I’m a fan of Patrick Lencioni, a leadership consultant who works not only in the corporate world but also with Catholic parishes. He founded The Amazing Parish, an organization that helps parishes apply leadership principles found in healthy and successful businesses. One of the first tasks he emphasizes is clarity of purpose—understanding why the organization (or parish) exists. When a parish is struggling, it’s often because it has lost sight of this purpose. It may be busy with activities that, while good, don’t ultimately serve its core mission.
I was reminded of this while reflecting on today’s saint, Ignatius of Loyola. At the very beginning of his Spiritual Exercises, he writes that we were created to “praise, reverence, and serve God” so that we might attain eternal life. He begins by stating the why of the Christian life. When we’re clear about that purpose, we’re far less likely to be distracted or pulled off course. That’s leadership 101.
Let us ask for the intercession of St. Ignatius, that we may become imitators of Jesus Christ—living for God above all else, and ensuring that our actions today truly praise, reverence, and serve Him.
Living in Love with God 
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