That love may be all in all. God's relationship with creation in the contemplation to attain love (230-237) of the spiritual exercises of Ignatius of Loyola

Abstract

When St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) says in the Contemplation to Attain Love (CAL) to love and serve the Divine Majesty in all things what is seen is the relation between the infinite and the created (perspective of philosophy), the relation between the Trinity and creation (perspective of theology). Therefore, the thesis makes a contribution to the CAL from the perspective of metaphysics of creation and theology of creation. The first part of the thesis which is the philosophical part is based on Pseudo Dionysius (Sixth century) and Nicholas of Cusa (1401-1464) who have thought with regard to the relation between the infinite and the created. This part concludes by proposing some metaphysical principles on the relation between the infinite and the created reality. The second part highlights the relationship of God with creation in CAL. This part emphasizes that it is Love which dwells and works in creation and it is Love which is the origin and destiny of creation. The third part which is theological studies the Trinity as origin, centre and destiny of creation. The perichoretic relationship of the Trinity is reflected in the relationship between the Trinity and creation. The conclusion of the thesis proposes some keys to interpret the CAL. The thesis drives home the point that the Infinite (philosophical part), the Love (CAL) and the Trinity (Theological part) envelops the reality. It is Love in creation and vice versa. Therefore, we can say: That Love may be all in all.