To Live for God and Others

Is it not fascinating to notice that St Ignatius initially got to know a good deal about Jesus by reading about the lives of his most ardent imitators, the saints? And that St Ignatius’ first inclination was to be like the saints in their commitment to following their Lord, and not, at least, initially, about being like Jesus, per se? He did not have the Scriptures to read.

This teaches us an important lesson: in imitating the nature of Jesus and living those graces out in our daily lives, we best evangelise and encourage others to follow Jesus. 

Next to Jesus in our Scriptures, our Christian communities should be the greatest source of our example and encouragement in living the kingdom life. If St Ignatius and others have been inspired and encouraged by the lives of innumerable saints over the ages, so should we. But we should also inspire and encourage others around us here and now! This provides much food for thought and prayer as we strive to live a 'saintly' life.

Think of those who have attracted you to Jesus because of their behaviour and example. Thank God for them.

Does my life so reflect the qualities of a child of God that others are attracted to Jesus?

Does the image of God shine from me and my actions?

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master;
Grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life; 

Amen