By Father Bill Kreutz, SJ, Loyola House of Studies, Scripture from the New American Bible
R: Lord, make us turn to you;let us see your face and we shall be saved.
2 O shepherd of Israel, hearken, from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth. 3 Rouse your power, and come to save us. R: Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
15 Once again, O LORD of hosts, look down from heaven,and see; take care of this vine, and protect16 what your right hand has planted the son of man whom you yourself made strong. R: Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
18 May your help be with the man of your right hand, with the son of man whom you yourself made strong. 19 Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life, and we will call upon your name. R: Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
A REFLECTION and PRAYER
A beautiful Psalm 80 – a plea for God’s help.
The context of this cry of the Israelites that their Lord God come and save them is placed around 720 BC when the Assyrians defeated them in battle, devastated the land and took away men, women and children as prisoners to be slaves.
There was a realization that they had not been faithful to the covenant that Moses made on their behalf with God. The vineyard of the Lord was desolated – they cry out for help.
In our time, more than 2000 years later, the Church uses this Psalm in anticipation for the special coming of the Lord in the Christmas season. It would seem that only a spiritual message was to be communicated, a spiritual renewal to be asked for.
But now, November 2020, we do ask for healing and relief, we are overcome, devastated by the COVID 19 pandemic. We cry out for help. That may be our first thought.
Yet there are many others who need us to cry out to the Savior Jesus on their behalf:
My thought today is that we pray for so many who suffer so much –
those caught in the drug wars in Mexico
the persecuted minorities in China, Myanmar, India and in areas of Europe, America and Africa
persecuted Catholics and Christians and other faiths
the jobless and the hungry because of this time of dislocation
As I consider those above, can I think of those nearby who suffer –
workers not paid just wages
abused staff and household helps
the many “little people” who suffer from the abuse of police and military
Can we cry out for these –
It would be good to read this Psalm 80 each day this week and to take some time for reflective prayer –
CHRIST THE KING 2020 (Kristong Hari), November 22, 2020
The Word
Matthew 2 1 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”
Matthew 25 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit upon his glorious throne, 32 and all the nations will be assembled before him.”
34 Then the king will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.”
40 “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 21 4 This happened so that what had been spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled:
5 Say to daughter Zion, “Behold, your king comes to you, meek and riding on an ass, and on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.'”
John 18 36 Jesus answered [Pilate], “My kingdom does not belong to this world.”
John 19 2 And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, 3 and they came to him and said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck him repeatedly.
John 19 14 … [Pilate] said to the Jews, “Behold, your king!” 15 They cried out, “Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!”
19 Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read,
“Jesus the Nazorean, the King of the Jews.”
A REFLECTION and PRAYER
Brightness — Light — Darkness — Glory
A number of years ago, Father Ruben Tanseco and I were discussing themes for the Feast of Christ the King. (As you may know, Father Ruben passed to the Lord a month or so ago – may he be in peace.) We talked about the common image of Christ the King sitting on the magnificent throne crowned with gold and holding an orb and a scepter. Super glorious!
And he mentioned the image of Jesus standing there so much alone with the purple cape and a crown of thorns being presented by Pilate to the people – “This is your king!” (You can see it on Google images.)
I have outlined a bit of this reality in the Scripture passages chosen above:
the Magi bringing wonderful gifts to a newborn King
how the great king will judge and reward
a king entering Jerusalem for the Passover festival – not a king riding in a chariot drawn by great horses and surrounded by well-armed soldiers –but a humble servant-king riding on a donkey
a dialogue with Pilate ending in a death sentence – but with the saving inscription above the lifeless victim – “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.”
finally, the glorious moment from the Book of Revelation as the king draws the generous of heart to himself
As you can imagine, each of these small episodes are not for reading but for reflection and prayer.
Perhaps you can take five minutes for each text – imagining each scene in your own mind, being in the scene – by seeing, by hearing, by feeling; participating – by speaking, by touching, by helping.
You can also pray over one episode each day this week – that would make for good daily prayer. We keep in mind that the journey of Jesus was of compassion and mercy, gentleness, healing and forgiveness.
Can we journey with Jesus? Can we do as he has done – compassion and mercy; gentleness, healing and forgiveness?
Pain and suffering are part of the journey – these we offer with the pain and suffering of Jesus.
Jesus Christ, our king, give us your grace for our lives!
