Here we are, standing on the threshold of another month. Always on this last day of July, we mark the life and times of a unique early 16th century defender of both his father's "kingdom" and our faith: St. Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556). This Basque defender of of what he believed to be worthy of his life is an example of genuine "metanoia". We might lien his pre-battle injury years to the ways of life that were present in the kingdom of Judah and its lead city, Jerusalem. But fortunately for the Church, retreat work and education there must have been a few good "prophets" around him during his rehabilitation from a serious battle injury. The lives of saints and a bible were given to him for reading. Meeting the Church's nobility --the community of saints-- in a book of the Lives of Saints and a bible, he felt the "call" from God to change his life, to become his soldier. It was not an overnight moment nor was it a one year RCIA program. For more than three years he struggled with the demons that had taken up residence in his mind and heart. In times Ignatius became a new John the Baptist. In his writings and talks and other works, this unique Basque became a Jeremiah. Very true to these saintly predecessors, he was called up to be like a prophet.
Has this question ever entered you mind: Really, why did God inspire someone to begin the process of 'making saints' out of saintly men and women? It is a genuine "challenge" to live like a saint, to struggle with the demons that are always looking for comfortable accommodations in the hearts of men and women. We do not live in an era when physical martyrdom threatens the lives of today's faithful followers of Jesus Christ although we might overlook the annual report of the names of men and women who sacrifice their lives for the gospel -- about 20-30 almost every year! These are the models that support us in our own little martyrdoms -- those moments of frustration, loneliness, confusion, illness, loss.
Today as we celebrate St. Ignatius, let this man who spent much time seeking to know the will of God for himself, inspire you to gain insights into your own life. Let us not forget the motto he entrusted to the Society of Jesus:
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
For the greater glory of God
