One of the great mysteries of our Christian faith—one which captured the mind and heart of Ignatius—is that God has invited us to share in his work of redemption. It is mysterious enough that God saves us from sin and death, when he has no obligation to do so. But that we too should play a role in his saving plan?
If we are called to play a role in God’s saving plan, then we too, like the apostles, must go out and preach the Gospel. And we must be ready, like them, to follow in the footsteps of Christ, which will necessarily bring an experience of the Cross.
We will not be alone. As Christ was with the apostles, so will he be with us, and will confirm the word that he has placed in our hearts.
—William Manaker, S.J., a Jesuit scholastic of the Jesuits USA Central and Southern Province, is studying philosophy at Loyola University Chicago.