Father Bill Kreutz SJ, Loyola House of Studies, Scripture from the New American Bible. (Images from Google)
When one finds a worthy wife, her value is far beyond pearls. Her husband, entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize. She brings him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. She obtains wool and flax and works with loving hands. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her fingers ply the spindle. She reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy. Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her a reward for her labors, and let her works praise her at the city gates.
Responsorial Psalm 128
Blessed are you who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways! For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home; Your children like olive plants around your table.
Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the LORD. The LORD bless you from Zion: may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life.
Blessed are those who fear the Lord.
A REFLECTION and PRAYER
>> Thankfulness to parent and respect for them even at difficult moments
>> Care and fidelity among husbands and wives – there are many herds here – can we ask forgiveness – can we give forgiveness? Can we promise love again and again?
>> Dear children – are we patient? Encouraging? Are they aware of how much they are loved?
>> Lastly – how well do we take care of –
those who help in our household
employees that we may have
our fellow office mates
the poor we see on the street, the homeless, the elderly who need special attention these trying days.
Lastly – look at the readings again, pray again – Try to reread them one or two times this week – Consider who you are – a child, a parent, a grandparent –
Be filled with God’s grace and share his grace with others.
If there is any encouragement in Christ, any solace in love, any participation in the Spirit, any compassion and mercy.
complete my joy by being of the same mind, with the same love, united in heart, thinking one thing.
Do nothing out of selfishness or out of vainglory; rather, humbly regard others as more important than yourselves,
each looking out not for his own interests, but [also] everyone for those of others.
Have among yourselves the same attitude that is also yours in Christ Jesus,
Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.
Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance,
he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.
Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(This letter of St. Paul was probably written before 53 A.D., within 20 years of the life and death of Jesus.
A Reflection and Prayer
A Brief Commentary — As attested in historical works, Santa Elena, the mother of Emperor Constantine went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 326 A.D. By that time, there were already investigations and explorations going on as to the place where Jesus was crucified and buried with a view to find the cross of his glory. That is the picture presented above – the finding of the True Cross by Santa Elena.
This cross was divided into many pieces and fragments. With this, there are many churches, monasteries, and other religious sites that have or claim to have a small portion of this True Cross.
Thanksgiving — Our first reflection today: Have I been thankful for the cross of Jesus? For the gift of forgiveness which the world does not easily give? For the Body broken and the Blood poured out – for our Holy Communion?
Humility — This is the point of this passage in St. Paul’s letter –It is the humility of respect for others – of care for others. It is not putting oneself first, at home or work or play or whatever. The gift to pray for a real concern and care for others in the spirit of Jesus .
Behold the wood of the Cross – on which was hung the salvation of the world – Come, let us worship. (Good Friday – Adoration of the Cross, Image lifted from Google.)
Ignatius and his companions join together to make their vows before the Lord on the feast of Our Lady’s Assumption, August 15 1534. They promised poverty and chastity and that they would make a pilgrimage and mission to the Holy Land after they had finished their studies in Paris.
In 1535 all will be finished. It was agreed that Ignatius should return to Spain for some time to recover his health. He stayed in the small village near the Casa Loyola but he did not live there. He stayed at a hospital for the poor. There he taught catechism to the children and engaged in spiritual conversation and advice to others who would come. After some time he left for Venice to join his companions there and to prepare for the pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
It was their agreement they would stay up to one year in Venice hoping to get a ship to bring them to the Holy Land. If their pilgrimage could not be accomplished, they would go to Rome and offer themselves in the service of the Holy Father.
As they waited they continued some private theological studies and with all ordained priests and, with the exception of Ignatius, offered their first Thanksgiving Mass.
They undertook street preaching to whoever would listen and ministered to poor persons in the hospitals. For a short time they dispersed to nearby towns for mission work and then returned again together to share their experiences. It was a special habit of theirs to have regular conversations about their apostolate’s spirituality and other matters as often as possible.
This gave them great strength and insight for their present efforts and the life that would follow.
That year there was no pilgrim ship to Jerusalem. And so in 1537 as agreed, they set out for Rome to be in the service of the Pope. At the small village of La Storta quite near Rome, Ignatius entered a small chapel. While in prayer he had another great vision much determining the future of the companions. He saw God the Father together with his Son Jesus who was carrying his cross. Ignatius experienced that God commended him and his companions to the service of Jesus. And Jesus spoke to Ignatius saying that he would be favorable to him in Rome. What this meant was not clear, but Ignatius was at peace and the event would later influence the choice of the name that they would give to their companionship.
