I have been greatly inspired by the story of St Ignatius and the awareness that all missions begin with a dream. For Ignatius his dream was clarified due to the horrific wounds he suffered in battle and the lengthy enforced period of stillness.
His time at Manresa strengthened his vision for his mission to reach the Holy Land; he continued to refine his mission throughout his life as new challenges were encountered. There was repeated reflection and adaptation to God’s revelation of his plan for Ignatius and the Jesuits.
We can be inspired by the method Ignatius illustrates and the awareness that reviewing and altering a plan is not an indication of failure.
DEEPER TRUTHS
Discerning your mission requires time and an openness to plans that may on the surface seem challenging or even absurd. Daydreaming is a skill that we generally ‘grow out of’. Sadly, contemplation as a process is considered fanciful or immature as it intentionally allows us to play out all manner of options and outcomes – even beyond what is or could be real. Allowing our daydreaming to be guided by the presence of God reveals deeper truths and insights into mysteries that we alone cannot understand.
From Ignatius’ experience we learn to begin with the simple intention of discerning mission. Seek to become aware of God’s plan and be open to all options and eventualities. What inspires you to move forward may initially surprise. With courage and faith be bold, take the first step and see where your journey may lead you.
Patience and commitment are virtues that will ensure your mission will develop and be achieved. Note that a mission is not a business plan. Time and predetermined specific outcomes are not required. Your mission must be flexible and open-ended.
OPEN TO CHANGE
For Ignatius his mission changed many times over years. His pilgrimage to the Holy Land changed to a vision of education, service and sharing his spiritual exercises. Later his mission altered to ordination and then the formation of the Jesuits and the central vision of mission as the primary expression of discipleship.
Ignatius’ life story comforts us and guides our response. When our mission ends a new mission is revealed. Nothing is lost and there is no failure. As new understandings are revealed the mission evolves and the ability to serve increases.
As we take a moment to consider these pillars of mission. Contemplate the stories and journeys that inspire you. Spend time daydreaming. Think of how these stories speak to you. What stirs your thoughts and emotions? Which thoughts make you feel joy or make you want to get started?
You don’t need a five-step plan, specific goals or a vision of where you will be in 12 months. All you need is the revelation and the courage to start. Reflect on your mission often, and be sure that it continues to provide consolation. When your mission becomes challenging or waivers, pause for a while and think it through again. What is God revealing here? Is there a change in direction required? Take your bearings and set off again with confidence.
Don’t hold on to anything. Detachment is essential if your mission is to continue to be clarified and achieved. Your mission must evolve. If you keep on going in the same direction you may find that you are not growing. Your mission will lead you to the most amazing places and situations. You will serve an exponential number of people by listening to what is being revealed and pursuing your mission as it’s clarified over time. Growth is based on change. Be courageous.
Although I have been inspired by Ignatius and the insights he offers about mission, for me, my namesake’s mission encapsulates all these qualities. The hagiography of St Brendan is grand and inspirational. Setting out on mission with no set course and guided only by God, he and his companion monks spread the Gospel to faraway places and inspired others to step out into the unknown and encounter ‘the world’.
MY DAYDREAM
I sometimes daydream about these things. Did St Brendan have a plan or did the wind and currents set his course? Was he fearful and was it hard for him to set off into the unknown? Does it matter whether St Brendan had an epic seven-year journey as part of his mission or would a more realistic journey across the Irish Sea be any less important to his legacy? Did Ignatius think about St Brendan’s voyage and did this inspire him to send his brother Jesuits across the world on mission?
Daydreaming is a gift that we can all practise and benefit from.
Your contemplation may reveal that epic journeys and unique situations may not be part of your mission. The irony of mission is that it may be equally as valuable and provide the same amount of service and impact even if you are stationary. You may find that your mission, or a part of your ongoing evolving mission, may require no movement or action. Your mission might be spiritual and largely internal for a period.
All missions are good and valuable. Guided by the Spirit, all missions are perfect and will develop as truth is revealed. Be inspired by great pilgrimages and missions, but do not evaluate your mission against those of others. God has a unique plan for you, and your mission will be successful and world-changing. Be open to the Spirit and go on with courage and faith.
