Living a Life of Purpose vs. Meaning

Living a Life of Purpose vs. Meaning

Understanding Purpose and Meaning in Life

I have found it helpful to distinguish between living a life of Purpose and a life of Meaning. Let’s define each and explore tools we can expand on in the future.

Living a Life with Meaning

Living a life with meaning involves looking back into our history and recognizing that our past experiences (both good and bad) are part of our salvation history. The Ignatian Examen is a powerful tool to help us discern how God was with us and how He revealed Himself to us through these experiences.

Living a Life with Purpose

In contrast, living a life with purpose is about looking forward. We look to the future with God to discern the ultimate goal of our existence. In the Principle and Foundation, St. Ignatius invites us to see beyond our short-term goals and reflect on the ultimate purpose of our lives as children of God: eternal communion with God and, consequently, with all our brothers and sisters.

Living in the Present

Living a life with both meaning and purpose can only be done in the present. These concepts are not escapes but a way of living fully in the present with God.

-Fr. Pepe Ruiz, SJ