I was sitting on a bus in Northern Spain when I first reviewed today’s readings. As a pilgrim participating in the spring break Ignatian Pilgrimage as Prayer, I was following in the footsteps of St. Ignatius. I could not help but compare the Israelites’ journey with that of Ignatius. He left behind his old life that had been focused on achieving personal glory and began the journey toward a new life focused on serving God. The Israelites were escaping slavery headed towards the promise of a new home. I( wondered if Ignatius, like the Israelites, ever felt worn down by the difficulties of the journey. Taking in the beauty of the rugged and empty landscape I reflected on the many hardships both Ignatius and the Israelites must have endured. Were there times when he wondered if he would find food, water, or shelter? Visiting Monserrat, I spent time in the chapel of the Black Madonna, trying to imagine Ignatius presenting her with his sword, the last symbol of his old life. He then gave his donkey to the abbey and traded clothing with a beggar. Next, he continued his journey on foot, despite war injuries that never completely healed.
As my pilgrimage continued, in the comfort of a tour bus, my reflection turned to my Lenten journey. What is the sword, the symbol of my attachment to the world, that I need to surrender? Unlike Ignatius or the Israelites, I am not worried about access to food, water, or shelter but many people in our world still lack these necessities. When people today are fleeing slavery, crying out to God in their distress, what is my response? Am I an Israelite, longing to stay in my place of worldly comfort and security, ignoring their cries? Or, do I have the courage to give up my “donkey”, my comfortable seat on the bus, to follow in the footsteps of St. Ignatius of Loyola?
Gladyce Janky
I joined the School of Pharmacy and Health Profession as a chaplain in 2015, subsequently working in the Law and Graduate Schools and Heider College of Business. I continued working with distance graduate students after moving to Sun City, AZ, in 2021. I transitioned to my current life phase in July 2023, when I retired. I am a graduate of the CSP program with two master’s degrees and hold certificates in the History of the Ignatian Tradition and Spiritual Direction and Directed Retreats.
Writing reflections helps me break open the transformative power of scripture. The message is alive and relevant to me when I put myself into the story. Jesus is not just “back there.” He is here accompanying me. I share what I write with others to invite them to listen to how God is inviting them to greater spiritual freedom.
