Tuesday, October 17, 2023

Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr

(Romans 1:16-25; Luke 11:37-41)

Like St. Paul in today’s first reading San Ignatius of Antioch could say, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel.” Ignatius died a martyr for the sake of Jesus Christ.  He is famous for having written letters to Christian communities on his way to martyrdom in Rome.  Each gives insight into Catholic life in the early part of the second century.

The paganism, which Paul critiques in the passage, stands in stark contrast to the Gospel.  It has not left the world scene.  Today it might be found around the abortion centers where the human effects of lust are exterminated.  God created the human person with dignity that comes from the ability to know what is good and to opt for it.  Disgracefully, many have chosen to ignore what is evident to their eyes because it interferes with their desires.

Hopefully, the world will come to its senses as science ever more clearly shows that a human life begins at conception.  Then men and women will need both courage and love to put into practice the logical conclusion.  Repulsion for abortion will reduce the tenacious hold of paganism on humanity.

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Memorial of Saint Ignatius, priest

(Exodus 34:29-35; Matthew 13:44-46)

Today the Church honors not just St. Ignatius but also the legacy he left.  Ignatius gave up a military career after he was injured and experienced conversion.  He prayed intensely and studied theology.  At the university he joined a group of scholars to form the Company of Jesus, the Jesuits.  They were ordained and soon spearheaded the Catholic Counter-Reformation.  The Jesuits have become the Church’s most prominent religious congregation.  Seven years ago, for the first time, a Jesuit was elected pope.

Ignatius’ conversion could be compared to the merchant’s finding a pearl in today’s gospel.  In reading and praying, Ignatius found Christ in a much deeper way than in his Catholic upbringing.  He gave up his sword and everything else to be like his Lord.  As the first leader of the Jesuits, he awoke the attention of the world to Jesus’ love. 

Today’s collect remembers Ignatius as a soldier-saint by recognizing the need of discipline in the quest for holiness.  We must take to heart the lesson.  We train ourselves to put aside earthly vanities by keeping our eyes on the Lord.

Friday, July 31, and Monday, August 3, 2015

Memorial of Saint Ignatius, priest

(Leviticus 23:1.4-11.15-16.34b-37; Matthew 13:54-58)

Jesus could have used other sayings to describe the reaction of the people of Nazareth to him in today’s gospel.  He might have said, “Familiarity breeds contempt.”  Rather than praising God that one of their own has been blessed to speak so well, the people question how he came by the wisdom. 

But, of course, familiarity does not always cause rejection.  St. Ignatius of Loyola immersed himself completely in the story of Jesus and wanted to organize a band of followers for him.  The name they chose is revealing, “The Company of Jesus” (often rendered “Society”).  Knowing him to be the source of goodness and truth, they desired to stay close to the Lord.

We may feel like despairing because we fail to measure up to Jesus.  That would, however, be a mistake.  He takes us where we are every day and assists us to do better.  Remaining in his company by sharing regularly with him the food and drink of the altar will make us more like him.

Monday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time

(Number 11:4b-15; Matthew 14:2-36)

Parish priests notoriously complain like Moses in the first reading today.  They feel oppressed by an unrelenting round of meetings, appointments, responsibilities, and requests.  But certainly pastors are not the only people stressed out in society.  Often parents feel overwhelmed by demands at home, school, work, and church. 

Moses’ appeal to the Lord demonstrates a lively relationship.  He shows little reservation about telling God how overburdened he feels.  On the brink of despair, he even mentions that death would be preferable to being badgered by so many requests.  God will answer Moses’ plea.  Advice is given on how to administer the people more proficiently.  Also, God will intervene more directly to aid his worthy friend.

We should confront stress in our lives on varied fronts.  We need to prioritize our responsibilities so that we give our best time to what is most important.  We need to make sure that we eat intelligently, exercise vigorously, and rest sufficiently.  Most importantly, we, like Moses here, should unabashedly appeal to God for assistance.