Leadership is a gift difficult to analyze, but it consists to a large extent in vision, in the ability to see how at a given juncture change is most consistent with one's scope than staying the course. It consists as well in the courage and self-possession required to make the actual decision to change to convince others of the validity and viability of the new direction. Such was Ignatius' vision and courage about the schools. He had another ability that is equally important for a leader. He could recognize and utilize talents that complimented his own.
According to Polanco, Ignatius possessed "in an uncommon degree certain natural gifts from God: great energy in undertaking extraordinary difficult tasks, great constancy in pursing them, and great prudence in seeing them to completion."
Ignatius possessed another gift of leadership - his life was consistent with what he believed. He loved our Lord so very deeply and this love was evident in the way in which he lived his life. That must have been a great inspiration to those who knew him. I owe a great deal to St. Ignatius of Loyola for the great gifts that he has left to us in Ignatian Spirituality.
ReplyDeleteWe are happy you are part of the family, Lynda. We are blessed that Pope Francis was formed by the Jesuits. Ignatius leads the church in the ways of Christ.
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