Ignatius uncovered a truth that runs through Scripture and the spiritual tradition. Seeking God, seeking to please God, obeying God, conforming to God’s will brings peace, where serving idols, seeking selfish aim, obeying only bodily appetites, conforming to the world brings exhaustion, unhappiness, guilt, and restlessness.
Vanity and the pursuit of renown animated his youth, but St. Ignatius came to recognize the importance of living for the greater glory of God.
In the reading from first Corinthians, St. Paul writes, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” Those words no doubt inspired St. Ignatius’ formulation of the Jesuit motto, "Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam", which translates to "For the Greater Glory of God,"
And yet, the motto encapsulates a spiritual principle for every Christian—the need to orient our entire lives towards glorifying God in all we do.
Even mundane tasks, when offered up to God—glorify him. This is why we do well to say a short prayer before meals, before undertaking tasks, before setting off for travel, before a difficult conversation. We pray that all that we do may be directed by God, for God, and towards God.
Doing everything for the glory of God also means that we are to strive for excellence in our endeavors, our careers, our study, our relationships, our personal growth, our decision making—allowing our faith to guide everything we do. Excellence requires diligence, wisdom and openness to growth.
Many of us are not in the habit of praying before our tasks. It requires us to slow down, to ensure that we are doing things for the right reasons with the proper preparation and seriousness. Excellence is rarely impulsive or hasty, it’s certainly not thoughtless and absentminded.
In the lives of the saints we see that intentionality in their actions, they are careful to avoid offending God in their pursuit of obeying him and glorifying Him. They also cultivate a real sense of gratitude to God—for their life, for their blessings, for their salvation. They put away the foolish vain pursuits which leave us empty and sad, in order to pursue the highest good.
With the help of St. Ignatius, may we commit to the holy pursuits which will bring us joy—holy penances, holy work that will bring us the fulfillment God desires for us.
May whatever we do today, be done with the intention of serving not ourselves, but the heavenly kingdom, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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For the Church, that we may always seek to glorify God in all our actions and decisions, and for world leaders, that they may put aside selfish pursuits and instead work for the good of all people, guided by wisdom and true charity.
For the Society of Jesus and all religious orders, that they may continue to inspire and lead others to a deeper relationship with God through their dedication and service, and for those discerning their vocation or making important life decisions, that they may be open to God's guidance and choose paths that bring glory to Him.
For those battling addictions or unhealthy attachments, that they may find strength in God's grace to overcome their struggles and reorient their lives towards Him, and for those struggling with emptiness or dissatisfaction in life, that they may find true peace and joy in seeking God's will.
For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the underemployed and unemployed, immigrants and refugees, victims of human trafficking, natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for the unborn, for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, for their comfort, and the consolation of their families.
For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.
Priest: Heavenly Father, graciously hear the prayers we bring before you. Through the intercession of St. Ignatius of Loyola, grant us the grace to grow in wisdom and love in order to serve you more faithfully on earth and so win a greater share of glory in heaven. Through Christ our Lord.
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