If you gaze upward as you exit the north side of Church, through the new entry way, you can see these words above the doorway. Ite Inflammate Omnia.
They are Latin words used by St. Ignatius Loyola at the end of his letters to those Jesuits going off to the missions. The loose English translation can be rendered as “Go, set the world on fire”.
What fitting words to take in as we exit our place of worship, prayer, growth, and celebration. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we too are missionaries sent forth to share our zeal and enthusiasm for the whole of the Kingdom of God, in whatever “world” we live.
If you lift your gaze even higher as you exit, you will see a recent addition to the parish center: a flame lighting fixture just above those missioning words. This fiery flame is not only a reminder of your mission, discipleship, and identity with the Holy Spirit; the flame also symbolizes our parish’s Jesuit identity.
We Ignatians join with generations of prophets, disciples, and followers of Jesus and St. Ignatius in proclaiming and living our faith. The intent for the flame fixture is to have it illuminated 24/7. Thus the flame will serve as a beacon of welcome, safety, hope, and acceptance for those among us who need our strength, and the neighbors we encounter every day.
If we attune ourselves to “seeing God in all things” we “set the world on fire” as we perform the daily tasks of working, being parents, tending to elderly relatives, consoling others, listening to hurts, sharing joys, forgiving those who have hurt us, and receiving the peace of God during times of adversity.
These are the works of God’s people in the mission fields. As you exit this church each Sunday, know that you have been fed by the Word and His Sacrament in order to set the world on fire with faith, hope, and charity. This is your mission – our mission!
Bring this new light to your prayer. That is, consider talking with God about the ways you set the world on fire each day. Then ask the Lord in what ways might you grow and have Him set that flame a little stronger in your heart.
− Sandy Keiser, Parish Pastoral Council