Regis Cebu Leadership
Leader Melchor Castro Daclan
Call to Arms Speech
Spirituality in Ignatian Leadership – "What lack I yet?"
(By Melchor Castro Daclan)
As Ingnatian Leaders, we will resist the temptation to draw attention to ourselves and, instead, strive for a far greater honor: to become humble, authentic leaders guided by the Spirit of God in Heaven and on earth.
In the late 18th century, Catherine the Great of Russia announced she would tour the southern part of her empire, accompanied by several foreign ambassadors. The governor of the area, Grigory Potemkin, desperately wanted to impress these visitors. And so he went to remarkable lengths to showcase the country's accomplishments.
For part of the journey, Catherine floated down the Dnieper River, proudly pointing out to the ambassadors the thriving hamlets along the shore, filled with industrious and happy townspeople. There was only one problem: it was all for show. It is said that Potemkin had assembled pasteboard facades of shops and homes. He had even positioned busy-looking peasants to create the impression of a prosperous economy. Once the party disappeared around the bend of the river, Potemkin's men packed up the fake village and rushed it downstream in preparation for Catherine's next pass.
Although modern historians have questioned the truthfulness of this story, the term "Potemkin village" has entered the world's vocabulary. It now refers to any attempt to make others believe we are better than we really are.
It is part of human nature to want to look our best.
It is common to individual wanting to be honored by the people around.
In our dispensation, the story of "Potemkin village" is still happening everywhere, in our community, in our country and most especially in our own call to perform responsibilities as a leader. With this regard, I would like to give more emphasis on Acting as a Leader with the Guidance of the Spirit.
No matter how talented you are, if you don't have the spirit, you simply don't have vision. Potemkin was blinded by the praise of men; as a result he uses his abilities to deceive the people in order to gain advantage. In that action, maybe he was using Marketing Management, Operations Management, Cunning Evil Leadership and Strategic Management – applying all skills in MBA to perform wickedness. That is not the way of Ignatian Leadership.
In Ignatian Leadership, the leader is guided by the spirit to do what is right no matter how big is the challenge; the leader will seek for righteousness!
In Ignatian Leadership, the leader will always start with a prayer. Because we know very well that when we will pray we are drawing the powers in heaven to be upon us. We believe that heaven higher than earth; we believe that God is more powerful, and in God nothing is impossible.
As we will perform our duties and responsibilities, we will be more organized, and our people will be happier. We will be successful.
The journey of leadership is not easy one. It has been called a "course of steady improvement." As we travel along that discipleship, the spirit continually challenges us to be better and to climb higher. The Holy Spirit makes an ideal traveling companion. If we are humble and teachable, He will take us by the hand and lead us to become the champion in our leadership.
However, we need to ask the Lord for directions along the way. We have to ask some difficult questions, like "Whom should I marry" "What do I need to change?" "How can I improve? (Like for example: to accomplish MBA assignments just the night before the deadline) "What weakness needs strengthening?" <hahaha - may tinamaan ba?>
Let's consider the New Testament account of the rich young ruler. He was a righteous young man who was already keeping the Ten Commandments, but he wanted to become better. His goal was to go to Heaven.
When he met the Savior, he asked, Master "What lack I yet?"
Jesus answered immediately, giving counsel that was intended specifically for the rich young man. "Jesus said unto him, if thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and … come and follow me."
The young man was stunned; he had never considered such a sacrifice. He was humble enough to ask the Lord but not faithful enough to follow the divine counsel he was given. We must be willing to act when we receive an answer.
I knew a faithful MBA student who humbled himself and ask, "What is keeping me from becoming an outstanding student? In his case, the response from the Spirit came immediately: "Stop complaining and be prompt in submitting assignments." This answer surprised him; he had never thought of himself as a complainer. However, the message from the Holy Spirit was very clear. In the days that followed, he became conscious of his habit of complaining. Grateful for the prompting to improve, he determined to count his blessing instead of his challenges. Within days, he felt the warm approval of the Spirit.
A humble young woman who couldn't seem to find the right man to marry went to the Lord for help: "What is keeping me from being the right woman?" she asked. This answer came into her mind and heart: "Clean up your language." At that moment, she realized that several crude expressions had become part of his vocabulary, and she committed to change.
The Spirit doesn't tell us to improve everything at once. If He did, we would become discourage and give up. The Spirit works with us at our own speed, one step at a time.
Like you, I have received many messages from the Spirit over the years showing me how I could improve. Let me share a few personal examples of messages that I took to heart. These promptings have included:
- · Don't raise your voice
- · Organize yourself; create a daily list of things to do.
- · Take better care of your body by eating more fruits and vegetables.
- · Family prayer everyday (morning and night).
- · Ask your MBA professor for counsel.
- · Be prompt in submitting assignments. (I'm still working on that last one.)
The spirit will always tell us to do what is right.
I would like to suggest that each of you participate in Ignatian Leadership spiritual exercise soon, perhaps even tonight while saying your prayers. Humbly ask the Lord the following question: "What is keeping me from progressing?" In other words: "What lack I yet?" Then wait quietly for a response. If you are sincere, the answer will soon become clear. It will be personal revelation intended just for you.
Perhaps the Spirit will tell you that you need to forgive someone. Or you may receive a message to be more selective about your priorities in life. You may feel impressed to be more honest in your business dealings or more generous in helping others. The possibilities are endless.
The Spirit can show us our weaknesses, but He is also able to show us our strengths as a leader. Sometimes we need to ask if what we are doing is right. The Lord knows our divine leadership potential.
He rejoices every time we take a step forward.
To Him, our direction is ever more important than our speed.
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Prof. Jorge and Dear Classmates May the Spirit be with us, thank you very much and Merry Christmas to all of us Ignatian Leaders!!
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