The river Cardoner in Manresa, Spain is just outside of my window. The bridge that St. Ignatius entered the town in for the first time is still here, though reconstructed.  These are my Spanish steps today, following again St Ignatius. I went down to the cave where it is said that he wrote Spiritual Exercises. I have just come up from my second visit there and spent an hour lifting up those who have been praying for me  and those who are on my daily prayer list.

In thinking about today’s Gospel of Jesus appearing to those who had caught nothing all night,  I wondered if I had caught much today either. I’m distracted by a number of techinical glitches. My iPad is telling me it has no storage space left and I wonder  if it is a  recommendation from God to take a break from cyberspace. It may not be an option if I cannot figure it out in the next day or so. Tonight I stopped what I was doing and went down to the Cave to pray. That was probably the most productive part of the day.  I sat in the cold cave and prayed for 45 minutes, remembering each person who is on my heart these days, feeling especially grateful for the Jesuits, my wee group of spiritual directors, and my church community.  Because of them, I am here. I have chosen to make this pilgrimage to the place where one of my spiritual heroes just walked. How blessed am I!

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

When was the last time you sat in a dark, cold “cave”?

Did you find a reason to give thinks there?

Prayer

God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, you unite us  since the beginning of time.  You who inspired St Ignatius instill within us a deep  and profound love for how he viewed the world. Help me to see you, Creator, in all things and to be ever grateful. Amen.