The Society of Jesus as a gathering of friends in
Jesus' name. The memories of the first generation portrayed Ignatius as a
loving friend to them.
Ignatius' manner of governing was based
on the fatherly love which he had for his sons. He made no distinctions, to
such a point that each one felt himself to be the object of "the
Father's" strong liking.
He knew how to blend strictness with
gentleness. Camara [who recorded Ignatius' autobiography] says that Ignatius
inclined more to the side of love and that was why he was so much loved by all.
Camara added that he did not know anyone in the Society who did not have a
great love for him and did not feel himself loved by the Father.
He tended to put a good interpretation
on the actions of others, so much so that "the Father's
interpretations" became a proverbial phrase.
He promoted every means helpful to that
union that ought to reign among all. One of those was the community
recreations. He was once asked whether the recreation ought not to be dropped
on fast days, since there was no supper. He answered that recreation was held
not only to avoid injury to health by study right after the meal, but also that
the brothers might deal with one another and thus come to that mutual knowledge
and esteem and to foster charity.
St. Ignatius' teaching on friendship and love is still alive and well. I happen to be actively involved with Jesuits at a retreat centre near me as well as at Regis College as a student (albeit a rather "mature" one) and everywhere I meet an open and friendly attitude which brings peace to my very being. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteMature students are the best types because they bring a lot of life experiences to their education. I'm glad you are well connected.
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