Reflection, ALONG THE WAY

I walked from Loyola to Manresa in search of St. Ignatius and I discovered the passion of St. Peter Faber S.J., and the faith of St. Rocco.  I discovered how Fr. Pedro Arrupe S.J. invited humanity to "Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything." I stood face to face with a viper in the Monegros Desert and discovered how to pause and back away in the same breath. When fog enveloped me like a cocoon in the middle of the Pyrenes Mountains for more than a day, I remained in the same spot on the trail, knowing no map, compass or experience could bring clarity to The Way.  The only direction forward was to sit and wait inside this Epic Pause.  And, when inside the Cave of St. Ignatius, I reflected on St. Rocco's pilgrimage when he was in his cave and I started to write a prayer. A year later it was finished. I share it below.

Vaya con Dios Pilgrims!!

Brother Ignatius, Benedictine Oblate of Mount Saviour Monastery, Pine City New York.

Lord, as a Pilgrim who walked for many years in your Spirit, St. Rocco brought health to the infirmed, hope to those oppressed by injustice and friendship to the outcast.

As Your Spirit filled St. Rocco with compassion, he extended mercy to those who falsely imprisoned him. When sick and suffering, alone in a cave and without food, St Rocco trusted in You, Lord, who sent a dog out of the wilderness carrying bread to him from his Master’s house.

May I seek God more fully through the gifts of prayer and faith. May I remain open to the gift of acceptance that the challenges I face reveal that I am surrounded by God’s Love. May I greet all people along my pilgrimage in this life with the same freedom, trust and love that has been given to me. May I begin each day with an awareness that God is my companion in all things along “The Way”.