First Principle and Foundation

First principle and foundation

This challenge, profound, and seeming intimidating principle is what it says - a principle, In other words, a standard, a norm, a code, a launch pad, a vision and attitude to life.

As a foundation it is the basis of all that will follow – it is a sure footing, an underpinning, a secure foundation on all that will follow in the Spiritual Exercises

There is a presumption from now on that we are beginning to absorb this First Principle and Foundation as ‘a given’ and alongside the daily Examen we can check in – daily if possible – but often, frequently as to how the four parts of the foundation as I have split it into – have guided my actions an influenced or was swayed by my decision making this day or week.

Mortality – I see people die. I read obituaries in the paper – I see tributes paid to them by their loved ones, when a celebrity dies there is a shock and sadness, and then copious amounts of media coverage and column inches -but all the words in the world won’t bring them back

Our mortality is a truth we avoid -in society it is almost a pathological avoidance

But often at funerals we are confronted by it – someday it will be our turn, and what will be said of us? This again touches with something we will see later in decision making

Death shocks us – often young people who questioning life’s purpose are given either to despair or they reflect on ultimate questions – it is a way that God speaks to people and a pastoral opportunity if done right

In a way the First Principle and Foundation corresponds to the Examen prayer – they complement each other

Gratitude in the Examen keeps me focussed on praise of God for all that I have received and continue to receive and have received this day – life, health, food, warmth, shelter, job, medication! friends, support, modern conveniences! I thank God for the wonder of my being! Even with changing of the seasons I can thank God. For beauty in all its forms – even in people – we find some people attractive and we thank God in a chaste loving way for the genius of creating people. We find people beautiful for their kindness, service, sacrifice.

Even in awful weather I am reminded of my late father who got up on rainy wet miserable damp mornings and even cycled to work to make savings and to provide for us -his sacrifices are part of our success sand contribution to the world, Church and society through provide us with educational opportunities he did not have.

Can I live up to his dream for me?

Reverence and serve

Renewal - Can I live up tomorrow to God’s dream for me?

As I make the Examen and review my day I can see for example how much I was influenced or how even I resisted a strictly secular worldly philosophy and way of being – I seek forgiveness for where I succumbed, forgot my calling or compromised it –

We cannot do this alone

Our capacity to rationalise is always there however – to believe our behaviour or behave according to our beliefs -which is it?

Spiritual direction/ confessor/ Community/prayer group /the Magisterium of the Church/the Catechism /solid accompaniment /prayer friend – to find and to give support

We think of intervention – I think of alcoholics who need an intervention

I also think of addicts who need a sponsor

Similarly, I think of addicts who have a support group – there is one in my parish and there is a sign in AA meeting hall that says ‘Keep Coming Back’

I am called

It is personal – unique to me

I have a purpose a plan and a meaning

Many people stop and think – what is life all about?

We have something to offer them – but that mission will have to wait 

The First Principle and Foundation forms a focus, a corrective, a sharpening of focus, seeing things more clearly – a zooming out and a zooming in – of my life purpose

Remember we are on a retreat footing – so it will be more reflective about our ultimate purpose – a stock-taking

I remember once seeing a sign on a shop saying closed for stock-taking – I remember the first time I saw it and remembered how inconvenient it was for me their customer – I didn’t understand why it was necessary and thought to myself: 'well they are losing my business today!' But in the long term it was good for their business -sometimes shops close sections for clearance and for renovation – we are upset at the inconvenience but after things return to normal, we forget!

The boss, staff have a meeting and review policy and practice, set goals and targets after feedback – what do the customers want, what sells, what time and products are a wasted effort?

We go through a spring clean – things must be given away, take up space, clutter.

Imagine a house move – furniture, selling, space, moving…. And here is a bleak prospect – ultimately, I will need nothing except basic food, hygiene and some convenience as well as medication - letting go is less painful if I start now

Am I ready to go if I am called?

What is the call now if I have some time yet before I am to be called home?

That is what the Retreat is all about