“Dilexit Nos” mentions the “Spiritual Exercises” of Saint Ignatius, which are rooted in “affection,” or heartfelt desire. This offers a beautiful image of the spiritual life—it’s not about dry intellectual concepts, but about the fire of the heart, the place where God’s desire and our own can meet.
This fire is what sets our lives “in order,” showing us that our belovedness isn’t a passive truth but an active, burning reality. As the “Dilexit Nos” states, “It is in our hearts that his desire and our desire can meet; it is here that the fire of the heart can be kindled.”
Zephaniah 3:17 beautifully illustrates this: “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
What is a desire in your heart that you believe God might be trying to meet or speak to?
Take a moment to sit with your desires and feelings. Ask God to show you where He is present in them.
Smitten With Goodness 