29 May 2013
Wednesday of the Eighth Week of Ordinary Time
There is a saying of St. Ignatius that summarizes perfectly a major aspect of his thought. It basically goes like this: Each person should consider that his progress in the spiritual life will be only as fast as his detachment from self and temporal goods. In other words, if we want to grow closer to the Lord, there is only one way: detachment.
The Apostles perhaps understood this in today’s reading. They are asking about being close to the Lord in heaven – on his right and on his left. While we’re used to consider them as desiring status and honor, it is worth noticing how they generously respond to His invitation to follow him even in suffering. It is this generous spirit of detachment that we need to cultivate daily.
And we do not have to do this alone. As St. Paul says, we share in Christ’s cross, but in the light of the grace of the Resurrection. We have the Risen Lord for our advocate, guide, and friend!