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WE LIVE IN A BROKEN WORLD
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 Truly we live in a fragmented and oftentimes divided world. Environmental
degradation, disaster and human suffering are experienced daily and chronicled
in every news update and magazine review of our world. The basic environmental
experience of the greater percentage of Asians is by far, one of suffering.
The General Congregation 34 of the Society of Jesus in its Mission and
Justice captures this and makes the clearest and most memorable statements
of the Jesuits on the environment. The Jesuit study We Live in a Broken
World develops this ecological consciousness and "serves as a heartfelt
prayer and shared commitment," as Fr. General says in the introduction. The text is not descriptive nor doctrinal, speculative nor legal, it is
a prayerful reflection and a basis for self-examination of what we are
doing or should be doing. It does not try to simplify science, society,
responsibility or spirituality, but to bring many viewpoints together.
Comments from nearly forty Jesuits around the world are artfully shared
on alternate pages of the main text. It is a "feeling document"
- even though this may sound contradictory - which without complication
brings us through a reading of ecology, Ignatian spirituality and apostolic
response to changes called for in community lifestyle, institutional decisions
and orientation for our way of proceeding. It is a practical approach humbly
calling Ours to greater action and accountability in lifestyle and apostolic
integrity. However, it will take many years to seep pervasively through
our varied communities.
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As a Jesuit sharing the responsibility for an environmental institute
for social change and an Asian network on community forest management,
I have tried to create occasions for others to share in the searching of
the Society. One Saturday we went to the old novitiate grounds and invited
also family members of staff so that they too could share in the deepening
and intentions of our work. It was easy to explain without apparent arrogance
Jesuit priorities of "greater universal impact being of greater need"
and a sense of magis in relation to a science of hope. For all the daily
limitations of our struggles for meaningful change, such a vision and volution
make a critical difference. Time was given to lifestyle and spirituality
as two aspects of the search needing deepening, so that a job is not just
work but a support to our life and to the depth of our human experience.
The value of the work we do is often considered only in terms of social
impact, and there is a continuing need to see its value in relation to
those with whom we work, and in the maturing of our own personal lives.
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| The simple use of scriptural language and interpretation gives heart to
the Principle and Foundation, otherwise difficult for people who have not
gone through the Spiritual Exercises. It is then easy to move to a brief
reflection on personal sin and de-creation, humbly acknowledging the web
of human implication in global degradation. The Contemplation to Attain Love concludes the traditional Ignatian Spirituality,
and leaves room for much greater reflection on the unique Christo-centrality
of our faith and redemption of Creation. The grandeur and beauty in the
world and the power of the Resurrection for all in Christ are critical
in sustaining daily action over the long term in the face of much of our
urban environment, rural hunger, exploited resources and loss of biodiversity.
It is possible that future broader sharing might dare to go beyond our
own Jesuit spirituality, for there is much we can be involved in and learn
from other Catholic spiritualities, and in Asia in particular, other religions.
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The richness of cultures and emerging values in urban and rural community
are receiving renewed attention, while apostolic work recognizes the even
greater inertia of shifting the margins of society, as increasingly they
are understood to be bound to marginal environments. Local to international
action is extending through increasing networks and experiences of solidarity,
while equally radical changes are occurring in the efforts to change how
we make institutional decisions. These reflections so smoothly capture
the current situation that it may be easy to lose sight of their true depth
and significance. If seriously considered, however, these reflections can
provide the fundamental goals for serious involvement. The text is easy
material to work with for weekend reflections. It has been refreshing and insightful for many coming in contact with
the Society's involvement in ecological work. Sections may be individually
used, and easily drawn into other reflections and intellectual activities.
It has also facilitated a smooth transition into deeper reflections on
justice and Decree 4 of GC 32. These ecological reflections do not have
the answers nor do they present a stand on the many environmental issues
today, for the basic purpose is to sustain a more soul-full experience
in a world that is spinning with limited occasion for care. |
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