HE LIKED TO LISTEN TO HIM

PRAYER MOMENT                                  

Saturday 2 August 2014, St Peter Faber  

HE LIKED TO LISTEN TO HIM

Pause. Be still in the presence of God.

Reading: “Do whatever you please but be sure of this, that if you put me to death you will be bringing innocent blood on yourselves and on this city.” (Jer 26:11-16)

Reflection. Jeremiah was threatened with death for speaking the truth as he knew it from God and John the Baptist was actually killed for doing the same. These were the great prophets who gave us the words of God. Pope Francis has, I suppose, been careful not to show any special favour to Jesuits, being one himself. But if this is his rule he broke it just once: he fast tracked Peter Faber, Ignatius’ first companion, to sainthood. Faber did not do anything spectacular but a contemporary, Simon Rodrigues, said , “He had a delightful sweetness and charm in his dealings with others and won his way into their hearts, setting them on fire with the love of God.” Mark tells us that Herod “liked to listen” to John the Baptist ((6:20). What of our conversation? Is it chatter? Or does it move us forward?

Prayer. Come, Holy Spirit, fill us with the fire of your love so that all our words and actions may be in harmony with you and your will for the world. Amen..

David Harold-Barry SJ