Daily Catholic Lectio. Thu, 31 July ’25. Saint Ignatius of Loyola

Daily Catholic Lectio

Thu, 31 July ‘25

Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time, Thursday

Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Memorial

Exodus 40:16-21, 34-3. Matthew 13:47-53

Today’s Word of God invites us to reflect on the beautiful harmony between the old and the new in our journey of faith. We also celebrate the feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, a saint who teaches us how to renew our hearts with a deep love for God, living always for “the greater glory of God – Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.”

God Dwelling Among His People – Old and New

In the first reading from Exodus, we see Moses building the Tent of Meeting exactly as the Lord commanded. The glory of God descends upon the tent and fills it with His presence. This moment is both old and new – old, because God had always been with His people since Abraham and Joseph; new, because now His glory visibly dwells among them, guiding them day and night.

The Gospel (Matthew 13:47-53) uses the image of a net thrown into the sea, gathering all kinds of fish. Jesus concludes by saying that a wise disciple is like a householder who brings out treasures both old and new. The Kingdom of God is not about discarding the past, but about discerning the good from the old and welcoming the new grace that God offers every day.

Old and New in Our Christian Life

Our life is a mixture of old experiences and new opportunities. Every day we are given a new chance to live in the light of God. But the lessons of the past, our traditions, and our spiritual heritage remain precious treasures. Like the wise householder, we are called to keep what is good and true from the past and to embrace the new ways in which God works today.

The Spiritual Vision of Saint Ignatius

Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491–1556), founder of the Society of Jesus, understood this harmony of old and new very deeply. His motto “Magis” – meaning “more” or “greater” – calls us to go a step further for Christ and for others. For Ignatius, Magis was not about doing more activities, but about seeking what is greater for God’s glory – living with a heart free from selfish attachments, always discerning God’s will, and serving others with love.

He invites us to ask ourselves three questions:

What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ? What will I do for Christ?

His prayer of surrender is a perfect reflection of today’s theme of detachment and renewal:

“Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my will – all that I have and possess. You have given all to me; to You, O Lord, I return it. Everything is Yours; dispose of it according to Your will. Give me Your love and Your grace, for this is enough for me.”

Living the Old and New Today

Let us treasure the old: our faith, the Word of God, and the wisdom of the saints.

Let us welcome the new: fresh inspirations of the Holy Spirit and the opportunities to love and serve.

Like Saint Ignatius, let us live with “inner freedom” – not clinging to possessions, positions, or even our own plans, but always choosing what leads to God’s glory.

Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi

Archdiocese of Madurai

Missionary of Mercy