As the Ignatian Year continues, homilies across the world have highlighted different aspects of what made St. Ignatius of Loyola an inspiration to so many. On Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2022, after Jesuit president Fr. John Brown, S.J., concelebrated Mass with Jesuit chaplain Fr. Kevin Dyer, S.J., and Fr. Casey Beaumier, S.J., Beaumier led a reflection on how discerning spirits, as St. Ignatius did when he was left bedridden, can bring about the Kingdom of Heaven.

From the start, Beaumier had the congregation both contemplating and laughing. After an amusing comment about his promotional picture for the event, he emphasized how catastrophic worry can be for the soul.

“The bad spirit tries to keep us from participating in that noble endeavor called ‘On Earth as it is in Heaven,'” Beaumier said. “Worry is the work of the Devil.”

He goes to differentiate worry from concern. Worry contributes to damnation, while concern increases communion with the Lord. Beaumier weaved personal anecdotes and stories of St. Ignatius to emphasize the importance of the current moment.

“Every single day, you and I are invited to participate in the upbuilding of ‘On Earth as it is in Heaven,'” Beaumier said. “You have nothing to be afraid of.”

A video of the stellar reflection can be found below. After the reflection was over, the congregation made its way to the cafeteria for a light reception and impactful conversation. The last evening of refection for the academic year will take place on May 5, 2022.