An Ordinary Man

by Food For Thought on July 31, 2013 ·

Ignatius was an ordinary man who allowed himself to be an instrument
for Christ. However, his choice came with its share of challenges.

He became a vessel for Christ and he accomplished many extraordinary
things in Jesus’ name. His secret lay in his complete trust in what
God wanted him to do. It also helped that he continually immersed
himself in prayer. As he communed with God, it gave affirmation for
the good works he was tasked to do.

Today, may we be inspired by the example of Ignatius. He was a man of
prayer. Because of his Spiritual Exercises, Ignatius helped many
others to discover what God wants them to do.

It just takes an open mind and an open heart. When we connect to God,
the plans are revealed to us. We many never know when God may call us
to do amazing things as well.

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 29, Issue 4

<< Wednesday, July 31, 2013 >>

St. Ignatius of Loyola

Exodus 34:29-35
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Psalm 99:5-7, 9

Matthew 13:44-46
Similar Reflections

"BEAM ME UP"

"The skin of his face had become radiant while he conversed with the Lord." —Exodus 34:29

Moses was so joyful to be in God's presence and receive the Law that he beamed. He was so radiant that people were afraid to come near him (Ex 34:30). Moses' halo beamed so brightly that he eventually put a veil over his face to protect other people's eyes (Ex 34:35).

After you pray, read the Bible, or receive Communion, are you so radiant that you have to pass out sunglasses to the bystanders? Most of us don't have Moses' problem, but we should. If deep down in our hearts we believe that we have found the precious pearl of God's kingdom, we will glow (see Mt 13:46). If our treasures and hearts are in Jesus, we will have a halo (see Lk 6:45). If our hearts are aware of and overflowing with God's love, we will beam. "The heart of a man changes his countenance, either for good or for evil" (Sir 13:24). "A glad heart lights up the face" (Prv 15:13).

God's Word today may inspire us to do something we may have never done before — to pray for a halo. This is a legitimate prayer, in accord with the Bible and Church traditions. When we pray for a halo, we are actually praying for a heart to receive and give God's love. Haloes are mere side-effects of knowing God's love in our hearts. Pray for a halo.

Prayer: Father, "beam me up."

Promise: "The reign of God is like a buried treasure which a man found in a field." —Mt 13:44

Praise: St. Ignatius wrote the rough draft for his famous Spiritual Exercises during his first year as a Christian.