During Quarantine in a hotel in Colombo (Srilanka), just before entering into the Tertianship programme, I read James Martin’s famous book ‘The Jesuit Guide to (almost) everything’. It was a very fascinating reading as the author, a Jesuit himself shows the ways of applying Ignatian insights and Jesuit spirit (or Jesuitness) in every aspect of life. Once I began Tertianship, I have had ample opportunities to study and reflect on the life and works of St Ignatius (Inigo). On the eve of the feast of Inigo (July 31), which we Jesuit loving term as Ignatian day, I draw ten “Take-away” from the life of this great Saint. They are:
1. Striving to
live a meaningful life. Life is
not a bed of roses rather it is a chain of challenges from womb to tomb. We
make our life meaningful by focussing on our goal, while working hard to face
any challenge. Inigo was never satisfied with mediocracy. He assiduously worked
hard, faced all challenges bravely and made his life meaningful.
2. Failures are part of life. Every failure can be
treated as a gateway to excel in life. The turning point of Inigo’s life was a
‘failure’ at the battleground. He rose up again and made a complete ‘U-turn’
that led him to be a founder and spiritual guru.
3. Happiness does not depend on material things or
excessive possessions. The inner happiness comes from ‘being’- with the Creator,
with others and with oneself. Inigo left his family palace, gave up all his
richness and chose to live like a beggar. After his conversion, he did not waste not
even a drop of his sweat to make money rather he gave himself totally to ‘mission
making’.
4. Optimism is a gateway to inner peace. Inigo was
always optimistic and passionate of being positive.
5. Living and leading life happily is an art. No one
can bring us happiness unless we decide to live a happy life. Happiness is within
us, around us. Inigo was a happy person in all aspects because he chose to be
happy.
6. Experiences of God vary from person to person. Inigo’s
vision of God is ‘service in participation’. He believes God takes active part
in our lives and He wants us as his collaborators. He found God in everything,
in everywhere...
7. Decision making is an art - a process of
discernment. Inigo was master of discernment. He gave enough time before making
any decision and once a decision is made he stood by it.
8. Friends are hidden treasures in life. Inigo valued
human relationship and was very expressive in his relationship with others. He
regularly kept in touch with his friends irrespective of their age, sex and
professions.
9. Inigo never had any double standard. He was very outspoken
and refused to make any compromise with his values and principles.
10. Real leader exercises leadership by example. Inigo
believed in action rather than mere words.
Let Inigo continue to inspire us all!
Happy feast of St Ignatius to all of you (30/07/21, Kandy Tertianship).
