Br. David Vryhof

Ignatius of Loyola

Genesis 32:22-31

We have before us today three examples of what I would call “committed, determined, all-in discipleship.”

The first is the image of Jacob wrestling with “a man” along the River Jabbok.  Jacob is on his way to meet Esau, his elder brother, the same brother he deceived by stealing his birthright. He is afraid, justifiably. Jacob helps his family to cross the river, then returns alone to the other side to pray and prepare for his encounter with Esau. There he confronts a mysterious stranger and the two engage in a wrestling match. The man bestows on Jacob a new name – “Israel” – signifying a new role and purpose in his life, but he refuses to reveal his own name. Jacob refuses to give up, wrestling with the stranger through the night, insisting on receiving a blessing from him. Finally, as day breaks, the man relents and grants Jacob’s request.

The man reveals to Jacob that he has, in fact, been wrestling with God and Jacob expresses wonder that he has been able to see God and live. The story raises a number of questions: Who was this man and what prompts him to fight with Jacob? Who actually prevails in the struggle? What is the blessing that Jacob so desperately wants from the man? Why does the man leave Jacob with a hip injury?

Regardless of the unknowns, the image of Jacob engaged in an all-night, all-out struggle with God is a powerful one. We admire his determination, his commitment, his clinging to God until he receives the blessing he is seeking. The image of whole-hearted engagement in the struggle can be a powerful inspiration for us.

A second example comes from our Gospel text, where Jesus encounters three would-be disciples, all of whom are eager to proclaim their devotion to him but none of whom follow through and actually follow him. Each has an excuse for turning away, and they are not unreasonable excuses, but they fall short of what Jesus expects of them.

As is often the case, Jesus is using hyperbole to exaggerate his point. The story makes clear that he is seeking disciples who will devote themselves whole-heartedly to the life and work of the Kingdom, without considering the cost to themselves. Whole-hearted discipleship is costly.

The third example comes from St. Ignatius of Loyola, whom we remember today. Ignatius was a soldier – proud, vain and totally consumed with himself – when he met Jesus. That encounter changed his life and led him to devote himself whole-heartedly to the cause of Christ. His utter devotion is captured in the prayer you have in your hands. It is called the “Suscipe” – from the Latin word meaning “receive” – and invites us to likewise consider offering God our all.

Let’s pray it together:

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding and my entire will; all that I have and call my own. You have given it all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace; that is enough for me. Amen.

Retreatants, brothers, friends: Take Ignatius’ prayer to heart. Learn it, ponder it, embrace it. Allow it to challenge and inspire you. Let it be for you a summons to whole-hearted devotion and commitment, which is what Jesus asks of each of us.