In June 1521, a young man from northern Spain (his name is Iñigo), finds himself severely wounded and in bed. He is 26 years old. Mortified by his defeat inPamplona in his first serious war action, he is confronting, for the first time in his life, the possibility of dying. He reads and prays, he gets ready, but instead he recovers a few months later.
The Journey
Transformed by his near death experience, Iñigo leaves the comfort of his family and his military career and embarks on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Like in a vision quest, he wants to find God and his true self, but in his journey he encounters mendicants, thieves, soldiers, and the poor. This is el camino and, at every step, he faces the great unknown. Near Barcelona, in a cave, after a period of fasting and praying, he receives the gift of the Spiritual Exercises. Upon arrival to Jerusalem, unable to stay, he finally settles down in Rome. It is there where he finally decides to create the Society of Jesus, and implement the Exercises to reform Christianity, find a more authentic way of living the faith, and bring social justice to the world. Iñigo is 48 years old. He would be known as Saint Ignatius after1609 when he is canonized. His vision for the Jesuits would transform the world forever.
Molly’s Vision by John Stephens
In her last post, Diane Dreher reminded us that the hero’s journey is that of “the courageous individual who leaves the known world for the great unknown, returning with a treasure to share with the larger community.” When I look at Saint Ignatius’ whole life I remind myself that what seems to be a miracle, a perfectly planned, extraordinary achievement, was filled with challenges and disappointments. I believe miracles are the things that happen within the boundaries of our ordinary life when we say “yes” to the call for adventure. Heroes are introduced in the ordinary world and then receive the call to adventure. We are being called to immerse ourselves in the mystery of our lives, in the “cloud of unknowing.” There are no tracks. The path is the miracle, and facing the great unknown the only guide to the treasure. Take a few moments now to reflect on this call.
- When did you last say “yes” to the calling?
- What were your fears?
- How did you perceive the great unknown?
- Did you receive any insights into your journey?
Take a deep breath. Spend some time in mindful breathing. What is this life? Do you want an authentic life? The wonder, the doubt, the mysteries are always there, at every moment. Let’s try 15′ of writing as a spiritual practice. Find a few minutes to write in your journal, realize your own destiny, your unique contributions to this world. In this way, your life is already an epic song.
Juan Velasco