As the people of Venezuela continue to navigate the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes, our Jesuit partners remain at their side—responding to urgent needs, accompanying affected communities, and looking toward the long road of recovery.
In the third situational update from the Jesuits of Venezuela, Provincial Fr. Alfredo Infante, S.J., offers a moving reflection, “Ignatian Wisdom for Action: Mobilizing Our Forces for the Greater Good“. Alongside updates on the evolving emergency and the Jesuit response on the ground, Fr. Infante draws on the spiritual wisdom of St. Ignatius to offer hope, discernment, and practical guidance for responding faithfully in times of crisis.
As we continue to accompany the people of Venezuela through prayer and solidarity, we are grateful to share his reflection with our community.
IGNATIAN WISDOM FOR ACTION: MOBILIZING OUR FORCES FOR THE GREATER GOOd
By: Fr. Alfredo Infante, S.J. – Provincial of the Society of Jesus in Venezuela
Saint Ignatius of Loyola was a spiritual master whose practical and simple wisdom continues to provide us with criteria to face the challenges life presents. We Venezuelans are going through a tragedy, and amidst our wounds and suffering, we need to find the paths to reconstruction. Here are seven key principles for humanitarian mission work to help guide our actions in times of disaster:
- “Be present.” The human mind and heart easily drift and lose focus. Before starting any activity, Saint Ignatius invites us to center ourselves—to become aware of our inner state and the purpose of our actions. Step back, take a deep breath, and ask yourself: How am I? Where am I? What am I here to do?
- “Bring method and order.” Once your focus is clear, map out the path and strategy. Order does not mean rigidity; we must remain flexible enough to handle the unexpected. However, flexibility and creativity should never be confused with distraction and chaos.
- “Act according to person, time, and place.” This is not about applying rigid, cookie-cutter formulas or imposing projects from the outside. True empathy requires us to deeply understand the people we serve, as well as their unique historical and cultural context.
- “Cultivate uplifting conversation” because “putting things into words helps us process our feelings.” We must manage our exposure to social media and rely on trusted sources. While some conversations drain our energy, others revitalize us and bring hope. Words carry power.
- “Do good, and do it well.” Good intentions alone are not enough; we must be clear about our skills and limitations. A disorganized goodwill that lacks the necessary competence amounts to foolishness. As Mother Teresa of Calcutta used to say: “To serve, you must be fit to serve.”
- “Discreet charity.” It is not enough to simply follow an impulse of charity. We must filter that impulse through our intellect so that our actions do not become self-indulgent or disorganized, but instead deliver real, meaningful results for the common good.
- “The more universal the good, the more divine it is.” When faced with a choice between good options, we must always choose the one with the widest reach and the highest.
