Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, priest
(Exodus 32:15-24.30-34; Matthew 13:31-35)
St. Ignatius along with six companions found the religious
order known as the “Society of Jesus” or “Jesuits.” They were to defend the
pope, to evangelize, and to teach. Their
growth was remarkable. By the time of Ignatius’
death, there were more than a thousand Jesuits.
Today it is the religious congregation with the greatest number of members,
about 14,000.
Jesus’ two parables in today’s gospel can be used to illustrate
the expansion of the Jesuits. Like a small
mustard seed, they started with only a handful of men. But after a generation they brought millions
of people the joy of the gospel. Especially
through their schools and universities the Jesuits have acted like yeast in a
mass of flour. They have taught millions
of people how to live as studied adherents to the faith.
Today more than ever we need to emulate St. Ignatius. With a firm disposition, he was able to
encourage others to believe. A person of
renowned holiness, he did not dither in niceties but practiced the Catholic tradition
completely.