When they arrived in Rome they presented themselves to Pope Paul III. The Pope was pleased with Ignatius and his companions. But there were others who had heard of events in Spain and Paris and so were wary of them. An investigation was carried out and all was settled to the benefit of the companions.
After prayer, discernment and conversation , the companions petitioned the Pope that they be a new order in theChurch. A number in the popes circle opposed this, but in September 1540, Paul III issued a papal bull approving of the Society of Jesus.
Previous to the above, on Christmas 1538 Ignatius offered his first Holy Mass at the Bethlehem Chapel of the church of St. Mary Major in Rome. Also, noteworthy to mention, before the papal bull was issued, Francis Xavier was sent to the Far East and India for missionary work in March 1540. He would be the first of theearlyJesuits to go to foreign lands.
During his early years in Rome, Ignatius offered the spiritual exercises to a number of people in important positions in Church governance. He and the companions undertook much charitable work among the poor and those in hospitals. They also set up a residence for women who needed protection or desired to lead a new life. Teaching catechism to children was an important part of their early ministry. Many laypersons were part of these apostolates for others.
It was early in the societies existence that it was asked to take care of the church of Madonna de la Strada.
Over the years to follow, Ignatius would spend much time in writing the constitutions of this new society. He was also engaged in much written communications with others especially concerning the governance of Jesuits and general spiritual advice for others. He was often in dialogue with Church leaders.The constitutions were finished in 1551, but Ignatius had already been chosen to be the superior of the order as early is 1541. In the early 1550s he was persuaded to write his autobiography. He did this with hesitation. Aided by his secretary, he was able to complete the task over the next few years.
Ignatius died peacefully on the morning of July 31, 1556. His was a life of great strength –originally for himself and his personal glory –and then fully spent for the greater glory Of God. Amen!
Reflection and Prayer
For this St. Ignatius Feast Day –
I offer for prayer a beautiful Novena to St. Ignatius.
It was the morning of the Feast of Mary’s Annunciation. Ignatius had finished his vigil before the image of Our Lady of Montserrat. He joined the Holy Mass and receive the Holy Communion. He was now prepared to continue his pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
He began his early-morning journey to Barcelona. It was there that he would get a ship to Italy, proceed to Rome for permission and then go to Venice and there board a ship for the Holy Land.All what he would give his life in God’s service by converting nonbelievers.
It was Ignatius’ desire to always wear the pilgrims garb; this would be the sign of his change of life in his new dedication to the Lord. But over the years the clothing would change much because of so many different circumstances. But the heart would not be changed except to be more and more receptive to God’s grace.
The extended hand – yes, he will bake his way through the rest of his life.
It seems that Ignatius’ first plan was to spend a few days to rest at Manresa and then take the longer road to Barcelona. He took lodging at the Sta Lucia hospital for the poor and at a later time he was given a room at the monastery of the Dominican fathers. In all, Ignatius spent 11 months in Manresa – a time of great spiritual and psychological enlightenment. Although he had lodging, as mentioned above, he spent most of his time in a small cave along the ledge overlooking the river Cardener.
It was a time of great extremes in his experience – of finding God and God finding him. He prayed many hours every day, did penitence and did much fasting. He stopped taking care of his hair and nails and clothing. Happily there were a number of pious women who took pity on him and made sure that he was properly clothed and fed during the cold winter season.
During this time in Manresa Ignatius kept a very careful note of all that was occurring to him – his consolations and desolation’s – his moment of great joy and moments of deep anguish. And then two, he reflected on these and upon the graces that he receive from God. It was, in reality, a time of conversion. God was guiding him as a teacher guides a child.
He wrote that he had many visions, some that were holy in nature and others that he felt came from the evil spirit. He went to confession often as he was very scrupulous. The confessor tried to help him, but it was very difficult. Ultimately, he was healed by the Lord God.
His notes, his reflections, his careful consideration of all that was happening became the material that would ultimately develop into his Spiritual Exercises. These notes he would expand and refine over the years and later use them as his way to guide others into a deeper spiritual relationship with God.
St Ignatius in Manresa
Sometime in August or September while gazing at the flowing Cardener River, Ignatius received a most extraordinary spiritual enlightenment. He would later say that it was one of the most important graces that he had ever received.
