Ignatian Values Lecture Features Fr. James Martin
Fr. James Martin, S.JAll incoming first-year students at The University of Scranton are required to read a book chosen for them through Royal Reads. This year, the Class of 2021 was assigned to read The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything: A Spirituality for Real Life written by James Martin, S.J.
Sept. 14 was just one time they would hear about the book. They will also discuss in their courses throughout the year.
Talking mostly to a room of first-year students, Fr. Martin gave some advice to make them feel less worried about their years at Scranton. He said that it’s okay not to know everything at the beginning because everyone will eventually find his or her place in this world and God is here to help with that journey. He said, “God gives us all the capacity to make good decisions” and that He “helps to build us up, calm us down, and give us hope.” Through the first few weeks of school it is normal to be nervous or feel out of place, but, in the end, God is there to help everyone find their way.
Fr. Martin’s speech gave advice that was helpful to students. He said that it is okay to change your mind. It is important to be happy with yourself because “Jesuit spirituality wants us to be the person God wants us to be in order to serve others.” It is also all right to have desires. Fr. Martin also said that desire is an important part of Jesuit spirituality because it is a key way for God to communicate with each person.
Read more about Royal Reads here.
Sept. 14 was just one time they would hear about the book. They will also discuss in their courses throughout the year.
Talking mostly to a room of first-year students, Fr. Martin gave some advice to make them feel less worried about their years at Scranton. He said that it’s okay not to know everything at the beginning because everyone will eventually find his or her place in this world and God is here to help with that journey. He said, “God gives us all the capacity to make good decisions” and that He “helps to build us up, calm us down, and give us hope.” Through the first few weeks of school it is normal to be nervous or feel out of place, but, in the end, God is there to help everyone find their way.
Fr. Martin’s speech gave advice that was helpful to students. He said that it is okay to change your mind. It is important to be happy with yourself because “Jesuit spirituality wants us to be the person God wants us to be in order to serve others.” It is also all right to have desires. Fr. Martin also said that desire is an important part of Jesuit spirituality because it is a key way for God to communicate with each person.
Read more about Royal Reads here.
