FROM
THE PROVINCIAL'S DESK
My dear
friends in the Lord,
July
is a very special month for us, when we celebrate the Feast of our Founder, St.
Ignatius of Loyola. Happy feast to one and all. One of the ways to celebrate
this feast of our founder is to reflect on our charism. One of the hallmarks of
our way of proceeding is Discernment of God's will. St. Ignatius used this tool
to find God's will before making any important decision. He left this legacy
for us in the Spiritual Exercises. He proposes two methods of discernment of
God's will. The Affective Method of consolations and desolations and the
Rational Method of reasons for and against. Both have to be practiced in the
context of prayer. In the Spiritual Exercises, he gives us Rules for the
Discernment of spirits, one set suitable for the 1st week (numbers 313-327) and
another set suitable for the 2nd week (numbers 328-336).
We
are all aware of all this, have used it during our Long Retreats, both in the
Novitiate and in Tertianship, we appreciate it and use the term quite freely.
However, I've noticed that in a number of cases, there is some discussion, some
airing of views, but not discernment as Ignatius envisioned it, to find what the Lord wants us to do in this
particular instance. We like the idea of greater participation, wider
discussions on various issues, but at the end, some of us, on some occasions,
fall short of this ideal. We tend to give our opinion, based on our previous
experience or impression, often based on hearsay. We do not ask detailed
questions to know all the aspects about a situation, for us to make a proper
discernment. At times, when we pick up the feeling that this or that individual
wants badly what he is asking for, we tend to give in to the desire of the
person, without much thought. The affective method does not seem to be
practiced.
Discernment
is a great instrument. But it requires openness to listen to others and to the
promptings of God's spirit. I strongly urge everyone to make concerted efforts
to inculcate the spirit of discernment to find what God wants us to do. I
expect that all of us, especially those who lead discussions, to make sure that
background studies are done and the topic is presented in depth. I expect all
to ask questions to know the situation as best as can be. I expect everyone to
reflect and express both positive and negative aspects of the issue. I expect
all to listen with an open mind to all the opinions that are expressed without
trying to shut up those who express opinions contrary to one's way of thinking.
Having done this, I expect all to spend some time in prayer to find out what
the Lord wants us to do and only then express one's opinion. Remember, the affective
method is as valid as the rational one.
I
am aware that if there is no culture of discernment, this is bound to appear to
be tedious, long process. In some minor cases that do not have a lasting
impact, you may not want to go into discernment but only get the opinion of the
persons concerned. Keeping that in mind, I suggest that those who organize
meetings and set the agenda, clearly make this distinction: topics for
discussion and topics for discernment. When a topic is placed on the agenda for
discussion, all may zero in to give their opinion, based on their experience
and knowledge. when a topic is for discernment, I expect all to follow the
process of discernment proper, either affective or rational.
In
the recent past, I've noticed that people have given opinion based on mere
request to give opinion, without asking for proper information from
knowledgeable persons. Keeping this in mind, I ask everyone to consider this
vital and help create an atmosphere of discernment so that all of us may look for
and find God's will and become effective instruments in His hands.
May
the Lord help us to achieve this goal for the greater glory of God and
salvation of all.
A. M. D. G.
