Ad majorem dei Glorium

“Ad majorem dei Glorium.  For the Greater Glory of God.”

-       Society of Jesus (Jesuit) Motto.

In 2013, as part of a creative exercise to create a Times magazine cover representing Saint Louis University in twenty years, I drew the Sword of Ignatius of Loyola balanced by righteousness and justice.  I included a quote from Matthew in the Bible - "Think not that I came to send you peace, I came not to send you peace, but a sword."  This quote from the Bible is about putting God first (who is love) or brother will be set against brother.   I believed Saint Louis University's mission was to change the world through the education of the whole person to promote justice and righteousness in the world.   I included on the Time Magazine cover the following under the title:

"Sharpened Sword"

Discerning intellect

Inwardly reflective

Outwardly focused

Disciplined in action

Bound by love and service

Unified in purpose

“Ad majorem dei Glorium”  

(For the Greater Glory of God)

I have learned that leading means exercising self-discipline to follow Jesus, but to know that I am sinful and that only through grace and forgiveness by God and others can I grow in the Kingdom of God.  Each one of us is granted gifts, but we must follow the lead of Jesus when using them.  I'm not sure if God is asking me to lead through symbols or asking something else of me, but no matter what I do, I have chosen to follow God.

  "Ad majorem dei Glorium"