Memorial
of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, priest
(Exodus
40:16-21.35-38, Matthew 13:47-53)
Today the
Church celebrates St. Ignatius, one of the founders and the first leader of the
Jesuit Order. Established almost 500
years ago, the Jesuits, as they are called, have been both effective and
controversial. They staunchly defended
the Church during the Reformation and have been at the forefront of missionary
activity and higher education since then.
At times they clashed with kings, governments, and prelates which led to
their being expelled from different countries.
The foundation
of the Jesuits fulfilled Jesus’ description of worthy scribes in today’s
gospel. They combined the new order –
particularly Renaissance learning and military discipline – with the old –
gospel piety and devotion to the pope – to become the most influential
religious congregation of the last half millennium.
We may not
have a Jesuit vocation or even agree that the order has had an overall positive
effect on the world. Yet we can admire
and emulate St. Ignatius of Loyola. He
was a man of dogged courage, perceptive understanding, and outstanding love of
the Lord.
