Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, P., (31st July, 2020) on the Gospel and
the Memorial
Jer 26:1-9;
Ps 68:5.8-10.14. (R. v.14);
Matt 13:54-58.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491- July 31, 1556) fought
several battles as a soldier. In 1521, he was struck by a cannonball in the
legs. He underwent several surgeries without anaesthetics. At a point, he was
asked to prepare for death. However, on June 29, 1521, the feast of Saints
Peter and Paul, he began to improve. Ignatius started to read the lives of the
saints and Christ. Among his profound realizations was that some thoughts
brought him happiness and others sorrow and that two powerful forces were
acting upon him. Evil brought him unpleasant thoughts while God brought him
happiness. He discerned God's call, and began a new way of life, following God
instead of men. On March 25, 1522, he entered the Benedictine monastery. His
time in prayer and contemplation helped him to understand himself better. He
also gained a better understanding of God and God's plan for him. He became
friends with Peter Faber and Francis Xavier while at school in Paris and led
them in his spiritual exercises. Other men soon joined their exercises and
became followers of Ignatius. Pope Paul III received the group and approved
them as an official religious order in 1540. Ignatius was elected as their
first leader. They called themselves the Society of Jesus. Some dubbed them
“Jesuits” in an attempt to disparage them. By virtue of their good work the label
lost its negative connotation. The order was responsible for much of the work
of stopping the spread of the Protestant Reformation. They advocated the use of
reason to persuade others and combat heresy. Ignatius was beatified by Pope
Paul V on July 27, 1609 and canonized on March 12, 1622. He is the patron saint
of the Society of Jesus, soldiers, educators and education.[1]
Topic: What is the problem?
Today’s gospel records Jesus’ visit to His hometown. He
taught in their synagogue. Although they were astounded, but they had a
problem,
Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power?
Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his
brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with
us? Where then did this man get all this?
Wait a minute. Assuming all these were true, did any prevent Jesus’
townsmen from accepting Him? However, they did not really know Him, cf. Jn 8:14. They only deprived themselves
and others of the miracles Jesus would have performed among them. Hence, the
concluding verse reads, “And he did not do many deeds of power there, because
of their unbelief.”
Dear brothers and sisters, we must be careful lest we suffer
the same or even worse fate. And you whom people look down on, focus on the good
works you are doing after the example of Saint Ignatius of Loyola and his members.
Bible Reading: Lk 9:1-9.
Thought for today: Never reject before confirming it to be a curse.
Let us pray: Lord, help us see your blessings packaged
in others – Amen.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola – Pray for us.
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others if you consider it worthy.
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