Obedience in the Society of Jusus

Obedience in the Society of Jesusin the documents in our/your experienceBarnabas, Anto, Fernando, JozefEuropean Tertianship Dublin, 18 April 2013

Outline 1/2Listen and try gather some insigts from our 4 inputs (10 min each)Put clarifying questions briefly if necessary (5 min)Get handout with a short input for prayer Individual prayerCoffee break chatting...Sharing in the aula: The value and challenge of obedience understood through my own experienceWhat do you tell to Jesus? Sing Halleluia...

Outline 2/2 INPUTSHow it works (BARNABAS)A dynamic of an authentic response to a callHow is it understood in the Constitutions and the CNIt penetrates all our life (ANTO)It internally builds ourselves and the SocietyHow the core aims and dimensions are commentedTo grow in an authentic obedience (FERNANDO)A virtue to be reached by practicing it wiselyHow St. Ignatius explained it to his young contemporariesOur corporate identity and obedience (JOZEF)A basis of our service to the Church and to the PopeHow the last GCs and Popes speak about it

Constitutions and Complementary NormsC. 547-552 CN. 149-156

547: All should be strongly dispose themselves to observe obedience and to distinguish themselves in it, not only in the matters of obligation but also in the others, even though nothing else be perceived except an indication of the superiors will without an expressed command. They should keep in view God our Creator and Lord, for whom such obedience is practiced1. Totally and 2. instantly 3. in a spirit of love1, Receiving (without any objection)

2, Giving (without any retention)

= 3. communication?

Renouncing with blind obedience any contrary opinion and judgment of our own (with the exception of sin)

Joyfully employing ourselves in any task

Ex. Lifeless body, an old mans staff

three degrees: in regard to the execution, to the willing, to the understanding

Thus in everything they should proceed in a spirit of charity, keeping nothing exterior or interior hidden from the superiors and desiring them to be informed about everything (551)

The account of conscience spiritual discernment ? (552 desire-permission, 150 special dialogue, spiritual apostolic discernment, 151 communal and apostolic discernment, consultative body, 154 enter into a sincere dialogue

Penetrating all our life

Comments of the authors

W. A. Barry, Our way of ProceedingHow, in the light of Ignatiuss own practice, obedience should work in Society?In his Memoriale de Cmara writes that Ignatiuss practice with mortified (formed) men was to try to find out what they desired to do, believing that such men were inspired by God just as much as he was. He would then assign them to this task. B. OLeary, Sent into the Lords vineyardIgnatius understood obedience as central to Jesuit identity. Obedience, with discreta caritas at its core, and mission as its main object, is certainly distinctive of the Jesuit way of proceeding. The chronology and the language through which Ignatius and the First Com. came to obedience after chastity suggests that in his mind chastity-obedience constituted a single reality. Different dimensions of ObedienceAscetical dimension refers to the need for human effort.Mystical dimension is the experience of God in the practice of obedience. Unitive dimension underlines the value of obedience as a unifying element in the body of the Society.Apostolic dimension sees obedience as uniting the Jesuit with the saving will of God for Gods people. A. de Jear, Together for MissionThe place of obedience in the ConstitutionsDespite what is often thought, obedience does not occupy the first place. That is reserved for the end and purpose of the Society, which is the service and praise of God attained by helping souls (The Mission). The Jesuit defines himself as one who is sent. But obedience according what Ignatius writes in the Constitutions is an indispensable means to achieve this end and therefore a keystone in the structure of the order. Inspiration for living the vow of obedience...It is the self-sacrificing love of Christs obedience (Phil. 2:8) that is the inspiration and the model of the companions obedience. So it is not an ideal that can be realized by our own efforts alone; but it is a grace for which we must pray if we are to receive it and find in it our joy, even if it does from time to time bring on a sort of crucifixion. How should be understood our obedience?Ignatius was convinced that the mediation of the superior is firmly rooted in the mystery of Christ always at work in the heart of the Church which is his body on the earth.

