Inspiring Ignatian Quote #31
For the final blog of this series, it was difficult to choose the last quote of many profound Ignatian thoughts. Many of the previous quotes of the past month relate to this sentiment in some way, so chose it as a fitting wrap-up. Ignatius’ life was the Gospel lived out and a good model for us. “Actions speak louder than words” is what he was saying. He did not have many possessions other than the basic necessities: his pilgrim garment, some simple leather coverings for shoes later in life, a walking stick, a rosary, his journal. He embraced a life of poverty so he would have the freedom to serve anyone the Lord sent to him or go where he was called to serve. He was not distracted by the trappings of furnishings and ‘things’ or even ‘home’. Rather, his impressive undertakings included deeds of building colleges and universities and places of refuge for many marginalized people.
There truly is a freedom in this choice that not many people make. His life was solely about the deeds he could do to change even one person at a time. But there is a spark there in that ‘good deed’, and even if a simple smile, it can soon spread to a glowing fire. One of the quotes St. Ignatius is most noted for, I shared in the first week, “Go forth and set the world on fire.” I received this on a card when I graduated Spiritual Direction training, and it felt empowering, a challenge I wanted to accept, but I did not attach the aspect of poverty and simplicity to this calling, and now, it has become seemingly an imperative for genuine spiritual development. I strive to simplify, to bless others with my accumulated excesses!
Many people are shifting to lives of minimalism. It could be a pendulum swing from the over-achieving-to acquire-more (he who dies with the most toys wins) mindset, to one of simplicity and concern for the environment and planet. It could be that they are tired of living with so much stuff around them! Even if they are unable to articulate it, perhaps they feel the weight of the burden of excess. If this trend is one which allows growth in our spiritual lives, then the simplicity is certainly a benefit. If it includes an appreciation of our Loving Creator and helpful to all of creation, then even better.
What I am finding, however, is that it can be an accommodation for more technology, which tends to occupy our minds and hands in a way that doesn’t serve anyone else, and can also be very isolating rather than community-building. So while the trend can be a good one, when married to allowing more good deeds to be accomplished, it can be a fabulous change in our lives! We need to engage our hearts with compassion for others in our quest to minimalize what we use, so that others can benefit, not just as a focus on our own lifestyle.
As we end July with the Feast of St. Ignatius, and celebrating 500 years of Ignatian spirituality, perhaps it is a good time to reflect upon the balance in our lives, of things versus lack, of good deeds versus selfish ones, of our use of words versus our genuine good works. I have a dishtowel with a saying on it: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” That, my friends, is a start. Add a grateful heart and we are making steps into strides. It is an ongoing journey of development, but there are many companions to accompany and/or guide you along the way. St. Ignatius of Loyola and his Spiritual Exercises, is a very good place to start. That is also part of our ministry at Urban Sanctuary . . . to help you develop and/or grow in your spiritual life. Consider us a ‘spiritual gym’ - a place where you can do the work necessary to grow closer to your loving Creator through prayer and creativity. Here, we show our love through our deeds (and some words, too.)