Imaginative statuary of the Pilgrim Ignatius staring into the Cardener River. At Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University Campus, Philippines.
Sometime in February, 1523, Ignatius finally went on to Barcelona. He would be there only 20 days begging for his daily food and for alms to give to the poor. As was his heart’s desire, he wanted to take no provisions for himself – God will be his provider. It was good that his confessor and friends prevailed upon him to take bread and even gave him some points for the travel. Any remaining coins he had, he left at the dock before he boarded the ship. It was in Barcelona that he told his confessor that he wanted to serve “ . . . for the greater glory of God.”
He was ready to sail.
His ship would bring him to the west coast of Italy and then he would proceed to Rome. From there he would go to Venice in order to get a ship to Jerusalem. Along the way he would bake for his food and for a place to stay. It seems he often stayed in abandoned buildings and even in the fields. (Wonderful and colorful stories in his autobiography.)
A drawing shows that one evening he was found sleeping on the steps of St. Mark’s in Venice. Spanish friends took him home and helped him prepare for the voyage.
Ignatius journeys from Barcelona to Jerusalem March – September 1523
It was on September 4, 1523 that Ignatius and the pilgrims arrived at a point overlooking Jerusalem. They were told to be silent and to fervently pray.
A Franciscan friar carrying a Cross met the group and guided them into the Holy City.
Ignatius was only able to stay a month in Jerusalem. His desire to remain there and bring others to Christ was not allowed by the Franciscan guardians of the city. The last holy place that Ignatius wanted to visit was the place of the Lord’s ascension on the Mount of Olives. He had to go there twice in order to be sure of the position of Jesus’ feet that was impressed into the stone preserved there
Reflection and Prayer
Focus on the grace received
Ignatius, a soldier, a leader – straightway after his convalescence he undertook the pilgrimage that was in his heart to be accomplished. At Barcelona he would tell the priest that he wanted to do everything for the greater glory of God.
Is this possible for us – married, single, religious, priest?
Nothing human is far from God’s glory – he made us in his own image! Can I consider this, how it fits into my own life – How do I bring glory to God – in my home in my work among my friends ?
My Prayer – first, a prayer of thanks for the gift of life – that I might focus on my life created in the image of God; that my life can make a difference for others – and bring greater glory to God.
Strength for Attaining the Goal
Ignatius Had a very difficult time at Manresa – his attempts at an extreme life, the burden of his scruples – terribly tormented! But he kept praying, holding on, confessed his sins, joined the Mass, receive the Holy Communion. He begged that the Lord God would lead him as a father leads a child.
Sometimes we ourselves feel tormented, lost, so confused.
My Prayer – lead me Lord – be with me – it sometimes seems just too much –
Pray Psalm 23 – the Good Shepherd
Let him walk with you, guide you, take care of you.
At the Holy Land
It was a long and difficult trip for Ignatius – how much each of us would like to make the pilgrimage –
Now imagine yourself at the holy places – which one or ones do you choose – Bethlehem, the Temple Mount, Mount of Olives, Calvary, Holy Sepulcher
What will you pray – what is in your heart –Joy and thanksgiving, repentance, family needs, peace for the world.
End with – Hail Mary, Anima Christi and Glory Be .
Father Bill Kreutz, SJ, Loyola House of studies
Sources: Autobiography; various Ignatian sites; Google Images
Ignatius was deeply affected by his visit to the holy land – the place of Jesus. He had toured the holy places as all pilgrims did. His last visit was to the Mount of Olives to see the footprints of Jesus, which according to tradition, were left on the stone when he ascended into Heaven.
It was rather difficult to get free passage on a ship going back to Venice. Three ships left the Holy Land at approximately the same time. Two of them were shipwrecked because of storms; the small ship that carried Ignatius made it safely to Italy. The voyage took almost 3 months considering stops and weather conditions.
He spent some time in Venice before trying to go to Genoa in order to return to Barcelona.
It was there in Venice that after some serious consideration for the future that he decided that he would make an effort to receive a proper education in order to better communicate God’s gift of grace in Jesus to others.
Ignatius would now have to travel from Venice to Genoa in order to get a ship to return to Barcelona. This overland trip took some time and was not without great difficulties. As in the past, he depended much on what he received by begging. In one city, the civil guard arrested him and treated him very badly before he was set free.
