Fr. Rick McGurn gave us a very good introduction to the story of St. Ignatius of Loyola during his homilies at all Masses last weekend. We welcomed him again Wednesday evening and both events kicked off our Be More Ignatian Spiritual Fitness Program.
During his homily, Rick shared that Ignatius’ life was divided into three phases. These are not simply sections of his life, but ways that Ignatius saw HIMSELF. He saw himself as:
• A soldier …
• Then as a pilgrim …
• Then as a worker in God’s vineyard
These not only complemented the three recent gospels about vineyards, but I believe that they can become seminal for us here at Holy Family as we move through this coming Be More Spiritual Exercise. Consider identifying yourself and your life’s adventure with these three stages.
As Soldiers
During much of our young or early life, and even into the beginning of our professional life, we may be likened to a soldier who learns through structure the importance of following a system in support of a purpose or goal, often preparing and pursuing our own glory or success. This was certainly the case with Loyola growing up in a privileged family and joining the military in order to gain personal glory.
A severe injury during the battle of Pamplona in 1521 left him with the prospect of never being able to walk again. This was a humbling experience that left him convalescing and reflecting for a significant period of time. Perhaps you have experienced a similar defining moment, or perhaps you began to evolve in a new way.
As Pilgrims
The prospect of not walking again (he did walk with a limp the rest of his life) ushered him into seeing himself as a pilgrim fueled by the desire to walk again physically, but integrating that reality into a new spiritual one.
As we mature a bit spiritually, we may begin to identify ourselves as on the way to the mystery of eternal life and walking with others in learning more and sharing service projects. I believe that we here at Holy Family have provided MANY opportunities and resources to enrich our pilgrimage on our way to a fuller, more meaningful faith journey. In addition, I have come to appreciate the very personal practices and disciplines so many of you do in expression of your faith. They indicate the seriousness of your pilgrimages.
As Workers in the Vineyard
The Exercises that Ignatius created during his pilgrim phase became the motivation for the next way he saw himself. He went on to invite others into the endeavor in support of the vineyard of life. The resources for Ignatius are the same ones available to us – life itself, literally everything that we encounter or experience. This is why I am so convinced that our Be More year ahead will be so relevant, applicable, engaging and helpful for all and any of us to Be More in the vineyard of the world.
Please know that in the midst of literally all in of life’s experiences and resources, Ignatius stresses the ‘Discernment of Spirits.’ This encourages us to discern and determine what is GOOD around us, and what is EVIL. Obviously, this is an ongoing enterprise, always grounding ourselves in the unconditional love of God and then our response to that unconditional love.
I am inviting ALL of you to look at Holy Family as the vineyard that we are ALL called to work in. I am no expert in what goes on in a vineyard, but you may have heard me referring to stewardship as similar to the process of making wine. We take what God gives us – seed, soil, sunshine, rain and more. I strongly suggest that we see these elements as GIFTS from God which God desires us to make MORE. We plant, we construct a trellis system with trunks, a head, cordons, arms, canes and fruiting wood to support the vine, making it as fruitful as possible. We rely on God’s continual generosity through rain and sun.
We then harvest, crush and bottle. We store and bottle carefully to continue and increase the flavor, and ultimately, we taste. As my friend Tony Thompson says, “A bottle of wine is MEANT to be shared” consistently, unlike any other beverage. Holy Family Catholic Community is meant to be shared.
The Archdiocese of Chicago has offered us many resources to RENEW our church. Our previous two pilgrimages and this year’s Be More program is our version of renewal.
We are facing many challenges as a parish community and as a larger church. Amidst these I believe that God’s continual call, invitation and challenge to Be More is perennial. I am also strongly suggesting that we reflect on where we are in the adventure of life and faith which converge more than we think. Can we identify with being a soldier, a pilgrim or a worker with others in the vineyard?
Please attend and engage in our Be More Ignatian Spiritual Fitness Program to see.