Posterous theme by Cory Watilo

SERMON--St. Ignatius of Loyola

As a disclaimer, this was written as a class assignment.  We were handed short saint biographies and the readings appointed for saints from Holy Women, Holy Men.  We were given a Bible and 20 minutes, then we presented our sermons.  In other words, this is a rough draft.  In addition, I'd like to note that there are quotes in here, not cited, from Holy Women, Holy Men.  There, that's me giving credit.  Enjoy, comment, and hear a short little bit on what I believe.

2 February 2011
Sermon – St. Ignatius of Loyola
Luke 9:57-62

“Whoever wishes to come with me must labor with me.”

Ignatius of Loyola was called out of sickness, to discipleship.  His spiritual awakening was not much unlike what I’m sure you have experienced – and what I have experienced.  Wounded in a battle, he found himself weakened and sick.  It is in this time, that he was called by God – out of weakness, into discipleship.

Discipleship for him meant vows of strict poverty, and serving the poor.  His calling was for himself, but he also shared with others his call, telling others of his awakening, and his desire to know Christ as an “intimate companion.” 

His spiritual awakening was not much unlike our own – as he was called to serve, and we too are called to serve.  As we find ourselves in our daily battles, we are weakened, and we are sick.  It is in these times that our gracious God calls us – out of weakness, into discipleship.  In our weakness, we are not without strength – we have an intimate companion in Christ. 

“Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head… Follow me… Proclaim the kingdom of God.”  In your battle, whatever it is against – greed, depression, loneliness, fear, what have you – you are called out of weakness, into discipleship.  This saintly life is not much unlike your own – serve God, serve the poor.  Hear the call out of weakness, into discipleship, and answer – “I will follow you wherever you go.”

“Whoever wishes to come with me must labor with me.”  Amen.

 

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