Biographical Information about St. Ignatius of Loyola[1]
Readings for the Memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola[2]
Reading from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 Ex 33:7-11; 34:5b-9, 28
The excerpts from the Book of Exodus paint a picture of Moses relationship with God. It is clear from this and previous readings about Moses that he had a unique relationship with the Lord and was able, as he is in this passage, to intercede on behalf of the people. The construction of the meeting tent described in this passage is taken up in later scripture. In our sequence of readings the Ten Commandments are restored to the people as Moses fasts. We note the duration of his fast is of the same duration as Christ’s fast in the desert following his Baptism by John.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 103:6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
Psalm 103 echoes in gratitude the story from Exodus and the relationship of Moses to God the Father. Though we are unworthy, God shows us love and compassion.
Gospel Mt 13:36-43
Jesus dismisses the crowd who in this instance represent the unbelieving of Israel. The remainder of this passage is directed at instruction of the disciples. His explanation of the parable of the weeds clearly shows the intent of the story in both the judgment of the wicked and the need for patience by the faithful.
Reflection:
Today we reflect about the road we travel as Christians in a sometimes hostile world. We recall our beginnings with the Children of Israel to whom God gave the Prophet Moses. With his unique relationship with the Father, he was the first intercessor. Even in those ancient times we see the recognition that we, that is our human nature, tend to turn away from God and walk easier paths.
Those ancient ancestors were given Moses to follow and he did what God intended. He showed the people how much God cared for them and because of his effort some listened. Others of that “stiff necked people” did not care for him or the words he spoke. They were, as the Lord tells us in the parable of the weeds, the children of the evil one, sown there by the enemies of God.
We were given Christ, the only Son of God as our eternal leader. Unlike Moses, even though he died, Jesus is still with us, leading us on right paths. Perhaps the Lord finally caved in and said “Ah, these children of mine, they will always need me to guide them. They can never find the path on their own.” He showed his disciples the way to the Kingdom of God and expected them to show others.
Down thought the millennia our forbearers have waked that uneven and difficult road. Some were like the shining lights the Lord described. One of them, St. Ignatius of Loyola we remember today. He, more than many, showed us a path to inner peace so important to keeping our feet on the right physical path. Today we are reminded of a small part of his direction on building our own inner strength:
“The first prelude is the composition, seeing the place. It will be here to see with the eye of the imagination the synagogues, towns, and country places through which Christ our Lord preached. The second, to ask the grace which I want. It will be here to ask grace of our Lord that I be not deaf to His call, but prompt and diligent to fulfill His most holy will.” – St. Ignatius from his spiritual exercises.
Pax
[1] The picture used is Miracles of St. Ignatius by Pieter Pauwel Rubens, 1615-20
[2] After Links to Readings Expire
Readings for the Memorial of St. Ignatius of Loyola[2]
Reading from the Jerusalem Bible
Commentary:
Reading 1 Ex 33:7-11; 34:5b-9, 28
The excerpts from the Book of Exodus paint a picture of Moses relationship with God. It is clear from this and previous readings about Moses that he had a unique relationship with the Lord and was able, as he is in this passage, to intercede on behalf of the people. The construction of the meeting tent described in this passage is taken up in later scripture. In our sequence of readings the Ten Commandments are restored to the people as Moses fasts. We note the duration of his fast is of the same duration as Christ’s fast in the desert following his Baptism by John.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 103:6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13
R. The Lord is kind and merciful.
Psalm 103 echoes in gratitude the story from Exodus and the relationship of Moses to God the Father. Though we are unworthy, God shows us love and compassion.
Gospel Mt 13:36-43
Jesus dismisses the crowd who in this instance represent the unbelieving of Israel. The remainder of this passage is directed at instruction of the disciples. His explanation of the parable of the weeds clearly shows the intent of the story in both the judgment of the wicked and the need for patience by the faithful.
Reflection:
Today we reflect about the road we travel as Christians in a sometimes hostile world. We recall our beginnings with the Children of Israel to whom God gave the Prophet Moses. With his unique relationship with the Father, he was the first intercessor. Even in those ancient times we see the recognition that we, that is our human nature, tend to turn away from God and walk easier paths.
Those ancient ancestors were given Moses to follow and he did what God intended. He showed the people how much God cared for them and because of his effort some listened. Others of that “stiff necked people” did not care for him or the words he spoke. They were, as the Lord tells us in the parable of the weeds, the children of the evil one, sown there by the enemies of God.
We were given Christ, the only Son of God as our eternal leader. Unlike Moses, even though he died, Jesus is still with us, leading us on right paths. Perhaps the Lord finally caved in and said “Ah, these children of mine, they will always need me to guide them. They can never find the path on their own.” He showed his disciples the way to the Kingdom of God and expected them to show others.
Down thought the millennia our forbearers have waked that uneven and difficult road. Some were like the shining lights the Lord described. One of them, St. Ignatius of Loyola we remember today. He, more than many, showed us a path to inner peace so important to keeping our feet on the right physical path. Today we are reminded of a small part of his direction on building our own inner strength:
“The first prelude is the composition, seeing the place. It will be here to see with the eye of the imagination the synagogues, towns, and country places through which Christ our Lord preached. The second, to ask the grace which I want. It will be here to ask grace of our Lord that I be not deaf to His call, but prompt and diligent to fulfill His most holy will.” – St. Ignatius from his spiritual exercises.
Pax
[1] The picture used is Miracles of St. Ignatius by Pieter Pauwel Rubens, 1615-20
[2] After Links to Readings Expire
No comments:
Post a Comment