Welcome
- Jauther
- Jul 6
- 1 min read
One of the most common activities on a pilgrimage is to keep a journal at the end of each day of travel. We invite you to do the same with this blog through the comments you choose to write. Share what the Lord is saying to you, how the experience of traveling with St. Ignatius Loyola virtually is affecting you or the graces that have come your way. Please use the comment section and initials or first name only. Adelante, peregrino(a)!
I am grateful to everyone who gave their reflections throughout this pilgrimage. The last post by Margaret is a great summary for St. Ignatius' Feast Day. What really struck me on the pilgrimage was St. Ignatius' determination to go beyond fear and human limitations, and the willingness to do whatever it takes to spread the glory of God. This is the inspiration I hope to keep from this pilgrimage.
What I learned about St. Ignatius is that he was an extremely passionate Spaniard. He carried that passion throughout his conversion and into the founding of the Jesuit order. God had to stop him and put him flat on his back in order to get his attention. Once his heart began to open, God flooded him with graces. Ignatius, a man of action, followed the call wholeheartedly even though he did not know where it would lead him. Such trust! All of St. Ignatuis character traits accompanied him into the founding of the Jesuit order. They are men of action, fearless missionaries, adventurous and always surrendered to loving God above all else in this world. I am so thankful for…
Unfortunately at the beginning of this pilgrimage I was on a camping trip--internet not readily available--and I got a bit confused about the logistics. Also I seem to be in a period of dryness. But yesterday I heard James Martin’s “Spiritual Life” podcast where he told the story of Mother Teresa consulting her spiritual director and discussing her long period of dryness, when a little kid came running up to her, hugged her, and said “I love you, Mother Teresa!” Sometimes when I share things like that with my wife I tear up, and that’s what happened yesterday. And today I got an email advertising a cane for long-distance walking. Coincidence? Oh these Jesuits! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-spiritual-life-with-fr-james-martin-s-j/id1819566062?i=1000719603240
The visual of Ignatius removing his costly clothes, and putting on beggar's clothes as he lays his sword at the Madonna's feet, asks me to ponder ways that I could simplify my life to more fully imitate Jesus as Ignatius longed to do. Purging possessions, praying the Examen daily, and contemplative prayer leading to action are some ways I can live the spiritual path daily. Following Ignatius's example of continuing in spite of fear or disillusionment.
Yesterday, I was oddly comforted by St. Ignatius being seized by fear, because that same experience has frightened me many times. And then today, we see him designing his garments for discomfort. In response to the reflection questions, I wonder - what might I be missing out on my own adventure if I wholeheartedly persisted beyond the fear, and fully embraced sacrifice when it comes my way? This is so very different from the focus in the present age on the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of all discomfort and pain.