Never Easy

Today's gospel reminds us that even Jesus had a hard time in his hometown, where the people knew his mother, Mary, his foster father, Joseph as well as his cousins. It was hard for them to accept the reality of Jesus, even with his profound teachings and multiple miracles.Indeed, Jesus could not work many miracles there because of their lack of faith. (Mt 13:54-58.
Fast-forward 1500 years or so to Spain where a young feisty soldier lay wounded and suffering for months:  Ignatius of Loyola by name. Over the time of his battle to recover the use of his leg, wounded in battle, a slow but remarkable conversion took place and he eventually became a soldier for Christ and founder of the Society of Jesus, whose 17,000 members today still play a key role in education and spreading the Faith.
As it was in the 16th century, a difficult task to help people turn their lives toward Jesus,  so it is today, but inspired by Ignatius and his Companions, we don't give up, following his example and trusting in the power and presence of Jesus who is always with us, even when things seem most bleak. May we be inspired today by the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola and remain confident that "All Shall Be Well."
Bro Rene