Witnessing: Through Poverty of Spirit, Peace, and Prayer (3P’s)

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or my first point, when Pope Francis visited Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore on September 2-13, 2024, as is customary during his trips, he held a private meeting with the local Jesuits. One of the first questions came from a Jesuit scholastic. He asked, "How do we address the most important issues in the Church today?"

To this, Pope Francis replied: "I want the Jesuits to make a noise. Read the Acts of the Apostles to see what they did at the beginning of Christianity! The Spirit leads to 'uproar,' not to leaving everything standing still. This, in short, is the way to deal with important issues. Remember that Jesuits must be in the most difficult places, where it is least easy to act. It is our way of 'going above and beyond' for the greater glory of God."

The point of Pope Francis in making a noise is not literally disrupting. No. I believe it is the power of witnessing. How do religious like us make a noise by simply living out our vows?

Jesuit Superior General Arturo Sosa cites an example in his letter on poverty: "It is not in the lack of material goods..." He emphasizes that it is not just about choosing poverty or simple living because it is the better choice, nor is it merely about strict observance of the vow. In the letter, he quotes Pope Francis in his dialogue with the members of the 36th General Congregation. The Pope said, “I think that on this point of poverty, St Ignatius has gone far beyond us. When one reads how he thought about poverty, and about that vow that requires us not to change poverty unless to make it stricter, we have to reflect. The view of St Ignatius is not just an ascetic attitude, as if to pinch me so that it pains me more, but it is a love of poverty as a way of life, as a way of salvation, as an ecclesial way.” The Pope was pointing to the poverty of witnessing, which is not just being perceived as poor but “being” poor. We call this poverty of spirit. The poverty of poverty.

For my second point, the Gospel (Lk 12:49-53) speaks of God's peace. Peace is profoundly central in Jewish teaching and practice. The term "shalom" (שָׁלוֹם) is often translated as "peace," but its meaning is far richer and encompasses notions of wholeness, completeness, harmony, and well-being. In Judaism, shalom signifies a sense of completeness and wholeness. An effective witness to God is to strive to have right relationships—with God, with others, and within oneself. No wonder this is the peace that only God can give. True peace begins with being reconciled to God. This reconciliation heals our inner division and brings wholeness, which is not merely the absence of conflict or noise. It is something much deeper and richer—an inner harmony beyond compliance, conformity or agreeableness. True peace is aligning with God’s will and standing firmly for what is right, even if it means challenging the status quo.

For my third point, I would like to return to Pope Francis's advice to the Indonesian Jesuits about addressing the most important issues in the Church today. Pope Francis says, “Make good noise guided by the Spirit… We must pray, pray a lot. I am always reminded of Father Arrupe’s legacy when he asked Jesuits not to abandon prayer. Father Arrupe wanted the Jesuits to work with refugees—a difficult apostolate at the frontier—and he expressed this by asking them first and foremost for one thing: prayer, more prayer. His last speech, which he gave in Bangkok, was his testament addressed to the Jesuits. He said that only in prayer do we find the strength and inspiration to deal with social injustice. Look also at the lives of Francis Xavier, Matteo Ricci, and so many other Jesuits; they were able to move forward because of their spirit of prayer."

Why this strong emphasis on prayer? Because in prayer we come face to face with reality as it is—no pretense, no sugar-coating. It is said that “prayer is the only human action or state where cheating is impossible. As soon as pretense sets in, prayer stops” (M. Heher, 2004. The Lost Art of Walking on Water: Reimagining the Priesthood). Jesus said to his disciples: “I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!”

Jesus faced anguish, but He felt inner peace, especially he prayed at the garden and during the Last Supper. Jesus knew His betrayal and crucifixion were imminent, yet He offered peace to His disciples: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives." Despite knowing the suffering ahead, Jesus spoke words of reassurance and comfort, reflecting His steady inner peace. Lord, grant us this inner peace stemming from Your deep confidence in the Father’s purpose. Amen. Fr JM Manzano SJ