Yet our obedience is neither mechanical nor servile, but rather the outcome of an active and thoughtful search in which mediation is freely accepted and understood as a sign that through it the companion conforms himself with the divine will more than by anything else he could do while following his own will. 3. In this sense, even though St. Ignatius does not speak directly of them in this chapter, dialogue and representations what a subject thinks and feels between superior and subject form an essential element in the actual exercise of obedience if we are to discover with great security the will of God (Cf. C. 131, 229, 293, 543).Grow in obedienceSt. Ignatiuss letters to Portugal

Letter 17thMay 1547 Students in Coimbra (A los hermanos estudiantes del Colegio de Coimbra)

God,from whom all that is good descends, knows how much consolation and joy I get from knowing how He helps you, both in youracademic studiesand in your efforts togrow in virtue, 171.

Letter 1 Students in Coimbra

Disorders in the life of the spirit arise not only fromcoldness of heart(ailments like tepidity), but also fromoverheating, as when there isexcessive fervour, 177.

If you have great desiresto die to yourselves, use these tobreak your willsandto submit your judgements under theyoke of obedience, rather than in weakening your bodies and hurting yourselves without due moderation, especially now during the time of studiesLetter 214thJanuary 1548 - Rector and studentsof the College in Coimbra

I know thatyour devotion to the bond of obedienceis such that you are consoled in Our Lord by the letters written to you from here. Likewise all of us here are greatly consoled in Our Lord by the good news we hear in Rome of your spiritual growth inlearningand invirtue, 199.Letter 2 - 1548 - to CoimbraThrough Him I ask you also, dear brothers in Jesus Christ Our Lord and God, to make yourselvesopenfor His coming and His spiritual treasures. Thisopennesscomes throughpurity of heart,true humility, acommon mind among you all, acommon desire, andpeace(...). In short, my prayer is that you be completely united, indeed simply one entity, in Our Lord Jesus Christ, 200.Letter 2 - 1548 - to CoimbraObedience as a chain... from you to Christ, through the means: Student, minor officials of the house in what pertains to their office, confessor in matters of personal conscience,Rector, Provincial Superior, General Superior, Pope... In all superiors, it is Jesus Christ Our Lord whom one acknowledges, for it is to Him and through Him that all obedience should be given whoever it is that people obey, 200.Letter 2 - 1548 - to CoimbraApart from where somematter of sinis in question, or where the understanding simply cannot but recognize something asan error, it is well established that true obedience doesnot subject only actionsto the Superior, but also wishes; and not onlywishes, but alsoopinions, 201.Letter 2 - 1548 - to CoimbraThose people who do thingsagainst the intention of the Superiorwill see, from what has been said, how little they have entered intoobedience, even though the things in themselves might be praiseworthy and good, such asmortifications,contemplation and other practices. They are acting in conflict with what has been commanded them;they are following their own wishes rather than those of the Superior 201.Letter 2 - 1548 - to CoimbraDisobey is do not listen to the voice of the Lord.

Vice of pride / Virtue of humility

HavefaiththatDivine Providenceis torule and guide you by such means[obedience to the Superiors], so that you attain greater personal perfection, and give greater help to others, 203.PrayerPsalm 131 (A song of ascents. Of David.)

My heart is not proud,Lord,my eyes are not haughty;

I do not concern myself with great mattersor things too wonderful for me.

But I have calmed and quieted myself,I am like a weaned child with its mother;like a weaned child I am content.

Israel, put your hope in theLordboth now and forevermore.

Obedience and our corporate identityHow the last GCs and Popes speak about it

Sources1965/66, CG 31, d. 17, The life of obedience

1974/75, CG 32, d. 11, The Union of Minds and Hearts1984, CG 34, d. 11, On having aProper Attitude of Service in the Church2008, CG 35, d. 4, Obedience in the Life of the Society of JesusPopes speaking to Jesuits recently:Paul VI.John Paul II.Benedict XVI.Francis

CG 31 d. 17, The life of obedience

the Societys renewal in the spirit and practice of obedienceour o. is apostolic by natureserving Christ in His Churchsuperior representing Christauthority as service (with discerning love)dialog, listening, communicationto practice o. with complete availability, perfect obedience procedure in case of objection of conscienceo. as abond of unity- based on charity

