Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, priest
(Exodus 32:14-24.30.34; Matthew 13:31-35)
St. Ignatius Loyola founded the Society of Jesus to be like
yeast in today’s gospel parable. Although
relatively few in comparison to the great numbers they serve, Jesuits have a tremendous
enhancing effect. Their power results
from education but even more than that from a Christ-centered spirituality
which gives them the focus and drive of St. Paul.
Jesuits also go into the world which may be compared to
the three measures of wheat flour. In
the beginning their mission was not to found monasteries where people could
come for sanctification or communities from which they could go forth and
retreat to preach the gospel. No, they have
traditionally been associated with the “front lines” engaging the people with an
authentic interpretation of the gospel.
The achievement of the Jesuits has been impressive. Like the “whole batch” of bread mentioned in
the gospel parable, Jesuits have been instrumental in bringing many to Christ. They have established centers of learning
throughout the world. They have become
not only among the best of theologians, but leaders in every ministry
field. As much as anyone Pope Francis epitomizes
what the Jesuits. He is well-learned but
humble. He can rub shoulders with the
powerful but is at home with the poor. He
has accomplished much in his eighty years but is above all a prayerful man
dependent upon God.
