Ad Majoreum Dei Gloriam

Ad Majoreum Dei Gloriam
A Reflection for All Saints Day
By Rev. Robert Johnnene OFA
Mission Saints Sergius and Bacchus
www.missionstsergius.org
Recently one of the people who are members of our missions blog page suggested that I was a saintly person. I immediately responded that I had not even climbed to the bottom rung of the ladder leading to that distinction and would be happy to even be able to begin the climb.
On Wednesday Nov. 1 the universal church honors all the Saints and the persons remark started me wondering what it was that those who are named saints in the church did to gain that distinction.
It is commonly agreed by theologians that all who die and have lived according to the teachings of Almighty God as given in the Commandments and of Jesus Christ are in heaven and therefore saints. But some individuals are given the extra recognition of being canonized for special recognition of their extemporary lives in the hope they will inspire us to emulate them.
Upon reflection, the one thing that each and every one of them had in common is summed up in the phrase "Ad Majoreum Dei Gloriam," which means “To the Greater Glory of God” Many of us are familiar with the phrase as the motto of the Jesuits. How it became so is a story in and of itself. St. Ignatius de Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit Order, was a Spanish soldier in his early years but was shot in the leg at Pamplona, which resulted in a very serious injury. As he lay in bed for weeks in a hospital, he asked for some reading material, but the only available books were "The Lives of the Saints" and "Life of Our Savior." These books were unappealing at first to the soldier, but Ignatius soon underwent a conversion, which changed his entire world view and led him to become a soldier of Christ. This conversion led Ignatius to found the Jesuits, who have had a lasting impact on the world and continue to influence our world today. One of the favorite phrases of Ignatius is a Latin phrase, "Ad Majoreum Dei Gloriam," which is many times abbreviated AMDG and means "for the greater glory of God." As I was attending Boston College High school that phrase was found every where.
I have concluded that the one common thread in all of the saints lives is summed up in that phrase. Each and every one of them lived their lives with that goal at the forefront and purpose of their life. All their actions were done to give greater glory to Almighty God.
Some became saints by disagreeing with Bishops, Cardinals and Popes because they felt that the hierarchy’s actions where not those acceptable to God and they were put to death for their defiance like Joan of Arc. Many others became martyrs giving up their earthly life rather than go against God’s teachings or worship a false God like the patron saints of our mission Sergius and Bacchus. Still others like Mother Theresa of Calcutta, St. Francis of Assisi, Blessed Father Damien De Veuster, Saint Julie Billiart, St. Dominic Savio and St. Elizabeth Ann Seaton achieved special recognition by devoting their lives to helping the poor, needy, sick and in educating youth.
The common thread, as I have stated before, was that they did everything for the greater honor and glory of God.
The question now arises, How do we live our life for the greater glory of God?
For starters, we accept how God has created us and not try to alter His creation for the sake of vanity and we make the most of the gifts and talents he has given us.
We avoid seeking acclaim for ourselves, which is the sin of pride, and live for the sake of others especially those who society rejects or marginalizes.
We shun excesses in food, alcohol and sexual pleasure and use these gifts of God prudently and for the purpose which they are meant.
We share our bounty and ourselves with others rather than being greedy and hoarding it.
Above all, we seek a closer bond with Almighty God through prayer and the Sacraments.
The one thing that every saint recognized in their life was that God had placed them here to be His servant and to do His work while we enjoy the benefits of His creation.
Our seraphic father of the Franciscan‘s , St. Francis, recognized God in every living creature and in all of creation. His beautiful poem/prayer, the CANTICLE OF BROTHER SUN expresses this in a wonderful way and for that reason I end this reflection with it in the hopes that it will lead you to reconsider how you are living your life today and what changes you might make to become, if not a saint, but at least more saintly. The journey is not easy as the lives of the saints records. It is not fashionable or acceptable by many. You may loose friends and family but then Christ did call us to leave all things and come follow Him. "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matthew 19:20-22
The Canticle of the Sun
by Francis of Assisi
Most high, all powerful, all good Lord! All praise is yours, all glory, all honor, and all blessing. To you, alone, Most High, do they belong. No mortal lips are worthy to pronounce your name.
Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures, especially through my lord Brother Sun, who brings the day; and you give light through him. And he is beautiful and radiant in all his splendor! Of you, Most High, he bears the likeness.
Be praised, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars; in the heavens you have made them, precious and beautiful.
Be praised, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air, and clouds and storms, and all the weather, through which you give your creatures sustenance.
Be praised, My Lord, through Sister Water; she is very useful, and humble, and precious, and pure.
Be praised, my Lord, through Brother Fire, through whom you brighten the night. He is beautiful and cheerful, and powerful and strong.
Be praised, my Lord, through our sister Mother Earth, who feeds us and rules us, and produces various fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
Be praised, my Lord, through those who forgive for love of you; through those who endure sickness and trial. Happy those who endure in peace, for by you, Most High, they will be crowned.
Be praised, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death, from whose embrace no living person can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Happy those she finds doing your most holy will. The second death can do no harm to them.
Praise and bless my Lord, and give thanks, and serve him with great humility. AMEN, AMEN All praise and glory be yours Almighty God unto the ages of ages. AMEN