Saint Ignatius: 'Teach us to give and not to count the cost.'

Teach us to give and not to count the cost.

"Teach us to give and not to count the cost." These profound words spoken by Saint Ignatius hold significant meaning and importance in the realm of selflessness and generosity. In their simplest interpretation, they encourage us to give without expecting anything in return and to focus on the act of giving rather than the potential sacrifices or material losses it may entail. This quote invites us to shift our perspective and embrace a mindset of selflessness, where our actions are not guided by personal gain or a tally of what we might receive in exchange for our efforts.But let's dive deeper into this concept of selflessness and explore a philosophical twist that can bring even more interest to Saint Ignatius' words. Imagine a world where the act of giving was so innate and instinctive that we never stopped to calculate the cost or analyze our actions. What if instead of considering the expenses or repercussions, we acted purely out of compassion and a genuine desire to help others?In this hypothetical world, the emphasis shifts from giving to receiving. When we let go of the need to count the cost, we become open to the immeasurable rewards that generosity brings. By not attaching expectations to our acts of giving, we liberate ourselves from the burden of anticipation and create space for unexpected blessings to flow into our lives.It is interesting to contrast this ideal world with the reality we currently inhabit. In our modern society, where we are often driven by individualism and personal gain, it can be challenging to give without counting the cost. We are conditioned to weigh our actions against potential benefits, calculating the ROI (Return on Investment) of our efforts. While this mindset can be practical and necessary in certain contexts, it may hinder our ability to experience the profound joy and fulfillment that comes from selfless acts of giving.One can argue that our obsession with cost-benefit analysis taints the purity of our intentions. When we start evaluating every benevolent act through the lens of personal gain, we inadvertently condition ourselves to be wary of generosity. We become hesitant to give without expecting something in return, and this hinders the potential positive impact we could have on others and the world around us.Saint Ignatius' plea to teach us to give and not to count the cost challenges us to break free from this societal conditioning. It serves as a reminder that true benevolence is built on the foundation of selflessness, where the act of giving becomes its own reward. By adopting this mindset, we open ourselves up to a profound sense of fulfillment and connection, as well as the possibility of creating a ripple effect that inspires others to do the same.In conclusion, Saint Ignatius' quote carries immense significance in our world today. It urges us to transcend our instinctual desire for personal gain and embrace the beauty of selfless giving. When we let go of counting the cost, we unlock a level of generosity and compassion that can transform our lives and those around us. So let us heed Saint Ignatius' wisdom and embark on a journey where we give without hesitation, love without conditions, and count blessings rather than the cost.