Benedict XVI.This is a particular fidelity, santioned for many of you by avow of immediate obedience to the Successor of Peter perinde ac cadaver. Today, the Church is still particularly in need of this fidelity of yours which constitutes the badge of your Order, in an age when the urgent need is felt to pass on in its integral form to our contemporaries, who are distracted by so many discordant voices... (Letter to Fr. Kolvenbach, 10 January 2008)Benedict XVI.Allocution to the delegates of the GC35, 21 February 2008 Spiritual experience of consolation in the LordIt was a powerful moment and a moving spiritual experience. In his address, Pope Benedict XVI openly revealed his confidence in the Society of Jesus, as well as his spiritual closeness and deep esteem, in words that touched our hearts, stirring and inspiring our desire to serve the Church in this contemporary world marked by many complex social, cultural and religious challenges. (35 GC d. 1, 1)Benedict XVI.We recall the consoling experience of encounter with him during GC 35 five years ago, when the Holy Father expressed his confidence in and closeness to the Society of Jesus, and challenged us to reach the geographical and spiritual places where others do not reach or find it difficult to reach. ... In the spirit of the fourth vow that unites the Society in a special way to the Roman Pontiff, let us pray for Pope Benedict XVI, and let us recommit ourselves to the mission which he has entrusted to the Society.(Fr. Nicols, Letter to the whole Society, 12 February 2013, on the Resignation of the Pope Benedict)Francis... you assure me of your prayers for me and my apostolic ministry as well as your full disposition to continue serving - unconditionally - the Church and the Vicar of Christ...I ask all Jesuits to pray for me and to entrust me to the loving protection of the Virgin Mary, our Mother in heaven, ...(Letter to Fr. Nicols, 16 March 2013)FrancisLetter of Fr. Nicols to the whole Society, 14 March 2013The distinguishing mark of our Society is that it is ... a companionship ... bound to the Roman Pontiff by a special bond of love and service. (Complementary Norms, No. 2, 2) Thus, we share the joy of the whole Church, and at the same time, wish to express our renewed availability to be sent into the vineyard of the Lord, according to the spirit of our special vow of obedience, that so distinctively unites us with the Holy Father (General Congregation 35, Decree 1, No. 17).

FrancisLetter of Fr. Nicols to the whole Society, 24 March 2013The Society continues to be united with the Holy Father in the person of Pope Francis whom we regard as our Superior. As we consider the complex issues and problems that he will have to face, we Jesuits need to reaffirm our support to the Holy Father and offer him unconditionally all our resources and help, be that in the theological, scientific, administrative or spiritual areas.FrancisLetter of Fr. Nicols to the whole Society, 24 March 2013Obedience to the Roman Pontiff urges us once more to listen with open hearts to what he would say about our mission (GC 35, D. 1, n.1) so that, as he himself has suggested, we may be the witness of a life totally dedicated to the service of the Church and evangelical leaven in the world.On our part, it would be arrogant to pretend that the Pope should confirm all our opinions, as though we as Jesuits were in no need of conversion, correction and spiritual renewal. It is solely from an attitude of humility that we will be able to cooperate in building up a Church poor and for the poor that can grow ever more daily, according to the heart of God and his son Jesus.Individual prayerTake the handout and find your place for reflectionInputs for personal prayer, reflexion and discussionHow does the language of the Constitutions strike me now? Have I found God through obedience? Have I experienced God in dealing with superiors? What is God revealing to me (us) about our practice of the vow of obedience?What is my experience of discernment on the part of superiors?Do I find superiors open to hear what my desires are?Do I trust that through openness with superiors Gods will will be discerned? Do I see the account of conscience as an essential of Jesuit obedience? Do I feel the need to make any changes in my behavior in regard to the vow of obedience? Share your experienceThe value and challenge of obedience understood through my own experience

Suscipe

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,my memory, my understanding,and my entire will,All I have and call my own.

You have given all to me.To you, Lord, I return it.

Everything is yours; do with it what you will.Give me only your love and your grace,that is enough for me.