Laborers in the lords vineyardPart 7 Chapter of the Constitutions : How Superior General Should Mission Jesuits

European Jesuit Tertianship in DublinJeffrey Pioquinto, SJ and Angelo Silerio, SJ (Philippine Province)

i ask of our Lord the grace not to be deaf to His call, but ready and enthusiastic to accomplish His most holy will.Id Quod Volo

These norms and criteria are presented in part VII of the Constitutions.. In choosing and in specifying missions we are to look outward to the world, the vineyard, and examine where are the greater possibilities for gaining fruit for Gods greater glory (622-626).

Synthesis

Expressions like the more universal good, the greater divine service, and the greater glory of God appear more that seventy times in the constitutions. They all mean basically the same.AMDG

Part VII of the Constitutions, Ignatius explains how Superior General should mission Jesuits to various works:[T]here are many who request help [of Jesuits] while considering more their own spiritual obligations to their flocks, or other advantages not so immediately their own, rather than the common or universal benefits.

Hence,

the superior general [of the Jesuits], or whoever holds this authority from him, ought to bestow much careful thought on missions of this kind in order that . . . that procedure may always be used which is conducive to the greater service of God and the universal good.20

To be sure, it is not always obvious which choice serves the more universal good. Desiring it is one thing (Ignatius calls it a right and pure intention below), but knowing what that means in actual practice is another.

THEREFORE

A Superior General should make a decision only after prayer, rational deliberation, and consultation with others.DISCERNMENT

It appears that in the vineyard of the Lord, which is so extensive, the following procedure of selection ought to be used:

When other considerations are equal (and this should be understood in everything that follows), that part of the vineyard ought to be chosen which. . . 1. has greater need.2. where people already are enthusiastic about their spiritual renewal. If two places are equally needy, but one is less dangerous to the welfare of the Jesuit being missioned, the safer option should be chosen. From: What Magis Really Means and Why It Matters by Fr. Barton Geger, SJ

If two places are equally needy, but one is less dangerous to the welfare of the Jesuit being missioned, the safer option should be chosen.There will be greater chance of success, and the one missioned will be better preserved and disposed for sub-sequent works. Sometimes the less risky option is the universal good From: What Magis Really Means and Why It Matters by Fr. Barton Geger, SJ

if two places are equally needy, but in one the mission can be accomplished more quickly, the easier mission should be chosen.For that reason, the more universal good should not be defined as the harder option. From: What Magis Really Means and Why It Matters by Fr. Barton Geger, SJ

If two places are equally needy, but in one the Society owes much to benefactors, then Jesuits should choose that place.Here Ignatius does not spell out his reasoning, but he seems to mean that, aside from a matter of justice to the benefactors in that place, the long-term viability of the Society requires that it cultivate a good reputation among current and potential benefactors. From: What Magis Really Means and Why It Matters by Fr. Barton Geger, SJ

if certain works have more lasting value than others, they should be preferred.

serving those who are influential in society is beneficial, since they will be a good influence on others.

To be clear, Ignatius was not saying that the more universal good is the only legitimate criterion for making a good decision. Rather, it is the distinguishing characteristic of the Jesuit way of proceeding

Hence, the Need for discernment

The Constitutions do not give a blueprint for missions. Rather they give the Superior a discernment tool to help him take the best decision in a real situation.(Rotsaert, Mark. Continuity and Innovation: 34th GC)

Constitutions the central scriptural motif is, clearly, taken from Matthew 10:

The Commissioning and Mission of the Twelve to go out on mission in poverty, preaching the good news. Jesuits see themselves as ' ones who are sent.

Part VII of The Constitutions builds on ' the election' to follow Christ the King in The Exercises.

Prayer points:

Colloquy regarding my missions in the Society (Annot. 53)

What have I done for Christ?I recall the various assignments given me in the Society. In the spirit of gratitude and praise,I relish in prayer the moments when I have successfully carried out my mission.I also recall the failures and mistakes I had committed. I then try to determine the Lords message for me in these events.What am I doing for Christ?I recall my most recent assignments, I then celebrate in prayer the insights I have gained because of these tasks.I remember the challenges/struggles I have experienced and ask the Lord for enlightenment so that I may see more clearly how He wants me to respond to the situation.What must I do for Christ?Here I present to the Lord my apostolic dreams.

I then create a symbol to represent an insight or the fruits I have received in prayer.DrawingMixed mediumObjects around us

References:Rotsaert, Mark. Continuity and Innovation: 34th GCPeter Schineller, S.J. FROM AN ASCETICAL SPIRITUALITY OF THE EXERCISES TO THE APOSTOLIC SPIRITUALITY OF THE CONSTITUTIONS: LABORERS IN THE LORDS VINEYARDFr. Barton Geger, SJ. What Magis Really Means and Why It MattersThe constitutions of the Society of Jesus and their Complementary Norm. St. Louis, 1996

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