to you personally draws
you closer to God. Remember once again that behind creation--- as if it were a
veil or curtain—is the beauty of the Creator, God Himself! The starry sky at night, the sunrise at dawn,
the painted sky after the torrential rainstorm known as the rainbow, the shiny
moon, the colorful leaves in the midst of foliage season, the powerful waves
beating against the shore, the quiet and almost imperceptible snowflakes
fluttering from heaven? What in creation lifts you most to contact the Creator?
