"Saints of Empowered Prayer # 5"

St. Ignatius Loyola: He was born Inigo de Loyola in 1491 in Spain. Inigo was the youngest of 13 children whose mother died when he was 7 years old. He was a member of the local aristocracy and raised accordingly. At age 18 he became a soldier fighting for the Duke of Najera and the Viceroy of Navarre. Seeking a wider acclaim he changed his name to Ignatius.

In his battles he had a talent for emerging unscathed; his talent earned him promotions, becoming a commander of his own troops. However, in 1521 he sustained serious injuries to both his legs. He faced a very long recovery with many surgeries and the amputation of part of one of his legs.

During his long recovery Ignatius began to read whatever books he could find. He read about the lives of the saints and Christ which had a profound impact on him. One book in particular, The Life of Christ, influenced him greatly. The book offered commentary, suggesting spiritual exercises as one read it. The book would inspire Ignatius' own spiritual exercises.

In 1522, when recovered enough, he entered the Benedictine monastery. His time in prayer and contemplation helped him to understand himself better and gain a better understanding of God and God's plan for him. He began recording his thoughts and experiences in a journal.

In need of education Ignatius embarked on intense study and at age 44 he earned a master's degree. While in school in Paris, his roommates where Peter Faber and Francis Xavier. Ignatius taught them his spiritual exercises and they became known as "Friends of the Lord". In 1540 they presented themselves to Pope Paul III who approved them as an official religious order.

Ignatius reluctantly became it first leader and they then called themselves the Society of Jesus. Some who did not appreciate their efforts dubbed them the "Jesuits" in an attempt to disparage them. The name stuck but by virtue of their good work it lost its negative connotation. A strict, almost military rule was imposed by Ignatius and led to many people joining them. The Society advocated the use of reason to persuade others and combat heresy.

Ignatius died on July 31, 1556 at the age of 64. He was canonized on March 12, 1622. His feast day is July 31.

Questions

1) Does my journaling bring me a deeper understanding of myself?

2)   Do I seek a better understanding of what God is calling me to when I am suffering emotional or physical pain, when life is uncomfortable?