Following Ignatius

Friday, Sep. 25, 2015

Here in Utah I’ve been exposed to the spirituality of Dominicans, Benedictines and Carmelites. Each religious order has revealed traits that I try to incorporate in my life: I appreciate the Dominicans’ mercy, the Benedictines’ hospitality, the Carmelites’ contemplation.

My encounters with the Trappists in Huntsville unfortunately have been very brief, and I only met in passing the Jesuits, all but one of whom are now gone. However, during a retreat this summer I had the chance to explore the way of Ignatius, not only through the guidance of my spiritual director but also through the writings of Jesuit Father James Martin, author of several books and the editor-at-large of “America” magazine.

Ignatius of Loyola, along with Peter Faber and Francis Xavier, founded the Society of Jesus in the 16th century. Jesuits attempt to find God in all things, and dedicate themselves to the greater glory of God. To do this, Jesuits strive to be “contemplative in action” – taking a prayerful approach to their involvement in the world. 

During the retreat, my spiritual director encouraged me to pray in a way recommended by Ignatius: to imagine myself in the scene of whatever Gospel passage I was contemplating. I wasn’t very good at this practice, and it was encouraging to read in Fr. Martin’s “The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything” that he struggles with it, too, at times. (In the same book, he also describes a personal encounter with Jesus in prayer that perfectly illustrates the power of Ignatian contemplation, which is why I continue to attempt it, inept as I am.)

One of the things I like most about “The Jesuit Guide” is that it’s written in plain, everyday English, and yet it contains much information useful for spiritual growth. For example, Fr. Martin describes useful techniques for finding God, for making decisions, and for praying.

The title of another of Fr. Martin’s books attracted me instantly – “Between Heaven and Mirth.”  As was probably intended, I laughed my way through the pages, but amid the jokes was a serious message impossible to miss: As Fr. Martin writes, “a lighthearted spirit … is an essential element of a healthy spiritual life and a healthy life in general.”

As someone who until recently believed that religion in general and Catholicism in particular was no laughing matter, I appreciate that Fr. Martin’s book reinforces the belief of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (who, perhaps not coincidently, also was a Jesuit priest) that “Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.”

Numerous quotes about joy from various religious sources can be found in “Between Heaven and Mirth,” which was published before Pope Francis (another Jesuit!) was elected, but if Fr. Martin ever puts out a second edition, I’ll bet he’ll include some of the Holy Father’s quotes, such as “The joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus.” (The first words of this quote form the title of Pope Francis’ first apostolic exhortation.) 

I realize – and Fr. Martin points out – that joy isn’t the sole province of Jesuits, or Catholics, or Christians, or religious people in general, but it seems to me that those who have an active spiritual life seem the most joyful. 

I, meanwhile, am striving mightily to overcome the tendency to be dour, so I welcomed the book’s tips on how to become joyful.  I pray for this grace, because whenever I encounter a joyful person I am uplifted and rejuvenated, and I would love to be able to give that gift to others.