Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest
In the parable of the mustard seed Jesus invites me to cultivate confident patience. History teaches me that the Kingdom developed slowly. From the time he sent the apostles out to preach the Good News until today that Kingdom has grown exceedingly through the action of Jesus in us. And the final days are yet to come.
Confident patience. It is what I need when I reflect on the Church today. No one put that virtue into greater practice than Ignatius of Loyola. He paid no attention to the scandals that were so prevalent in the Church of his time. Reforms would come about primarily through the reform of individuals.
Confident patience. It is what I need for myself. The seed takes time to germinate; the leaven takes time to rise. I need time to let God’s grace delve within me. Prayer orientates me toward patience with my sins and imperfections.
Then there is the first reading of today’s Mass. It teaches me to make intercession for others, especially for those people and events that tax my patience.