Homily: The Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola

The Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola (Mt. 13:44-46)

The Jesuit order has been an important part of the church since the 17th century. They have founded great universities. Jesuits have been some of the most courageous missionaries in the history of the church. We could think about how the Jesuits were some of the first explorers of the Illinois and Mississippi river valleys. We remember Fr. Piere Marquette especially.

What is the spirituality that drives the Jesuits? How can they be so innovative? The spirituality of St. Ignatius revolves around the first principle of the Spiritual Exercises. The first principle says that the purpose for our human life is to know, love and serve God. We are to measure our lives in relationship to that first principle.

Jesuits engage in daily self-examination to determine if they are fulfilling their purpose. Jesuit spirituality holds a person accountable. The constant question is asked, “Am I doing all that God is asking me to do?” This spirit causes Jesuits to stretch themselves.

Ignatian Spirituality asks us to live differently than most modern people. Most of us live in a very distracted way. We, as one person said, we are entertaining ourselves to death. It is very threatening to sit quietly and listen. Just watch people in a public place like a restaurant. Do people look around them to pay attention to what is happening. No, we all have our phones out looking at what is happening in the virtual world.

Jesuit spirituality calls us into the silence. It is there that God speaks to us. Jesuit spirituality challenges us to pay attention to the people and events of our lives. For it is in everyday interactions that we meet Christ repeatedly

Reflection Questions:

1.    Do I like sitting in silence? Why or why not?

2.   How does God reveal himself to me? Pray over an example.

 Dear Parishioners,

             Last week I went on a silent directed retreat for six days. I prefer this type of retreat. It is a challenge to be alone with God, but it is also a great blessing. There were 40 other people at the retreat house but each of us was carrying on a conversation with the Lord.

            Nonverbal acts were signs of God’s care for us in Christ. One woman was using a walker. Each time she came into the dining room another woman would jump up to help her. We were alone together. I was impressed by how we cared for each other without ever using words.

            May Our Lady help us to ponder the mystery of Christ,

            Fr. Mark