In the quote from St. Ignatius that
follows, Ignatius seems to be saying the same thing about the Kingdom of God
yet he says it a little differently!
“God freely created us so that we might
know, love, and serve him in this life and be happy with him forever. God's
purpose in creating us is to draw forth from us a response of love and service
here on earth, so that we may attain our goal of everlasting happiness with him
in heaven.
All the things in this world are gifts
of God, created for us, to be the means by which we can come to know him
better, love him more surely, and serve him more faithfully.
As a result, we ought to appreciate and
use these gifts of God insofar as they help us toward our goal of loving
service and union with God. But insofar as any created things hinder our
progress toward our goal, we ought to let them go.” (St.
Ignatius of Loyola)
Happy Feast of St. Ignatius everyone and
many blessings and much peace to Pope Francis and all Jesuits as they celebrate
the feast of their founder. I would especially like to remember Fr. Ron
Windmueller, S.J. and Fr. Chet Gator, S.J. both of whom have passed on but
through their friendship during my St. Louis days helped to make my vocation
possible because they share the treasure of God’s Kingdom with me. And Fr.
Louis Padovano, S.J. who also has passed but who often showed me the light of
God’s grace when I founded myself in darkness. Rest in peace with God my
friends!
Daily Prayer:
O loving God, teach us to be generousto serve you as you deserve to be served
to give without counting the cost
to fight without fear of being wounded
to work without seeking rest
and to spend ourselves without expecting any reward
but the knowledge that we are doing your holy will.
Amen
(Adapted from a prayer by St. Ignatius of Loyola)
Runner’s Thought: “I run because
if I didn’t, I’d be sluggish and glum and spend too much time on the couch. I
run to breathe the fresh air. I run to explore. I run to escape the ordinary. I
run…to savor the trip along the way. Life becomes a little more vibrant, a
little more intense. I like that.” (Dean Karnazes)
I run to pray. I run to give glory to
God. I run to have a little one on one time with God. I run to encounter the
gift of God’s creation. I run to make God a little more real in my life. And I
like that!
Happy Wednesday everyone! Yes, it is “Hump
Day” once again but our “Hump Day” camel is on vacation! It is the Feast of St.
Ignatius of Loyola the founder of the Jesuits so I send a shout out to Pope
Francis and all Jesuits today – Happy Feast Day!
I hope your day has started well and
will become even better as you journey through it. If not hang in there because
there is always tomorrow and the chance for a better day!
Enjoy your “Hump Day” everyone and may
it be blessed with many good experiences and people! Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr.
Paul
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