A Picture of Harmony — Living in Balance
Guide: Models of Freedom
This week we move from giving thanks and praise to God — from the big picture of ordered, purposeful creation — to the concrete picture of living in that harmony of purpose, in balance.

Throughout this week, we desire to be inspired by women and men who seem to be in harmony with the end for which we are created and who seem to use all of creation with this freedom.

St. Ignatius put it so simply:
We should use God’s gifts of creation however they help us in achieving the end for which we were created, and we ought to rid ourselves of whatever gets in the way of our purpose.

In order to do this we must make ourselves indifferent to all creation, to the extent that we do not desire health more than sickness, riches more than poverty, honor more than dishonor, a long life more than a short life, or anything at all in and of itself. We should desire and choose only what helps us attain the end for which we were created.

We all know what a handicap it is to lack the indifference, or balance, in our lives that Ignatius talks about. When my desire and choice moves in the direction of “I want my health; I want success; I want to take care of myself; I crave honor and attention,” I know I’m not in much balance and I’m becoming too self-absorbed.

However, when we see someone who seems to be carefree in loving, in giving of themselves, in living freely for others, we are inspired. That person seems to have gotten it right.

Let this week be one of naming and being inspired by people who seem to be models of freedom for me. As always, make use of the photo and the resources for this week. Look back at past resources if you’d like. But, in the everyday busy­ness of our week, we can let ourselves be conscious of the ways people live lives of praise, reverence, and service, perhaps heroically, perhaps in profound simplicity. Who are the people who show us the way to getting it right ourselves?

The Grace we pray for this week:
To have a growing gallery of images of inspiring people who live in praise, reverence and service for God.

Consider sharing the graces you have received
this week with others making the retreat.

Listen to each week of the Online Retreat
on a CD or on your mp3 player.