He was also captured by the French and treated rather well as their commander was from an area not far from his home in Loyola. The Spaniards he met along the way were quite kind and helpful to him. It was an adventurous time to travel.
In March 1524, Ignatius arrived back in Barcelona. He began his begging for sustenance and his spiritual conversations with those who would listen. He often begged at the church of Sta Maria del Mar. He was helped much by a woman, Isabel Rosa, and other pious ladies and generous families.
Ignatius began to study Latin as that was the requisite language for further studies in the universities. Studies were not easy; his schoolmates were boys in their early teens and he was already 34.
He was ready now for further studies – classics, philosophy and theology. Encouraged by his teachers, in 1526 he went to study at the University of Alcala. Besides his studies, he gathered a few friends to share his spiritual insights. This latter cause some difficulty as he had not yet finished his studies. Three times he went before the Inquisition and during these times he and his companions were imprisoned. Ignatius saw that there was no future in Alcala.
He then moved to Salamanca for his further studies. It was 1527. Here, again, there were difficulties when he had gathered the small group to share conversation about spiritual matters. His views cause suspicion. He was questioned by the Dominican fathers and again by the Inquisition. He was found to be without fault, but he was told not to speak on spiritual matters until he had finished his studies. With all of this, Ignatius decided to move on to the University of Paris, the center of learning in Europe. But, as we shall see, events in reality moved way beyond what he had planned or even dreamed. He was beginning a new phase of his life.
At the University of Paris, Ignatius was accepted into the College of St Barbe. He would stay there during his time of studies until the time he would leave Paris in 1535. The college was not just classrooms, but more like a residence where young scholars lived and share their lives together.
Ignatius still had to beg for his sustenance. He generally went to northern Europe and even once to England. He received enough to take care of his needs and, as necessary, to take care of others.
He was most serious about studies as he understood they were the key to his effectiveness as a spiritual guide. But he also took time to meet new friends who would come under his influence and experience the wonderful power of the Spiritual Exercises. The first of these was a young Frenchman, Peter Fabre. He in turn brought along another friend from Navarre, Francis Xavier. Others also gathered around, mostly Spaniards. Over the years they would grow deep in friendship and, even more, companionship.
The radicalness of the companions, their lifestyle and Christ centered spirituality, cause some difficulties and again Ignatius was examined and again found to be without any faults or errors.
It would be hard to describe the years that this companionship held together. Their bond of fellowship was so strong that they agreed to spend their lives in the service of God and his Church.
This led them to join together at Holy Mass on the feast of Our Lady’s Assumption on August 15, 1534. At the time of the Holy Communion they made vows of poverty and chastity and that they would go on holy pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Peter Fabre, just recently ordained, celebrated the Holy Mass. They would stay together in Paris until they had finished their studies in 1535. Then leave for Venice in preparation for their pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Reflection and Prayer
Trust and Reliance
On reading the autobiography of St. Ignatius one is quite struck by his trust in God’s providence – his unwillingness to make preparations for his pilgrimage was to be a sign of his dependence upon God’s graciousness; but along the way he did not hesitate to accept the help of people who were generous to him – he trusted that God will provide.
When he came back to Barcelona to begin his studies, it was the graciousness of pious women and families that allowed him to do the studies which he so greatly desired – for the greater glory of God –
Sometimes I wonder how much I trust in God – how much I trust in others – it sometimes is so difficult to feel God touching us – taking care of us. This trust in God and others is sometimes hard to reconcile with our own efforts – are these efforts themselves the effects of God’s grace for believers?
Consider: What is my level of trust – and God – and others – and myself
I pray as the father of the possessed boy prayed before Jesus, trusting in Jesus
“I believe – help my unbelief.” (Mark 4.9 – 23-24)
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Focus and Effort
The first major focus of Ignatius was to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land – he prayed, he planned and, he begged, and he went.
The second major focus was that he would study so as to better help others. He began this effort with the young boys in Barcelona – and finishing with his master’s degree at the University of Paris.
This did not stop him from prayer and from bringing others to Jesus that was, for sure, always a deep seated focus in Ignatius. Studies warn a means, not an end.
Focus and Effort – take time to think this out in your own life situation
Help me Lord to focus on You and all my task at hand – family, work, world situation – and give me the strength to accomplish fully and completely what you ask of me.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
The Offering
When the early companions there in Paris, had considered their lives and what to do next, they conceived a plan to stay together and to offer themselves in God’s service.
