Introduction to Ignatian Meditation and Contemplation
Ignatius of Loyola, in his Spiritual Exercises, speaks of two powerful ways of praying with the Word, both of which can lead us to deeper levels of communication with God: meditation and contemplation. In meditation, we seek deep reflection on the truth read, giving it a space to resonate in our hearts. In contemplation, Ignatius invites us to use our imagination to draw closer to the Lord, immersing ourselves completely in a scene, observing the people, listening to the words, and noticing every action.
Ruth and Naomi
In the first chapter of the Book of Ruth, we find the beginning of a story that contains profound teachings. Naomi and her two daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, are widowed in a time of great suffering. Faced with this adversity, Naomi decides to return to Judah from Moab, taking the young women with her. However, he soon realizes that the journey will not be easy, and the future uncertain. So, in an act of generosity and love, he blesses them to return to their parents’ home and find new husbands and a better life.
Between hugs and tears, Orfa decides to return to her parents’ home. But Ruth, in an act of fidelity and unwavering love, chooses to stay by her mother-in-law’s side. In this scene, there are so many layers to meditate on, contemplate, and pray for.
Meditation
Ruth says to Naomi, “Where you go, I will go; and where you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God” (Ruth 1:16). This is an example of the purest and most genuine love. Imagine the deep friendship of these two women, beyond the bond that united them through the marriage of Noemi and her son. There is a connection beyond physical, a love that transcends circumstances.
Another aspect to meditate on is Naomi’s generosity, her ability to let go of young women without demands, without selfishness, thinking only of their well-being. It is an act of love that reflects great faith.
Faith, as St. Paul would say, is “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Naomi was a woman of faith, and Ruth, seeing this testimony, is converted. He would no longer seek the gods of Moab, but embrace the God of Israel, our God. Together they arrive in Bethlehem, the “house of bread”, at harvest time.
Both women, one in an act of letting go with love and the other in an act of embracing with loyalty, walk together in hope, even though they have nothing material. They honor the values of family love and friendship with humility and dedication. And so, Ruth, a Moabite woman, becomes the great-grandmother of King David, and one of the few women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus according to the Gospel of St. Matthew.
Final Thoughts
What are the friendships that, such like Naomi’s, have a good influence on your life?
How do you demonstrate your fidelity to God? And how do you demonstrate it to others? Are you able to let go and let God act in moments of challenge?
Who is your God? Where is your Bethlehem?
I invite you to reflect on these questions, and perhaps to ask some of your own. See this scene with your spiritual eyes and immerse yourself in it. What do you discover? What personal, intimate message does the loving Father have for you? I encourage you to share your answers and reflections in the comments.
