On my last class for my Certificate for Spiritual Direction, one of my classmates shared the following story:
There was a lion in a cage, and he lived in a cage for a very long time. One day, his trainer came and opened the door of the cage. The lion, used to living in the cage, stayed inside despite the door being open.
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| Picture found online at: http://www.planetware.com/picture/usa-male-lion-behind-cage-at-great-cats-of-indiana-wildlife-preserve-us-in253.htm |
The question, Pablo posed to our class, and the question I pose to you is, “Is the lion free or not?” Additionally, “Does the lion have the tools he needs to walk through the open door?” and Thirdly, what would St. Ignatius say to this question?
What are your thoughts?
Becky Eldredge
Becky is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and writer. She is the author of the Busy Lives and Restless Souls (March 2017, Loyola Press) and The Inner Chapel (April 2020, Loyola Press). She helps others create space to connect faith and everyday life through facilitating retreats and days of reflection, through writing, and through spiritual direction. With nearly twenty years of ministry experience within the Catholic Church, Becky seeks to help others discover God at work in the every day moments of people’s lives by utilizing St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises and the many gifts that our Catholic faith and Ignatian Spirituality provide.
Are some of us like that lion?
I would say there is a good chance some of us are!