Such an offering is not for a few – but, for all. It does not matter who we are or where we are what we are doing – we offer all for Gods glory and share the offering with others –
Reflect slowly – consider who you are, where you are and what you are doing; all has value in God’s sight.
Pray as we have been taught: Prayer for Generosity – Dearest Lord . . .
Father Bill Kreutz, SJ , Loyola House of Studies
Sources: Ignatius’ Autobiography; various Ignatian sites; Google Images
A drawing of Casa Loyola as it would have appeared in the time of St. Ignatius. It is located in Azpeitia, Gipuzkoa in the Basque region. (It is now surrounded by many religious buildings and within the area there is a basilica.)
On the right is the identifying symbol of the family of the casa – two wolves at a pot of food, enough food to feed all visitors. This stone is set above the main door, which was on the left lower corner of the casa.
Ignatius was born on Christmas eve in 1491, the youngest of 13 children. He was baptized Inigo Lopez.
In 1509, Ignatius began a military career. He was engaged in much warfare under the Duke of Navarre. It was during the defense of the citidel of Pamplona in 1521 that Ignatius suffered a serious leg wound that left him incapacitated. They carried the wounded soldier back to his home in Loyola. It was a distance of about 17 km over difficult terrain.
The recovery period was long and quite difficult. On at least two occasions he had to go through very painful operations to properly fix and set his wounded leg. His desire was to read a number of the popular novels of the day, adventure and romance, to while away the time of his confinement and inaction. The only two books found in the house was a life of Christ and a book of the lives of the saints. With nothing else to do, Ignatius read and reread these two volumes. These books changed his life.
God’s grace was touching him. He felt much consolation in reading about Jesus and the holy saints; more peace and consolation than what he felt when he was thinking of the life of a gallant and dashing warrior. In this time, it seemed he already experienced a number of visions. He felt that he saw most clearly mother Mary and the Child.
With this, he resolved to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and in imitation of the Saints to live a life of poverty and chastity and to make every effort to convert the peoples in those regions.
And so it was. In spite of the many efforts on the part of his family to dissuade him, Ignatius began his pilgrimage from Azpeiti to Jerusalem.
Ignatius left the casa sometime in February, 1522. He rode on horseback. He was accompanied by his brother. Together they made an overnight vigil at the shrine of Our Lady at Aramtzazu about 15 kilometers from Loyola. The next day his brother returned home and Ignatius continued on his pilgrimage.
The journey from Arantazu to Montserrrat took more than a month. It was generally uneventful except for the encounter that Ignatius had with a Muslim traveler where there was sharp disagreement about the Virgin Mary.
In late March Ignatius arrived in the vicinity of Montserrat, possibly at Manresa near Barcelona. In that small town he bought a pilgrim’s garment made of sackcloth and he gave his fine garments to a beggar (which caused some difficulty for the beggar).
The picture is of the Montserrat range as seen from Manresa.
Ignatius had now reached the second step of his journey to Jerusalem. He was to pay his homage to the Black Madonna at the Benedictine Abbey in Montserrat. As he mentioned in his autobiography, he spent time in prayer and made his general confession. He took three days to write out all that he wanted to bring forward seeking forgiveness for the sins of his past life. The next day he would receive the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.
On the evening of March 24, 1522, he began his nightly vigil before the altar of our Lady. This was the eve of the feast of Mary’s Annunciation.
The image below shows Ignatius already in his pilgrim’s garb offering his sword to his Lady – a moment of consecration.
The pilgrim’s clothing would be his clothing for a long period of time – as he journeyed to Jerusalem and later would spent much time in Manresa and Barcelona.
For sure, deep in Ignatius’ mind was his intention to make the final part of his pilgrimage – to the land of the Lord Jesus in Jerusalem and there to stay for his mission for God’s glory.
by Father Bill Kreutz, SJ, Loyola House of Studies.
13th Sunday 2020
The Word, Paul’s Letter to Romans 6.3-4,8-11
Dead to Sin; Life for God in Christ Jesus. Image from Google.
3 Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life.
8 If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him.
10 As to his death, he died to sin once and for all; as to his life, he lives for God. 11 Consequently, you too must think of yourselves as [being] dead to sin and living for God in Christ Jesus.
A Reflection and My Prayer
“New Life, New Life, You came to bring us New Life”
This is the theme for our prayer and reflection today; words from a song about God’s gift of life. (See below for Youtube link). St. Paul puts it so clearly – death for sin; life for us in Christ Jesus!
