Today in the Jesuit world we celebrate the feast of Madonna della Strada, Our Lady of the Way. There was an ancient painting of Mary under this title which was very dear to St. Ignatius. He would pray before this image as his Jesuit brothers departed from Rome for various missions near and far. In the spirit of today’s reading on friendship from the Book of Sirach, each of us has the reminder to pray for our friends and family members spread across the globe.
The author of Sirach tells us that faithful friends are “a sturdy shelter,”
“a life-saving remedy,” confidants and companions “beyond price.” We pray with and for our many friends today, remembering the life and joy they bring to our daily living. This first week after Pentecost may the gifts of the Holy Spirit fill their hearts and homes. May the Holy Spirit strengthen us as well as we make a difference today for the gospel!
—The Jesuit Prayer Team