Optional Memorial of John of Avila, Priest and Doctor of the Church
It is a pretty common occurrence for people to guess that we are a Catholic family. One of the dead give-a-ways is our kids names. We have Ignatius "Iggy", Hosanna "Zan", Avila, and Elihu "Eli". I could write a reflection about each kid and how they got their name, but I'll save that for another time and place. Instead, I want to turn our attention to sweet Avila Mae.
For many people Avila is a very unfamiliar word. We get compliments, but there doesn't seem to be much context for her name. For others there is an immediate association with St. Teresa of Avila. We think that is a pretty great association! However, Teresa is not actually her namesake. St. John of Avila is her namesake. As I pulled up the readings for today's optional memorial for St. John of Avila, I began to seek for where this little known Saint, God's Word, and my daughter's life intersected. What I was drawn to was how God can use our smallness for his glory.
In our first reading the smallness of the gentiles role in salvation history to this point is being overturned. The Church's universality is being established by throwing open wide the doors to those who had seemed "small" in God's plans thus far. In our Psalm, we are shown the intimacy of being cared for by our Good Shepherd. In the smallness and vulnerability of sheep we see our relationship God. In our Gospel, Jesus teaches about the Kingdom by building on smallness. He speaks of salt, lampstands, and the smallest parts of letter. All of these have roles, purposes, and values. All of these can bring about an effect, an in our smallness, that effect is God's glory.
St. John of Avila has exemplified that in many ways. John is not a Catholic household name on par with Teresa of Avila or Ignatius of Loyola. And yet he influenced these two great saints. Remarkably he was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970 and then was made a Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. From a competitive perspective that wants to get the most, and do it the fastest, John seems to be lagging behind Teresa, Ignatius, John of the Cross and his other contemporaries. But viewed from the eyes of faith, one wonders how much God accomplished through him.
Like Paul and Barnabas who pressed on in the face of denouncement and rejection, John underwent investigation by the Spanish Inquisition for preaching the Gospel boldly, even when it rubbed powerful people the wrong way. Like the lampstand that sheds light on the room, John's teaching didn't bring light upon himself, but instead shone light on God's love. Like a finely salted dish, as his contributions influenced and enriched the flavor of the others' work instead of overpowering it. And like the lamb to be shepherded, his poor health left him in the care of others and dependent on the Lord. It also meant that he never became the influential order founding leader that Ignatius did, but that also could have left the environment just right for Ignatius and others.
And that brings me to Avila. She is a little peanut who is often confused for a 2 year old (she is 4). She often chooses the smallest piece of something because she likes "tiny things." But she also elicits the biggest hugs and the longest cuddles. She also bears witness with her name. It is my prayer that in her smallness the Lord can be magnificently glorified as through John of Avila.
May we all find ways to speak truth clearly and charitably. May we shine light on God's love, rejoice in others successes, and allow ourselves to be shepherded.
- Spencer Hargadon