Pamplona – Ignatius’ Cannonball moment

[VERŻJONI MALTIJA]

Stillness exercise: I find a quiet spot, slowly becoming aware of all the creation around me and myself within it. As I breathe in and out I become aware of the gift of life within me and all around me. 

From the Autobiography: Pamplona

[1] Up to the age of twenty-six he was a man given to the follies of the world; and what he enjoyed most was exercise with arms, having a great and foolish desire to win fame. And so, whilst in a fortress that the French were attacking, when all were of the view that they should surrender, with their lives safeguarded – for they saw clearly that they could not offer resistance – he gave so many reasons to the commander that he actually persuaded him to resist, even against this view of all the officers, who drew courage from his spirit and determination.

When the day came on which the bombardment was expected, he confessed to one of these companions in arms. And after the bombardment had lasted a good while, a shot struck him on one leg, shattering it completely; and as the cannon ball passed between both legs, the other also was badly injured.

In the opening sentence of St Ignatius’ Autobiography we are introduced to an ambitious, determined, goal-oriented 26-year-old. A youth driven by vain glory and the desire to fulfill all his self-made plans. Unstoppable… invincible… so he thought… until a cannonball brought him to a dead halt.

• Let me think of my dreams, energies, passions and ambitions of my youth and maybe those I have today.
• The Lord had other plans for him and he repurposed Ignatius’ ambition, determination and quest for honour into assets for serving the Kingdom…
• St Paul had a similar “cannonball moment” on his way to Damascus…

Before reading the account, ask for a grace: I ask for the grace of making all my energies, passions and dreams at the service of Christ’s Kingdom on earth.

Biblical Text: Acts 9:1-9

[1] But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest [2] and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. [3] Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. [4] And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? [5] And he said, Who are you, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. [6] But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do. [7] The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. [8] Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. [9] And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

Points for reflection:

• Reflect about a cannonball moment in your life – an unexpected interruption in your plans.
• How did this cannonball moment help me grow or what opportunities did I miss?
• What kind of transformation did it sow in me?
• Did the Lord speak to me through this disruption of my plans? How?
• Let me now stop and reflect on my present state.
  • What energies and passions are there in me that might be “repurposed” for the Kingdom?
  • Let me open my heart and put all these resources in me at the Lords’ disposal.

Conversation: I share my thoughts and feelings with God/Jesus naming what emerges for which I want to pray, repent or thank God. I listen to what God might want to tell me.