THE PRINCIPLE AND FOUNDATION OF ST. IGNATIUS: A LEGACY AND TOOLKIT FOR LIFE

Abstract

The Principle and Foundation of St. Ignatius is a rather brief section of his short book of the Spiritual Exercises. This short section of a very important spiritual book should be seen as a microcosm and a synthesis of St. Ignatius’ teaching on what it means for human beings to be completely free and constantly saying yes to God. The Principle and Foundation emphasizes how human beings can cooperate freely with the divine — an instruction on how best to live as authentic human beings before a loving God. I compare the Principle and Foundation to a map in a new city. It is a guide for believers who desire to build their house on a solid rock which is Christ — the love of God. It is in this regard that I believe that the Principle and Foundation is both a foundation and a principle for authentic Christian living. It is a toolkit for life and a legacy from someone who should be called a man of all seasons.