Ignatius of Loyola wrote his Principle and Foundation in the 16th century. Here follows my riff on theme
God so longed to express her creativity and to share her love with conscious beings, that she created an astounding universe from the tiniest speck of nothing. As matter coalesced and planets began to form, she chose one at just the right distance from it’s closest star and through the Word breathed her spirit into its slowly accumulating atmosphere. The simple elements and minerals joyfully responded by producing life in all its bounteous variety.
After many aeons, God called forth human beings from the fertile earth and the flame of her spirit flickered within them. God showered them with love and invited them to love her back without reserve, to respond with joyful praise, humble appreciation and to serve her by serving their fellow creatures. We, like them, are to become so immersed in God’s love that we become transparent to each other, like beacons that light the way to God for others.
God calls us to keep returning to her, as only she can wash away the pain and confusion that block out her light. God is patient with our wounds and failings, which are so tightly bound together with our gifts and graces. God calls us to be discerning about the direction of our hearts, to be on guard for those things that pull us away from her healing love. To hold all things lightly, so that the only things that grip us are the tender arms of God.
God calls us into union with herself to the point that all our other desires pale into insignificance. God invites us to fully lean into her embrace, trusting that whatever life brings to us will be used to achieve God’s purposes.