Finding Purpose and Meaning: Ignatian Discernment for Youth Today
Sch. Zenith Lawrance S.J.
St Ignatius of Loyola developed discernment through his own spiritual journey. After being wounded in battle, he underwent a profound conversion experience that led him to dedicate his life to God. He developed a series of spiritual exercises that would later become known as the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius. These exercises are designed to help individuals develop a deeper relationship with God and especially discern His will in their lives. Thus, Ignatian discernment extends beyond spiritual practices and finds relevance in various aspects of life. It especially holds value for youth, assisting them in making the right decisions and discerning their path in life effectively.
For youth, embracing Ignatian discernment can be a transformative journey that invites them to find God in all things. In the fast-paced and often chaotic modern world, it is easy for young people to overlook the presence of the divine in their everyday lives. Ignatian discernment encourages them to pause, reflect, and recognize God’s hand at work, not just in moments of prayer or worship, but also in their studies, relationships, and even in the smallest of daily encounters. By cultivating an awareness of God’s presence in all aspects of their lives, youth can develop a deep sense of gratitude, purpose, and connection to the divine, guiding them towards choices and actions that align with their faith and values.
In the modern world, youth are often challenged with pressure to make early decisions about their academic and career paths. The prevailing societal expectation is to choose a specific field of study or career path at a young age. It can be overwhelming and daunting for many young people. Ignatian discernment offers a guiding light amidst these challenges. It helps youth to navigate this critical phase of their lives with a sense of purpose and alignment with God’s will. It encourages youth to embark on a journey of self-reflection rather than succumbing to external pressures or societal expectations. Young individuals are invited to delve deep within themselves to discover their strengths, true passions, talents, and values. By taking the time to reflect on their authentic selves, youth can gain clarity about what truly resonates with their souls and ignites a sense of purpose within them. In the process of discernment, youth are directed to choose the greater good that can be of service to others.
Many youth struggle with decision-making, particularly when they are experiencing extreme emotions such as happiness or sadness. These heightened emotional behaviour can influence their judgment and lead to impulsive or misguided choices. Ignatian discernment offers valuable insights to help youth in decision-making during these challenging times. It is also a valuable tool for modern youth in the experiences of consolation and desolation in their lives. Youth should understand during times of consolation or desolation, one should not make any important decisions. It is in these moments that the spirits can subtly influence our thoughts and emotions.
For example, accepting a love relationship during a period of consolation can be a delicate decision for modern youth. When experiencing a deep sense of joy, they may feel drawn to pursue a romantic relationship. However, it is important for youth to exercise discernment and avoid making impulsive decisions during the time of consolation.
On the other hand, experiencing a love failure or going through a period of desolation can be extremely challenging for youth. It is during these times that they may feel disconnected from God, questioning their self-worth, and struggling with feelings of sadness and despair. In such moments, youth might be inclined to make decisions that involve withdrawing from love or relationships altogether. The negative emotions experienced during this time can cloud judgment and lead to making choices based on fear or a desire to protect oneself from further pain. It is crucial to seek support from trusted friends, mentors, spiritual directors, or counselors who can provide guidance and help through the difficult emotions.
In the context of modern youth and their use of mobile devices and social media, Ignatian discernment can offer valuable guidance on how to approach and engage with these technologies in a discerning manner. Ignatian discernment emphasizes the importance of reflecting on one’s intentions and motivations. When using mobile devices and social media, youth can ask themselves why they are engaging with these platforms. Are they using them for genuine connection, learning, or inspiration? Or are they driven by the fake relations? By reflecting on their intentions, youth can discern whether their mobile and social media usage aligns with their values and contributes to their overall well-being.
Ignatian discernment highlights the importance of authentic relationships. Social media can provide opportunities for connection. Therefore, youth should discern whether their online interactions are genuine and meaningful or superficial or fake. They can focus on building authentic relationships both online and offline, nurturing connections that foster empathy, understanding, and mutual support. By discerning the quality of their connections, youth can ensure that their online interactions contribute to their personal growth and the well-being of others. By discerning the use of mobile devices and social media, modern youth can approach these technologies with greater mindfulness, intentionality, and self-awareness. Ultimately, this discerning approach can help youth develop a healthy and good use of mobile and social media, ensuring that these tools serve as instruments for positive impact, connection, and personal growth.
The issue of youth getting into pornography addiction is a significant concern in today’s digital age. In the face of this challenge, Ignatian discernment can provide valuable insights for young individuals seeking freedom from this addiction. Ignatius of Loyola teaches us to be attentive to the movements of the spirits within us. One needs to recognize that our actions can either lead us towards God and our authentic selves or pull us away from them. Applying Ignatian discernment to the issue of pornography addiction involves a process of deep self-reflection, examining the desires and motivations that contribute to this harmful behavior.
By honestly evaluating the effects of pornography on their well-being, relationships, and spiritual journey, youth can discern the ways in which it hinders their growth and connection with God. Seeking guidance from trusted people can help them and to develop strategies to resist temptation and replace harmful patterns with healthy alternatives. Ignatian discernment invites youth to reflect on their true desires for intimacy, love, and self-worth, helping them find healthier and more fulfilling ways to satisfy these longings. Through prayer, reflection, and discernment, young individuals can embark on a transformative journey towards healing, restoration, and the rediscovery of their true self as beloved children of God.
In conclusion, Ignatian discernment holds tremendous value for the youth in navigating the complexities of the modern world. Its principles offer a profound framework for decision-making, personal growth, and spiritual development. By encouraging youth to reflect on their intentions, evaluate the effects of their actions, and seek God’s guidance, it equips them with the tools to make wise choices. It empowers them to navigate the pressures of academic and career decisions, relationships, and the challenges of technology and media. Ignatian discernment fosters self-awareness, authenticity, and a deep connection with God, enabling youth to find meaning, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose in their lives. Ultimately, Ignatian discernment serves as a guiding light for youth.
(Sch. Zenith Lawrance M is a member of the Jesuit Chennai Province. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and an MA degree in English Literature, from the University of Madras. He has contributed his services at the Jesuit Worldwide Learning Center (JWL) in Sri Lanka. Currently, he is in the second year of his theological studies at Arul Kadl, Chennai.)
