Happy Feast Day of St. Ignatius Loyola!
On this day every year, I celebrate how God changed my life through the fruitful work of the Spirit as given to this great saint. In 2021, it has been 500 years since the beginning of Ignatius's full conversion to Christ and thereafter the consecration of his life to its true purpose.
The event that led to Ignatius's metanoia was one that could turn others away from God: He was struck by a cannonball while defending Pamplona, Spain from the French armies. His leg was completely shattered and had become almost useless. More significant to the one-time prideful soldier, however, was his concern that he would no longer be attractive to the ladies of the court. He underwent multiple surgeries and manual resetting of his leg bones - all during a time when there was no anesthesia.
What have you done in the name of Pride? How did it turn out for you in the end?
While Ignatius was convalescing at the home of his aunt and uncle, he lacked for his usual entertainment - the popular novels of the day, filled with stories of lusty romance and courtly life. Instead all that was available to read was The Life of Christ and a book on the lives of the saints.
Do you ever notice what you choose for entertainment - the types of books you read, the movies you watch? How do you feel after you read these books or watch your choice in films? Do you feel uplifted? Or are you left disturbed?
Ignatius began to notice that after he read about holy men and women, including the life of Jesus, he was filled with a sense of real happiness and peace. Whereas the novels he used to read would leave him feeling empty and at a loss. He imagined himself as some of these saints and began to long to become like St. Francis of Assisi and St. Dominic - leading a life in service to God and others. He soon after had a mystical vision that completely turned his heart to Christ and led to abandoning his formally immoral lifestyle.
Have you ever experienced a period of time or even a moment when you suddenly knew you could "do better"? What did you do with that inspiration? Did you ignore it? Did you ask God about it?
Ignatius recovers but will always walk with a limp; however, he is moved to embark on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Along the way he gives away his money and his expensive clothing and begins to wear sackcloth and begs for his food. It is on this journey that he remains for many months in solitude, prayer, and silence while he begins to write his Spiritual Exercises.
Have you ever considered making a big change in order to grow closer to God? Were you afraid that God would ask you to do something or give up more than you are capable? Did this fear stop you before you even began?
Not everyone will be declared a saint by the Church, but we are all born in the image and likeness of God. Therefore, we are profoundly capable of achieving the work that God wants us to accomplish for the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth. If you're not sure how to get started, you can start like St. Ignatius Loyola - make small changes at first and allow God to work through those efforts. Open your heart to the Creator, the Christ, and the Holy Spirit in a new way and don't be afraid that "too much" will be asked of you. You will find yourself living with more fullness (and even joy) than you could ever have imagined. I share one of my favorite quotes of St. Ignatius Loyola, "Whatever you are doing, that which makes you feel the most alive... that is where God is."
May you be blessed in your efforts to find your gifts and embark on your own true purpose!
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