麻豆约拍

A reflection and prayer to start the day with the Archdeacon of Bangor, Mary Stallard

Good morning,

I was on my way to a meeting with a Roman Catholic sister one day when suddenly I had a near-miss on a narrow mountain road. I鈥檇 oversteered slightly to avoid a cyclist and nearly crashed my car into another vehicle. I was all shaken-up by what had happened, but she said to me, 鈥淥h Mary what a blessing to have had such an experience, and to have come through it safely.鈥� It simply hadn鈥檛 occurred to me to be thankful, but I found it helpful to be offered a positive way beyond the fear and stress of the moment.

Somebody who championed this way of reflecting on life was Ignatius of Loyola whose feast day this is. He lived over 500 years ago, and his story of Conversion and helping others find faith, has left a profound legacy. He was one of the main founders of the Society of Jesus, the Jesuits.

Saint Ignatius found spiritual strength when his body was weak and broken after injury in battle. Whilst convalescing he read a life of Jesus and stories of the saints, and these inspired him to change his life completely. Rather than seeking valour on the battlefield he dedicated himself to winning glory for God by guiding others on their spiritual journey. Following intense personal experiences and years of prayer and learning he wrote his spiritual exercises which became a celebrated manual for prayerful formation. Amongst the many gifts of the Jesuits is their emphasis upon learning and imagination, helping seekers connect with the Christian story and to find God in all things.

Creator God, thank you for the gift of our experience and for wise guides on our path through life. Fill us with your grace. Help us to recognise your presence and to discern your purpose for us today. Amen.