FATHER BILL’S LATEST REFLECTION
Last Friday, July 31st, as I celebrated the feast of St Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), I could not help but reflect on the positive influence that the Jesuits have had in my life. I also thought about the good people who have led me to Jesuit institutions and ministries.
I was led to B.C. High by a kind Jesuit priest who used to help out at my Roslindale parish on weekends. I was led to Holy Cross College by my pastor who not only encouraged me to go to college before seminary, but also paid for my room and board for four years. What a blessing!
In my early years as a priest, I was led by a dear friend to the Jesuit Center for Religious Development where I entered into a relationship with a Jesuit spiritual director, a relationship that lasted for twenty years or so. In the late 1970s, I was led by my spiritual director to go on an 8-day silent retreat at Eastern Point, the Jesuit retreat house in Gloucester. I have gone to Gloucester almost every year since then.
The Jesuits, in the spirit of their founder, have challenged me to see God more clearly, love God more dearly, and follow God more nearly in my daily life. They led me to the spirituality of St Ignatius, where we are invited to “find God in all things.” This has been especially helpful during this time of the coronavirus, when I have been cautioned to stay out of large groups at church and elsewhere. I have missed the real presence of the Lord in the worshipping community, in the public proclamation of the Word, and in the sharing of the Bread of Life. But I know that the Lord is just as really present with me at home, in my personal prayer time and in times of deeper reflection and contemplation on the mysteries of my faith. I experience the Lord’s real presence in all things: in encouraging phone calls, in occasional gifts of food, and in the ongoing support of family, friends, and caring parishioners.
I thank God for revealing God’s real presence to me in these days of physical distancing. I encourage you to take time to reflect on how our good and gracious God is with you in all things. Remember what Jesus said: “I am with you all days,” and I believe that Jesus is with us in all ways here and now. Thank you, Jesus. Alleluia!
AN ADDED NOTE: I finally have a date for my knee replacement surgery…September 2nd. Please pray with me that the surgery will be successful and that I will be able to return to some active ministry.
And finally A BIT OF HUMOR: During this time of the coronavirus, many people are concerned about their personal appearance. I am reminded of what someone once said: “Need a new look? Get a faith lift.”