Being a Christian is pretty radical.
“Wait, radical?” you might ask. “We’re called to be radical?”
Well, yes! As Christians, we’re called to reject the things of this earth, which is quite radical in today’s world.
But being this kind of radical is a challenging task. After all, the world is against us. Thankfully, a spiritual giant—St. Ignatius of Loyola—left us with some guidance and a few powerful tools.
One of these tools is the Suscipe Prayer, also known as the Radical Prayer:
Take, O Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will. Whatever I have or hold, You have given me; I restore it all to You and surrender it wholly to be governed by Your will. Give me only Your love and Your grace, and I am rich enough and ask for nothing more.
This prayer is not just a petition but a total offering of oneself to the divine will, an unconditional surrender of ourselves, our powers, and our plans to God. It cultivates humility and detachment by acknowledging that all gifts come from God and are to be used according to His purpose. It’s a total surrender that, paradoxically, does not cause fear or worry—it actually brings a spirit of peace and contentment that stays strong regardless of external circumstances.
This “radical” offering is a cornerstone for those seeking a deeper relationship with God, because it fosters a deep union with Him and a deliberate spirit of cooperation with His will.
Wow. That’s a pretty radical feat in our materialistic and self-centered culture!
Be the best kind of radical with the help of St. Ignatius. His methods of self-examination and meditative prayer have led countless souls down the path of radical holiness for centuries. The Spiritual Exercises is St. Ignatius’s most beloved work. It is a complete guide to his life-changing spiritual practices! Order your copy today from The Catholic Company!
