Lately I’ve been reading about St. Ignatius Loyola and the Jesuit order. Within my studies I’ve been particularly drawn to one phrase in particular, magis. Magis is a Latin based phrase that means “the more”. It refers to the Jesuit philosophy of doing more for Christ. It comes directly out of three key questions St. Ignatius would ask of others around him:
Ø What have I done for God?
Ø What am I doing for God?
Ø What more can I do for Him?
We are on this earth for a reason. We have each been blessed with many unique gifts and talents. It is our duty to maximize these and glorify God in all that we do. When we engage magis, we make the commitment to not only do our very best in everything we do, but to also use these gifts and talents to serve others. This means not only are you required to be a great student you must also do something to enhance the education of your classmates. You should not only give 100% in every game and practice, you must also get 100% out of each and every teammate as well. Be your best in all that you do. Be the best: friend, brother, sister, student, athlete, parent, spouse, employee, employer, LEADER. Be the best person you can be, always. When you make this commitment to magis you commit to allowing your light to shine, which in turn inspires the same action in those around you.
You were not made to be o.k. You were made for greatness, don’t settle for any less.
One thing I am learning about Ignatius is he never works with superlatives. When doing the more, the greater for God, so when you work, give your all. When you make plans, plan boldly. And when you dream, dream big. Magis is comparative. The more, not the most. The greater, not the greatest. When we want to do the best, we may get frozen. If we want to do what might be better, we are able to choose. The magis does not mean you act foolishly or unrealistically. Nor do you do these great things for yourself or even for you high school. Rather, you strive to do great things for God. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
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