Some months back, I came across a very insightful write up in the New Sunday Express Magazine entitled, “Human Being to Being Human” written by Atul Sehgal. “We humans are the most intelligent species, but we are also the most paradoxical. We call ourselves intelligent but we often commit moronic acts. We consider ourselves wise, but many of us perform rank foolish actions. We pride ourselves on our knowledge and erudition, but some of us do realize in the long terms that we ended up inflicting self-harm due to half knowledge or wrong ideas. We consider ourselves religious and god-fearing, but many of us commit numerous inhuman acts while wearing the badge of religion. We think we are enlightened, but actually we are very often in illusion and delusion. In the name of peace, we wage wars. In the name of development, we damage our ecosphere and defile our environment. In the name of scientific pursuit, we develop technologies that pollute our water and air. In the mad pursuit of economic development and GDP growth, we end up increasing crime, corruption, disease and fear psychosis while also building institutions to combat them – all in the name of economic growth.”

The solemnity of St Ignatius which we will be soon celebrating this month will always be a day of celebration for Jesuits and their mission partners. It is also an opportune moment to reflect on Ignatius’ enduring legacy. Many things can be said of Ignatius’ enduring legacy in terms of the gift or charism he received and that has been passed on to all of us. To be “contemplative in action” and the “way of proceeding” granted to Ignatius are enduring gifts shared with us through the Holy Spirit. Jesuits and mission partners, therefore, “in keeping before their eyes God” are graced with finding the divine in their everyday experiences, whether in prayer or action. Moreover, by growing in familiarity with God and “the way of proceeding,” they can discern together the path—the life-mission—that leads to God. This is possible even in an era of declining faith and amidst a troubled, divided, and broken world. St Ignatius invites all of us to share in these wonderful gifts that he received and to share in that daily mystical experience of finding God in all things! I wish you a very happy feast of our founder and father, St Ignatius of Loyola.