In Good Company

1. From Corporate Success to Spiritual Calling: A Jesuit Journey Begins

I decided quickly and clearly. As far as I could see, there could be no rational explanation for a loving God who could do something like this. So why bother with the charade of religion?

Unexpected spiritual awakening. James Martin's journey from a successful corporate career to joining the Jesuits began with a profound spiritual experience. Despite his initial skepticism about religion, a series of events and reflections led him to question the meaning and purpose of his life. The death of a close friend, the stress of corporate life, and a growing sense of emptiness in his successful career all contributed to his spiritual search.

Transformative encounter with Thomas Merton. A pivotal moment came when Martin discovered Thomas Merton's autobiography, "The Seven Storey Mountain." This book opened his eyes to a different way of life and sparked a desire for something more meaningful than corporate success. Martin's journey illustrates how spiritual awakening can often come unexpectedly, challenging our preconceptions and leading us to radical life changes.

2. Confronting Doubts and Fears in the Novitiate

Was I doing the right thing? The whole "Jesuit thing," as one of my friends called it, started to seem weird all over again.

Initial struggles and doubts. Entering the Jesuit novitiate was a significant culture shock for Martin. He faced numerous challenges, including:

• Adapting to a structured religious life
• Confronting his own shortcomings and fears
• Dealing with the stark contrast between his former corporate lifestyle and the simplicity of Jesuit life

Overcoming insecurities. Martin's experience highlights the common struggles many face when pursuing a religious vocation. He grappled with feelings of inadequacy, particularly regarding his limited knowledge of Catholicism compared to his peers. However, these challenges ultimately led to personal growth and a deeper understanding of his calling.

3. Serving the Poor and Marginalized: Transformative Experiences

I never got over the physical repulsion of working at Mother Teresa's hospice. But gradually I was able to bear the work by discovering compassion for the people living there.

Challenging service experiences. Martin's time working in Jamaica and at various social service organizations exposed him to intense human suffering and poverty. These experiences were often physically and emotionally demanding, pushing him beyond his comfort zone.

Personal transformation through service. Despite the difficulties, these experiences proved transformative:

• They deepened Martin's compassion and understanding of human dignity
• They challenged his preconceptions about poverty and suffering
• They reinforced his commitment to serving others as a Jesuit

Martin's journey illustrates how confronting discomfort and pushing personal boundaries can lead to profound personal growth and a deeper connection to one's vocation.

4. The Challenges and Rewards of Jesuit Formation

I realized with some force that the Society of Jesus was not perfect. There were plenty of very holy Jesuits, but there were also ones with whom I probably wouldn't have chosen to live outside the Society.

Balancing idealism and reality. Jesuit formation presented Martin with both challenges and rewards. He had to reconcile his idealistic vision of religious life with the realities of living in community and the imperfections of the organization.

Growth through challenges. Key aspects of Jesuit formation that contributed to Martin's growth included:

• Rigorous academic and spiritual training
• Living in community with diverse personalities
• Engaging in various ministries and apostolic work
• Confronting personal limitations and weaknesses

These experiences helped Martin develop a more mature and nuanced understanding of his vocation, balancing idealism with practical realities of religious life.

5. Embracing Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience

Though I felt completely at home in the novitiate, there still were some things that troubled me. Heading off to live in Kingston, for one.

Grappling with religious vows. Martin's journey involved embracing the Jesuit vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Each vow presented unique challenges:

• Poverty: Adjusting to a simpler lifestyle and limited personal resources
• Chastity: Navigating relationships and personal intimacy within religious life
• Obedience: Surrendering personal autonomy and following the directions of superiors

Personal growth through vows. Despite the difficulties, Martin found that living these vows led to:

• Greater freedom from material attachments
• Deeper relationships and community life
• Increased trust in God's providence and guidance

His experience demonstrates how embracing religious vows, while challenging, can lead to personal transformation and spiritual growth.

6. Finding God in All Things: The Ignatian Way

God, I discovered, gives people the patience and graces they need on a retreat.

Ignatian spirituality in practice. Martin's journey deeply immersed him in Ignatian spirituality, which emphasizes finding God in all aspects of life. Key elements of this spirituality that shaped his experience include:

• The Spiritual Exercises: A 30-day silent retreat that deepened his relationship with God
• Daily Examen: A practice of prayerful reflection on the events of the day
• Contemplation in Action: Balancing active ministry with contemplative prayer

Transformative spiritual practices. These Ignatian practices helped Martin:

• Develop a more intimate and personal relationship with God
• Find meaning and purpose in everyday experiences
• Integrate contemplation and action in his life and ministry

Martin's experience illustrates how Ignatian spirituality can provide a practical and transformative approach to living a faith-filled life.

7. From Success-Driven to Service-Oriented: A Radical Life Change

At a point in life when I expected to have a secure job, a good salary, a well-appointed house, and a car (or two), I had instead none of those things, and it didn't seem to matter at all.

Redefining success and fulfillment. Martin's journey represents a radical shift from a success-driven corporate career to a service-oriented religious life. This transformation involved:

• Letting go of societal definitions of success and status
• Embracing a life of service to others and spiritual growth
• Finding deeper fulfillment in simplicity and purpose

A counter-cultural choice. Martin's decision to join the Jesuits challenged societal norms and expectations. His experience demonstrates:

• The possibility of finding greater meaning outside conventional career paths
• The value of aligning one's life with personal values and spiritual calling
• The potential for radical life changes to lead to unexpected joy and fulfillment

Martin's story serves as an inspiring example of how choosing a path of service and spiritual growth can lead to a profoundly satisfying life, even when it means leaving behind conventional markers of success.

Last updated: November 17, 2024