St Ignatius of Loyola understood the power of discernment. After a serious injury ended his military ambitions, he began noticing a difference between passing excitement and lasting peace. That observation changed his life. Today’s readings speak about resistance to God’s voice. Jeremiah is threatened for proclaiming truth. Jesus is rejected in his hometown because familiarity blinds people to his identity. Sometimes God is not ignored because he is absent. He is ignored because he is too familiar. St. Ignatius challenged believers to examine the movements of the heart carefully. What leads toward God? What leads away? His famous prayer remains deeply relevant: “Take, Lord, receive…my entire will.” Discipleship requires more than admiration for Christ. It requires surrender. Let us ask for the grace to recognize God’s presence even in ordinary places and ordinary moments. The Lord often speaks when we least expect him.

PRAYER: Take, Lord, receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will. Amen.