July 28, 2021
Dear Friends in Christ,
Imagine for a moment that life dealt you with a crushing blow – a job loss, the death of a family member or a debilitating injury. It is human nature to be in shock for some time and in denial. But with the passage of time, every human who has experienced pain can remain mired in pity or allow God and the experience to mold them into someone new.
Five hundred years ago, St. Ignatius of Loyola lay at those crossroads, while recovering from a cannonball injury sustained while defending the city of Pamplona, Spain, against French troops. The Basque soldier found himself with lots of time to daydream during his recovery. He discovered that when he focused on his own desires – worldly conquests and the affections of women – he felt intense, fleeting pleasure followed by emptiness. However, when he thought of living life like the saints he admired, St. Ignatius of Loyola experienced lasting peace and joy.
This experience of opening himself to God and the direction in which he was leading him led to spiritual growth and an eventual conversion for St. Ignatius of Loyola. He contemplated the path God was leading him on and realized he was called to accompany others the way he was guided by our Father. This resulted, among other things, in the writing of
Spiritual Exercises, one of the most influential writings produced on the formation of one’s spiritual life. It also led to this young man of privilege getting a formal education, where he met men he inspired and founded the Society of Jesus, or the
Jesuits – a religious order known as ‘contemplatives in action.’
God may not be calling us to do what St. Ignatius of Loyola discerned as his calling. But as we approach the feast day of this saint on Saturday, July 31, we can aspire to be like him by embracing his desire to evolve spiritually. St. Ignatius of Loyola is credited with developing the
Daily Examen, a form of prayer that invites us to review the events of the day in communion with God. It involves giving thanks for what we have received, considering the events of the day, owning up to those ways in which we fell short, and asking God to guide oneself in the day to come. It is a contemplative form of prayer, allowing us to review with God our day-to-day existence and reflect on how to live better tomorrow.
Read more.
Life will always deal us things we never saw coming. But through the example of St. Ignatius of Loyola, each experience -- good, bad, and unexpected – can be a way to grow in spirit with Jesus Christ.
Have a blessed and wonderful day!
Yours in Christ,
Fr. John
Here are the parish events for Wednesday, July 28; Thursday, July 29; and Friday, July 30:
Wednesday, July 28:
- Virtual parish Rosary at 4 pm. Led by Fr. John Dillon.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Barnaby Walsh.
- Mass at 7:30 pm in the church. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon.
- Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help following the evening Mass. Led by Fr. John Dillon.
Thursday, July 29:
- Morning Prayer at 7:30 am. Hosted by parishioner Barnaby Walsh.
- Mass at 9 am in church. Celebrated by Fr. John Dillon.
- Evening Prayer at 7:30 pm. Hosted by parishioner Barnaby Walsh.
Friday, July 30:
Parish Resources: