In my own spiritual journey I would never follow someone who was disrespectful to our Lady. It is different if they do not understand devotion to her. Disrespect for her would keep me at a good distance from them though. I think I would feel a bit superstitious if I let a donkey choose my path for me. Nevertheless, I do understand that this was a moment in time for Ignatius that he struggled with in making his decision. The Lord may have shown him the path to virtue here too. Who am I to judge how the Holy Spirit talks to someone else? It is a very personal and individual aspect of how we receive grace according to our specific needs.

I’m delighted to know that the post was the basis for a good conversation. You are, of course, correct when you suggest that the Spirit’s prompting are not as forceful as Hilda’s but, on the other hand, they are probably more important than those offered by a GPS…

Paul
P.S. Truth compells me to tell you that Hilda is short for Brunhilda, a Frankish queen known for her cruely and greed!

this topic created a great conversation with some LMU students this past week. After reading Denise’s comments about the GPS and your own thoughts on Hilda, why is it that we allow that electronic voice to guide us without question (often) and are not so willing to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Is that the Holy Spirit is not as forceful as Hilda… she tells you to make a U Turn if you go the wrong way.

I have absolutely no sense of direction and so rely totally on my GPS to get places. I tease my female friends by telling them that Hilda (my nickname for the robot voice) is the only woman I obay totally and without question.

It never struck me, however, to ponder why I don’t trust the Lord as a navigator as much I do my GPS. You have given me something new to mull over.

Paul

Great story! If only we were as lucky as St. Ignatius to have a mule make our choices for us on the journey . I recently purchased a GPS and when I am driving I allow my electronic navigator to completely control my journey. I sometimes wonder why I am not that trusting of the Lord as my navigator?

Blessings,
Denise

As you know Loyola Marymount University (once simply Loyola University) in Los Angeles sits on a plateau overlooking Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica Bay, and (if there isn’t too much smog) much of West L. A. When you were there did you ever hear the quip that Loyola was built on a bluff and has been run on one ever since? I heard it from a Jesuit who was having a less than reverent moment.

Despite my insolence in the previous paragraph, I thank you for sharing this story about Ignatius.

Eric

Keeping oneself in perspective… what a wonderful gift to have (and to be able to share with others.) I love perspective – my problem is that perspective is the first thing to go out the window when it is most needed.

Paul

Why? He was a great man but a humble one too. He may have told this somewhat embarrassing story to keep himself in perspective — and to help future generations do that too. The story also shows how far Ignatius came in his spiritual journey. It took him years to understand how discernment worked. He wandered down many blind alleys as he tried to find the work God had for him to do. That’s a saint I can identify with.