Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, priest
A Jesuit website offers five bits of advice gleaned from the
life of St. Ignatius Loyola, whom the Church celebrates today. They may help us
discern God’s will for us. First, our
daydreams matter. They indicate what God
is saying to our hearts. After he was
injured, Ignatius found himself thinking about being a soldier of Christ,
rather than of the Spanish king.
Second, we can discern God’s calling incorrectly. It doesn’t matter as long as we persist in seeking
the Lord’s guidance. Ignatius thought his
vocation was to serve in the Holy Landi until he went there where the
Franciscans, the guardians of the area, turned him away.
Third, we need humility to pursue lifelong learning. When Ignatius discerned a vocation to the
priesthood, he went back to school – grammar school – to learn Latin! He studied
with schoolboys, not scholars, to achieve his goal.
Fourth, making friends with good people makes a great
difference. We should entrust our inner
lives only with wise and kind people.
They will help us to know ourselves better and to do what is best for
all. Finally arriving at the university,
Ignatius befriended Francis and Peter Faber, both of whom were also later
canonized as saints.
Finally, communication may significantly help others. By “staying in touch” we might provide critical
support for others. Ignatius wrote
nearly 7000 letters to others Jesuits as well as to royalty, bishops, and those
seeking spiritual guidance.
One might say that St. Ignatius of Loyola “invented
spiritual direction” by writing the Spiritual Exercises.” Here are five simple applications of his
wisdom.
