Homily Seventeenth Friday of Ordinary Time (Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola)
Homily Seventeenth Friday of Ordinary Time (Feast of St. Ignatius Loyola)
Ignatius Loyola is one of the most fascinating figures in church history. He was the founder of the Society of Jesus (The Jesuits). I had the privilege of studying at the Christian Spirituality program at Creighton University for five summers in the 1990’s so I learned a lot about Ignatius’ life and work.
He wrote a book called the Spiritual Exercises in the 16th Century. He lived at the time of the Reformation. The church was breaking apart and under attack because of corruption. People were asking if the church had anything to offer to uplift and transform people’s lives.
Ignatius was wounded in battle and began writing his exercises as he was recovering. He came up with theories of spiritual discernment. He grew to believe that God has a plan for each person’s life, and we can ascertain what that plan is by paying attention to feelings and thoughts and by prayerfully reflecting on our life experience.
Ignatius tried too hard to become holy. He denied himself in many ways as he engaged in strict penance. He began to despair that he would ever achieve salvation. He came to the point of contemplating suicide. At that critical moment he realized that a loving God would not want him to be miserable.
His exercises always begin with the premise that God always wants what is best for us. Ignatius also came to see that holiness comes from moderation in all things. He also believed God was working in every situation. His Examen pray encourages us to reflect on our life every day to see how God is working.
In the present moment, when there is so much despair, we need to be able to recognize holiness in each other and in real life situations. If we can perceive the sanctity we encounter every day we will live a hope filled existence.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do I believe that God’s plan is constantly unfolding for me? Can I see what that plan is?
2. What is God showing me as I maneuver through the present pandemic? Is holiness worth pursuing? What are the benefits of a holy life?
__________________________________________________________Dear Parishioners,
Today we will be observing the second Friday of our Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. You are also invited to participate in a day of Penance. We do Penance for the social sins of our country. We ask the Lord to bring healing to those suffering from the Coronavirus. We also pray for the healing of the divisions within our society.
You are invited to fast or abstain from meat. You are also asked to spend 15 minutes in private prayer closing with a petition to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Parishioners are invited to join the Novena on any Friday. It would be wonderful if this could be an experience that brings peace and healing.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints be with you all today.
Fr. Mark