Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest
Today is the feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola. 500 years ago, Ignatius was seriously injured when struck by a cannonball at the battle of Pamplona. During his convalescence, he read stories about knights and chivalry, and on other occasions read stories about Christ and the saints. During this time, Ignatius discerned his call to leave behind his life of soldier and courtier and begin anew in a life following Christ. This cannonball moment was the turning point for Ignatius as he discerned how God was calling him to love and serve in new ways. Each of us probably has had a cannonball moment- “Experiences that force us to stop how we are living and invite us to live in a new way.” (David Kerr) How we respond to these experiences can be life giving if we are able to surrender to God’s guidance and love. We may not know where the road may lead us, but St. Ignatius and the story of his conversion help us know that we will not be alone, and God will provide the grace needed for the journey.
Today’s gospel retells the story of John the Baptist’s death at the hands of Herod. I imagine that John the Baptist probably had “cannonball moments” in his life. We do not know much about how his early ministry begins, but at some point John starts to live a new life by calling others to repentance. John’s boldness provokes the wrath of Herod, when John tells Herod it is not lawful for him to marry his brother’s wife, Herodias. On the path he has chosen, John does not shy away from speaking the truth. This commitment to righteousness and following God leads to his eventual demise.
As I reflect on my life, the “cannonball moment” that stands out the most was the day that our then 10 year old son was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia. I remember I had no control over the situation, and I had to place my trust- and my son’s life- in the Hands of God. As I think back, I recognize that everyone in our immediate family was significantly impacted from this experience. This brush with death opened my eyes to many gifts and blessings that had previously gone unnoticed. I became more grateful for little things, and more dependent and trusting in God.. It was during this difficult time that I learned to believe in God’s love and to lean on others to help me walk the journey. I would not choose this illness that my son suffered, if I had a choice, but I do see that God used the situation to bring me to different and better relationships with God and others.
Cannonball moments are unique to each person. Whether it is a death, a job loss, a broken relationship, a serious illness or maybe even the birth of a child, some particular event impacts our life to the point where we are invited to live in a new and different way. St. Ignatius and his Ignatian principles provide a framework to help us navigate these new ways of living.
St Ignatius believes that God is alive in the world and in our lives. He also believes God created all of us in the image of God, and eternal life is available for all. St. Ignatius also recognizes that reflecting on your daily experiences is vital for a strong faith. The Examen is an Ignatian prayer for all people who desire to find God in their daily lives and to live gratefully for all they experience. Finally, St. Ignatius believes that our faith in Christ sends us forth to care for others with love and justice. As Pedro Arupe S. J. (former Jesuit Superior) simply stated, “Only by being a man or woman for others does one become fully human.”
When we use these principles to guide us in the midst of our cannonball moments, we are provided hope, courage and an understanding that God is with us, for us and desires us to be one with and for others. Living after a cannonball moment may be painful and difficult, but by allowing God to lead, we receive grace and blessings that give us consolation and courage. Seeing with the eyes of St. Ignatius, we will discover a God who is present in our day to day moments. The recognition of God’s loving presence sends us forth to be “contemplatives in action” where we can be God’s partner in building the kingdom. As we head out into the world, the Ignatian mindset asks, “Where is the more universal good? (Magis) and how can we do things for the greater glory of God. These rules for discerning best choices can guide us on our journey as disciples of Christ. Although St. Ignatius suffered greatly because of his cannonball moment, he became a person who was able to use this challenge to become a new creation in Christ. Using some of the wise teachings and principles of St. Ignatius, we can do the same.
Loving God, Jesus reveals Your presence and love to us. Help us to seek you and find you in our lives, and to grow in our love for you and others. May Your Spirit provide the grace we need to lead others to know and love You through our actions. We pray this through Christ. Amen.
Marylynn Herchline