NOVENA TO ST. IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA - DAY EIGHT - JULY 29, 2013 - EVER SEARCHING FOR THE MAGIS

The entire life of St. Ignatius was a pilgrim search for the Magis, the ever-greater glory of God, the ever-fuller service of men and women, the more universal good, the more effective apostolic means. Mediocrity had no place in the life and mission of St. Ignatius, and so he was constantly searching for the newer, the better, the more, and constantly challenging everyone who came in contact with him to do the same. The Magis was not simply one among others in a list of the qualities of St. Ignatius it permeated them all.

Often in our lives, we have been content with the “status quo”, the known, the tried, the already existing. Being men and women of the Magis means that we are constantly driven to discover, re-define and reach out for the newer, the better, the more. The Magis is always on the verge of re-definition, good becomes better, the better becomes better still, and the better still, becomes still better. Frontiers and boundaries ought not to be obstacles for us, but new challenges to be faced, new opportunities to be welcomed. Indeed ours must be a holy boldness, which has its roots in our faith in Jesus.

Through the intercession of St. Ignatius we pray for the grace to strive always for the Magis, the greater, the newer, the more.

God, Eternal father, we pray that through the intercession of St. Ignatius of Loyola, who was never content with the already existing, and ever in search of newer ways of reaching out to those in need, we too might be inspired to follow in his footsteps, and search for newer ways to constantly glorify your name. We ask this through Christ our Lord.