How precious is your loving kindness, God. The children of men take refuge under the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7
On 13 December 1545 at the Council of Trent, Ignatius of Loyola offered this instruction which he referred to as their common plan, entitled, “On Dealing with Others.” It’s lengthy, so I offer these excerpts today.
“Since associating and dealing with many people for the salvation and spiritual progress of souls can be very profitable with God’s help so, on the other hand, if we are not on our guard and helped by God’s grace, such association can be the occasion of great loss to ourselves and sometimes to everyone concerned.
In keeping with our profession we cannot withdraw from such association and, therefore, the more prepared we are to proceed according to a common plan, the more likely we are to succeed in our Lord. In the following notes, which may be modified or amplified according to need, we may be able to offer some assistance.
Be slow to speak. Be considerate and kind, especially when it comes to deciding on matters under discussion…and only after having first listened quietly, so that you may understand the meaning, leanings, and wishes of those who do speak. Thus you will better know when to speak and when to be silent…
In lecturing follow the same rules as you do in preaching, and try to enkindle in souls a love of their Creator and Lord, explaining the meaning of the passage read, and have your hearers pray as has been indicated….
Visit the hospitals at some convenient hour during the day, always taking your health into consideration. Hear the confessions of the poor and console them, and even take them some little gift if you can…
But on the other hand, if you wish to urge souls to make progress in the spiritual life, it will be better to speak at length, with order, and with kindness and love.”
Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) in his remarks “To The Fathers Attending The Council Of Trent: On Dealing With Others” in Selected Writings of St. Ignatius of Loyola with commentary by Joseph N. Tylenda, 19-20.
Ignatius instructs us to be good listeners, to be generous ministers to the poor and needy, and to make sure that when we speak, we do so, with kindness and love. What beautiful advice! When we speak truth with the kindness and love of God, through our ministry people find refuge in Him.
Too often we think of generosity only in financial terms and kindness only in interpersonal interaction. Here Ignatius frames these ideas in the context of the common plan for the care of souls. Think of it this way: 0ur generosity and kindness are means that the Spirit employs to work through us to help souls connect with Jesus.
With unselfish awareness we listen and attune to the needs of those we serve. Gifts flow through us to those who are sick, hurting, or needy. And, when we speak, our words are filled with kindness. I have room for improvement in this area. God help me, and may He help you too. Let’s make this our common plan today and every day.