During the Ignatian Year, we’re meditating on the moment in the life of St. Ignatius that caused him to slowly, painfully turn toward Christ. The moment in question? Being struck in the leg by a cannonball! Few of us—hopefully!—have had such a dramatic conversion moment. And yet, God works just the same, inviting us to enter more deeply into our vocation, that unique way in which we can best serve God, God’s people and all of creation.
“And when he was in a fortress that the French were attacking, all were of the view that they should surrender in order to save their lives, for they saw clearly that they could not offer resistance. But he [Ignatius] gave so many reasons to the commander, that he actually persuaded him to resist, even though it was contrary to the opinion of all the officers, who nevertheless drew courage from his spirit and determination.”
Excerpt from A Pilgrim’s Testament, the autobiography of St. Ignatius of Loyola, edited by Bart Geger, SJ
I have seen all things that are done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a chase after wind. What is crookened cannot be made straight, and you cannot count what is not there. …For in much wisdom there is much sorrow; whoever increase knowledge increases grief.
The cannonball strike was the first step of Ignatius’ life-long pilgrimage, a reorienting away from the things of the world toward the things of God.
Fr. Steve Kelly, SJ, embodies this way of life in his work as an anti-nuclear activist. Listen to his interview on AMDG: A Jesuit Podcast.
