Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest (Memorial)

When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. 

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells a parable comparing the kingdom of God to a precious pearl. He reminds us that God’s grace is so beautiful and eternity with him so valuable that it should move us to “sell all” we have to pursue it (Matthew 13:46). Today we also remember St. Ignatius of Loyola, a man who embodied this teaching.

Ignatius was born in 1491 to a wealthy Basque family in Spain. A charismatic nobleman who indulged in the pleasures of life, he pursued a career as a military officer. When cannon fire shattered his leg on the battlefield, however, his exploits came to an abrupt halt.

As he lay bedridden, Ignatius struggled to find purpose. He was accustomed to reading stories about the exploits of brave soldiers, but the only books available to him were a life of Christ and stories about the saints. In his boredom and frustration, he picked them up. There he discovered Jesus, the “pearl of great price” (Matthew 13:46). His life was forever changed by the Savior who loved him despite his worldly past.

Once he recovered, Ignatius renounced his past ambitions and turned his relentless zeal toward the quest for holiness. Out of love for Christ, he rigorously pursued prayer, penance, and contemplation. In 1522, he confessed his sins, gave away his fine clothes, and left his sword at an altar in the shrine of Montserrat. Together with several companions, he formed the Society of Jesus in 1539 and brought many people to faith in the Lord. Even today, Ignatius’ witness continues to inspire men and women to prize Jesus above all else and follow him unreservedly.

God may not be calling you to live as Ignatius did, but he does want you to find the pearl of great price. He wants you to taste the goodness of his Son Jesus and experience his love. He wants you to discover that nothing compares with knowing him. So open your heart to the Lord today. Ask the Spirit to help you love Jesus singleheartedly. By his grace, you can “sell all you have” to follow Christ and spread the good news of his love. It’s worth it!

“Thank you, Jesus, for being my pearl of great price.”

Jeremiah 15:10, 16-21
Psalm 59:2-4, 10-11, 17-18
Matthew 13:44-46