Read the passage over again. Pray to understand; to internalize the words, ” . . . living for God in Christ Jesus.”
Well, we ask, what does it mean for my daily life? Does that Baptism of so many years ago make any difference?
In the early centuries of the Church, most baptism was done by immersion. And so going into the water was like dying and coming up was resurrection – death and resurrection like Christ. (For various practical reasons, immersion was no longer the standard; pouring or sprinkling with water became the practice.) A key element in this is to know, to remember that we are all God’s children and for this reason we are to live in the spirit of his Son, Jesus the Christ.
Reminder: Jesus is a man for others – a man of compassion and mercy for others. We, the children of God are born again in the style of Jesus – also to be men and women for others. Take time and pray on this – Jesus, ourselves, for others.
The Jesus’ reality is seen by the following:
Do we think kindly of others – pray for blessings on them?
How do we speak of others – with good words that build people up?
How do we act toward others – with kindness, generosity, with justice?
And what yet is still to be done for others? What can I do for others?
Go now to quiet prayer. Ask for the grace, for the spirit of Jesus to be in you, to possess you that you might be “for others” as Jesus was for others. End with the Prayer for Generosity.
St. Paul’s First Letter to the Christians in Corinth 10.16-17
One Bread-One Body
16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?
17 Because the loaf of bread is one, we, though many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.
REFLECTION AND PRAYER
A little background:
The earliest mention of the Holy Eucharist in the New Testament is found in St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians written in the early 50s of the first century. It is assumed that there were already traditions about what happened at the Last Supper circulating among the early Christians, but the Gospels were compiled and written and circulated only at a later time.
In Chapter 11, verses 23-26, St. Paul says that he received personally from the Lord what had happened in the Last Supper in regards to the Eucharist. He does this to establish authority to guide the Corinthians in their celebration of the Eucharist. It was noted that there were strong distinctions made among various members of the community. This did not match well. The sense of unity that should come from sharing one bread. He spends much time on how people ought to act at Eucharist with a strong sense of sharing.
These verses and many other verses in that first letter of Paul to the Corinthians talk about the Eucharist and its central role in the early church in Corinth. But, he had found many abuses – and so he had to tell the people, remind people, remind Christians what they had received from Jesus.
Our reading from today’s Holy Mass focuses on the unity that should be in the Church. Since all share of the one Body and Blood of Jesus.
As possible, take time, make time, to read that first letter to the Corinthians; it tells us much about styles and customs in the early church as perceived by Paul and it reminds us, even today, the sharing that should be going on.
A further note:
Those words: he took the bread, said the blessing, broke the bread and gave it to those gathered around. These words must have been very sacred for the early Christians. These words show up in the feeding of the 5000, and 4000, the meal of the men at Emmaus, and, of course, the very words of Jesus at the Last Supper. And now, 2000 years later we still use the same words. These are the words that the freest repeat over the bread and the wine. 2000 years of continuity with Jesus – we still believe!
Take some time to pray; to offer thanks Jesus’ life for our lives, everyday, for us.
Picture lifted from Google
I chose the image above because it showed not a loaf to be broken and shared, but small hosts already on the dish to be shared among all the faithful.
With such great numbers of believers of Catholics, it is just about impossible to “break bread” in the common use of the term.
We accept the limitations of very simple bread made into the hosts that, by God’s power, become the Body and Blood of Jesus.
A prayer of thanks for this gift, this power given to the Church.
To be able to receive Holy Communion is a bond of unity – or should be – it is a moment to reach out to others. Our thoughts and our prayers
all in the church gathered with us
all on the line to receive Holy Communion
all we will encounter during our day – family, friends, partners at work, even strangers along the street or on the bus
In that one bread, we reach out to a whole world – that is what we pray – like Jesus, who offered himself for all.
Lastly, this is a most difficult time for all who want to receive the holy Eucharist – we just can’t – but we do have that wonderful custom of “Spiritual Communion” which helps us as we watch Mass on television or on our mobile phone.
We pray for one another even though so far apart; Jesus is with us – and we with him – and with all believers.
The church has two very special possessions (among many); the Holy Bible and the Holy Eucharist. These are our precious possessions. Again, a deep, warm prayer of Thanksgiving.
Extra!
Below are two wonderful music pieces celebrating the Holy Eucharist:
