For the Greater Honor and Glory of God
Ordinary Time – Feast Day of Ignatius Loyola
Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, but even more important, originator of the Ignatian method of prayer, the examen, author of the 30 day Ignatian retreat and a guide for discernment of spirits. He was also a patron for those confined to bed for long recoveries. Wounded in war, this soldier of fortune was forced into months of bed rest. With so much time on his hands, it would have been understandable had he become angry and depressed. He found that thoughts on the things of this world led to feelings of depression, desolation, but when he focused on thoughts of God, his spirit was consoled. Out of this was born his method for discerning spirits.
It is a reminder to us that even in confinement, we are not idle. Even as our bodies are busy healing, our minds can be busy about God’s work. The busiest people are not necessarily those who make a show of being busy. Just as Thoreau discovered the world through hours of seemingly idle reflection on Waldon Pond, Ignatius discovered God through hours of idleness on a sick bed.
Out of this was born the Jesuit order with their motto, for the greater glory of God. Even confined to bed, we can glorify our God.
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
This post is part of a series of reflections on the Church year. click here to follow blog
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