Reforming (phase 1), The Principle of Freedom (step 3), session 1

In this “principle of freedom” which stands at the beginning of the Spiritual Exercises and summarizes its entire program “Ignatius basically articulates the view that the Christian should seek to cultivate an inner spirit of faith in the divine providence which is so deep and profound that her or she simply says to the Lord: 'God, here I am! I am coming to obey your will.' (Heb 10:7)” - Tyrrell, “Christotherapy II,” p. 207, as quoted in the orientation to step 3

There's some great stuff from St. Ignatius preceding this that's just too long to quote in its entirety, that makes it clear that the central premise of this step is that, in whatever circumstances God may permit to occur in our lives, there is nothing to hinder our freedom to exercise our will so as to listen and to fulfill our basic human vocation. We'll see if the individual session readings validate this or if I'm off base, in which case I trust that what God really has for me in this step is greater than what I think it is.

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, `What shall we eat?' or `What shall we drink?' or `What shall we wear?'  For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. - Mt 6, 31-33

Indeed, it is easy for me to be anxious about my "needs" that I perceive are not being met, and to let my life get derailed as a result. But God's word reminds me that this is not true. God knows what I need and has already made ample provision for it.

I must allow the Spirit to recall this truth to my mind more consistently.

I can see that these exercises might be accomplished by taking multiple sessions over the course of a single day, which would result in each phase being closer to a week. Perhaps this was St. Ignatius' original intention. But I am finding that this gradual pace of once-daily reading and reflection may bring a long-lacking discipline to my walk, and serves to allow me a longer period to soak in each step's focus and spiritual truth.

I have been taking these sessions primarily at lunch time during the week, but I really needed this now.