Saturday Saint Stories: St. Ignatius of Loyola
Born in Spain in 1491, he was the youngest of 13. As a youth he was obsessed with the military and the idea of being famous for his knightly deeds. He loved reading stories of knights and chivalry and being at court, particularly the attention of the ladies of the court.
He joined the army with visions of grandeur, but was severely injured by a cannon ball during the Battle of Pamplona. During his year of recuperation the only book available was “Lives of the Saints”. He noticed, when left to his own devices, he felt restless and unsatisfied, but when he read the Lives of the Saints or the Bible he felt calm and peaceful. Recognizing this interior change had occurred, when he was fully convalesced he decided to commit himself to a life for Christ.
Those who carry God in their hearts bear heaven with them wherever they go.
Ignatius began writing about the emotions that took hold of him-feelings of gratitude and anguish, consolation and sadness--while encountering scripture. It was here where he started work on what would become the Spiritual Exercises.
Ignatian spirituality challenges us to encounter God in all things, witnessing to the joy of the Gospel. We go forth into the world as contemplatives in action, discerning God’s desire for our lives here, now, and acting on God’s invitation. We are women and men for and with others, hearing both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor—and responding. And we do all for the greater glory of God.
The Suscipe (Surrender)
Take, Lord, and receive,
all my liberty, my memory,
my understanding, and my entire will.
All I have and call my own.
You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.
Everything is yours.
Do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace.
That is enough for me.
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