Loyola

Source: The Ignatian Camino
I'm thinking about everything. I'm limping 
to Jerusalem.
I've seen the worst of it and it's not enough 
to turn me off.
I'm writing the manual. I'm standing on principle.
My foundation is solid; it's built on rock 
and cornerstone.
I've got friends everywhere. They listen to freedom.
When the silence arrives, they close their eyes 
and put their books down.

Spirit moves. She takes my hand,
makes me write what I can't see
and dance where I can't stand.
Spirit breathes. She fills my mind,
helps me live within my heart
and love outside of time.

I'm setting the table. I'm expecting company.                             
I went into the streets and begged all the 
hopeless to come.     
I cry for the stars at night. I’ve become a 
good bureaucrat.        
I sat by a river once and heard the cosmos 
sing one clear chord. 
I’m thinking about everything. I'm not 
into worrying.                                             
I don't sleep all that much 
but I'm always beside a powerful dream. 

Spirit moves. She takes my hand,
makes me write what I can't see
and dance where I can't stand.
Spirit breathes. She fills my mind,
helps me live within my heart
and love outside of time.

I've left my testament. I've sealed 
the covenant.                           
I smile upon the remnant—that’s all of you 
who carry the name.  

 +++++++++++++++++++++++++
Note: The poet has set his Ignatius Day message 
to a video montage by Matt Hendzel, SJ.  
Please click now to see and hear.

 

Greg Kennedy, SJ works as a spiritual director at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre in Guelph, Ontario. He is author of Reupholstered Psalms volumes I, II, and III; and Amazing Friendships between Animals and Saints (Novalis Press).

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10 Comments
  • Bernice Dookhan-Khan
    Posted at 01:07h, 31 July Reply

    Thanks Fr. Gregg.
    God bless.
    Bernice

  • JYC
    Posted at 05:28h, 31 July Reply

    An antidote of light and freedom to the pandemic! Thank you Greg for this unique piece of soulful creation for a special feast day!

  • Peter Bisson
    Posted at 07:47h, 31 July Reply

    Thank you so much Greg!

  • Susan Tomenson
    Posted at 09:00h, 31 July Reply

    Thanks, Greg. My favourite line: I sat by a river once and heard the cosmos sing one clear chord.
    A happy memory of mine is sitting with Norm Dodge by the River Cardoner in Manresa, Spain. It was a very prayerful moment reflecting on Ignatius life and what he has given us . Norm and I prayed together for hope and peace for our World.
    Happy Ignatius Day to all my Jesuit friends and CLC friends!

  • Peter Monty, SJ
    Posted at 09:59h, 31 July Reply

    Inspiring testament!

  • Carol von Zuben
    Posted at 10:57h, 31 July Reply

    Thanks so much Greg and Matt —— just loved it. Happy Feast Day to both of you .

  • Maria Skarzynski
    Posted at 12:08h, 31 July Reply

    Beautifully put together ! I’m sure St. Ignatius is smiling.. Thanks Fr. Greg.

  • Catherine von Zuben
    Posted at 12:23h, 31 July Reply

    We too ‘smile upon the remnant’ in thanksgiving for Ignatius and all who have followed his way. Thank you Greg, blessings and love to you today and all the days to come.

  • Connie Shaw
    Posted at 17:20h, 31 July Reply

    Thanks Greg. Very powerful, so many striking images. In difficult times we are lifted with hope and love. Blessings on this great feast, a worthy tribute with music and visual. Also thanks Matt. Blessings and thanks to all the Jesuits !

  • Jim Boyd
    Posted at 20:17h, 31 July Reply

    Greg,
    I have appreciated your poetic talent and Ignatian spirit in every post, in particular the wrench from the farm to Pickering, yet the graces of sitting with Charlie Sitter. On this feast day you have captured Iñigo again.
    Thank you.

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