Newsletter 

No.22                                                                                                                        May 2005

The Colours of Infinity

Spring has come upon us, in the company of all its smells, colours ... and multifaceted life. Wherever we look and whichever way we turn, nature's renewed vitality is knocking at our doorsteps, pushing itself into our body systems ... through the slightest crack or opening. With all their might and power, technology and tight schedules are still the losers, the moment they try to keep spring at bay.

Spring and Easter come upon us hand in hand, merging nature's colours with the divine and taking us unawares. But somehow, that combination appears to lose out. While we are truly swept off balance by the smells of radiant flowers and blooming trees, only dimly does the idea cross our mind that the Divine wants to radiate and blossom in our own self.

We are plants that God the Gardener has been patiently tending through a diverse number of years. He wishes that we do bloom and enliven a world that the rigours of winter have turned into a sombre environment. During those cold days we, the plants, continued to hide below ground and relish the cosy warmth of Mother Earth, or had to bend even double as the fierce winds swept over us in all directions.

Spring is now here to stay. It invites plants to climb as far as they can and thus reach out for the shining skies. The plant's inner spirit starts throbbing and an irresistible urge takes complete control. It needs to bloom, it has to bloom: and ... oh! We, the plants, do bloom!

Spring beckons the way to summer: that's the time when, as part of God's creation, we can bask in God's light and absorb a lot of warmth into our pores. It is that same warmth that moves all along our tissues to the farthest end of our roots and, thus, reaches out to the same Earth that gives us life and sustenance.

Our environment needs our colour and warmth. Our houses need some life-giving spirit, that can shake off their drab humidity. Our offices desperately look out for some splash of life that can attract some blank stare and enlighten it with hope. Our roads are weary of squealing engines and squeaking tyres: they desire so much that hearts can meet and throb in unison.

But where does that all start? ... Unless we - the plants - abandon the shelter of Mother Earth, ... daringly look up toward the lofty skies ... and absorb the colours of infinity?

Fr. Vincent Magri SJ

IGNATIAN MAXIMS

98. Where opposed factions or parties are active, we should show that we regard neither side as enemies, but hold a middle position and love them both.
(Letter to companions setting out to Germany, 24th September, 1549, App.I, no.18: XII, 239-47)

99. The best and surest way to greatly mature in a short time is to be found in work and in difficulties, for great graces and gifts of the Lord are hidden in them.
(Blasius Renfigo, Relatio, M.I., Font. Narr., III, Mon.33, n.7, p.588)

100. Given submission to God, just as old age does not of itself increase the merits of eternal life, so neither does youth diminish them. On the contrary, no matter how old a person is, whoever shares most fully in the merits of Christ - thanks to the merits which He gives - is the richest.
(Letter to Isabel de Vega, 21st february, 1551, M.I., Epp. III, 326-327)

101. You should always take care to maintain your soul in peace, in quiet, and in readiness for whatever Our Lord might wish to do within it.
(Letter to Francis Borgia, 20th September, 1548, M.I., Epp. II, 233-37)

102. Everything for the greater glory of God
(Constit. S.I, passim)

Fr Arthur Vella S.J.

Book Review:

Spiritual Intelligence in the Workplace

by 

Catherine McGeachy

Dublin: Veritas Publications 2001

There has been an increasing interest recently in incorporating spirituality (not to be identified with religion) in management and at the place of work. In this book, management consultant Catherine McGeachy explores the reasons for such renewed interest and offers practical suggestions on how to bring about spirituality into one's workplace.

This book is intended for organizational leaders and managers who wish to promote what she calls "spiritual intelligence" at the place of work. After Daniel Goleman's concept of 'emotional intelligence', the author now proposes to develop this challenging notion of 'spiritual intelligence'. 

While spirituality may have only personal connotations for some, here we are dealing with corporate spirituality. This involves a whole set of values, principles and practices within an organization, that is, creating a spirituality culture in our companies.

Fr. Alfred Darmanin SJ

ON CONFIDENCE IN GOD
Meditation by St Alphonsus M. Liguori


The mercy of Jesus to us is wonderfully great. For our greater good he desires us to hope in his mercy with a lively confidence, trusting in his promises.
Therefore, do not throw away your confidence,
Which has a great reward. (Heb 10:35)
If fear of divine judgement seems to diminish our confidence in God's mercy let us pray thus:
Why are you cast down my soul?
Why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God. (Ps 42:5)
God has declared that he protects and saves all who trust in him. O what great promises the Holy Scriptures make to those who put their trust in God. If we feel lost through our sinfulness, Scripture tells us to go with great confidence to the feet of Jesus and there we will find pardon.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace,
That we may receive mercy, and find grace, to help us
In time of need (Heb 4:16)
Let us not wait until he is seated on the throne of judgement… Let us go quickly now while he is on the throne of grace. God's pardon does not depend on us deserving it; rather it depends on Jesus' promise to pardon those who repent. Be firm then, not wavering in confidence. When anything seems especially difficult to overcome, let us pray:
I can do all things in him who strengthens me. (Ph 4:13)
We will not always fee assured in our confidence; it is sufficient that we have the will to trust in God because he is good and faithful.
Lord have mercy on me. Pardon me, and grant me holy perseverance, together with your love and the grace to pray.

We would like to remind you that the Centre for Ignatian Spirituality offers personal spiritual direction to all those who would like to have any kind of spiritual experience like Ignatian retreats in every day life. Retreats can be tailored according to the needs and circumstances of the retreatant. CIS can call on experienced Jesuits, other religious and trained lay people to accompany retreatants through these experiences. 

Anyone interested can contact the Director on 21827323 or 99864561 or email vince@maltajesuitretreats.com.