The famous trompe l’oeil ceiling of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola in Rome. Fresco by Andrea Pozzo, “Saint Ignatius Being Received into Heaven” (1691-94).
A reflection by pilgrim Tom Kolon
Yesterday, I had the chance to serve as deacon for Mass in the Church of St. Ignatius in Rome. It was a beautiful liturgy on a crystal blue day shared with family and friends. What a joyous opportunity!
Tom Kolon serves as deacon at Mass in St. Ignatius Church
And yet today’s Gospel reminds us to not look inward at a peaceful life but rather to focus outward (Lk 12:13-21). That no matter how beautiful, useful or enjoyable objects of this life are, they will all pass in the blink of an eye. Thus we are urged to instead direct our thoughts and actions toward that which is most important: an eternal life with God.
Later on, we were able to view one of my favorite paintings, ‘The Calling of St. Matthew,” by Caravaggio. Matthew, like Ignatius, did not see this call coming. Both Matthew and Ignatius were likely very content in their lives—financially set, full of self-esteem. But clear out of left field comes the hand of Jesus, pointing at Matthew. I was asked today how I became a deacon, and my answer was simply “I was asked by my pastor.” Sometimes the pointing finger of Jesus can be just that simple. Initially, like Matthew, I seemed to be pointing to the next guy, “Surely you mean him, right?” But once that thought was placed in my head there was no turning back.
‘The Calling of St. Matthew,” by Caravaggio
We are not always sure how but we all know deep down inside that Jesus is urging us all to set the world aflame. Sometimes it takes a call in the market and sometimes it takes a cannonball.
By the way, Ignatius was born on Oct. 23, 1491. Happy Birthday, Ignatius!
Saint Ignatius of Loyola – Pray for us.
I was in Rome a month ago and I took a photo of The Calling Out of St. Matthew which is located at San Luigi dei Francesi. Thank you for sharing!
Please pray for my sons
Please pray for all of my undocumented students and their families who are consumed by fear and despair. Thank you.
Please pray for my son who is embarking on a new ‘life’.
Special intention. Thank you so much. 🙏
Please pray for Carol Gibb who lost her 15 year battle with cancer.
May her soul rest in peace.
Please pray for my 15-year-old son, who is having a struggle.
Please pray that Congress will pass the DREAM Act and go on to surprise us with compassionate immigration reform.
Please pray for me as I embark on a difficult journey.
Please pray for strength for all cancer patients and their caregivers . The doctors, nurses and researchers battling this disease along with the patients
Please pray for a healing of a complicated surgery
redone at Mass General. I am trying to wait the. 3 more months the surgeon needs to decide
Tnx and God Bless
Please pray for the repose of the soul of my husband, Peter Augustine Lawler.
Please pray for clarity for career future & for my pup’s upcoming surgery
Please pray for Angela, George, and Dan, all of whom are battling very serious cancer, at relatively young ages.
Please pray for all those suffering from addiction; that in a moment of clarity each will reach out to God and turn their lives over to Him, the only One capable of rescuing men and women from the obsession of addiction.
Please pray for my husband Richard who has fallen prey to Internet evangelicals who preach almost exclusively on the evils of the Catholic Church. He has become virulently anti- Catholic and reason does not reach him.
Please keep in your prayers, those who are suffering from cancer and their families and caregivers!