People Change, And It’s Hard to Believe

Reflection Date: July 31, 2026 | Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest
Daily Readings: Jeremiah 26:1-9; Matthew 13:54-58

Children of God:
July 31 is the feast day of Saint Ignatius of Loyola.

Saint Ignatius of Loyola was born in 1491 into a noble family in Spain and dreamed of becoming a famous soldier. 

As a young man, he loved adventure, honor, and military glory. 

During the Battle of Pamplona, a cannonball shattered one of his legs and forced him into a long and painful recovery. 

While confined to bed, he read books about the life of Christ and the saints because no books of chivalry were available. 

Through prayer and reflection, his heart gradually changed, and he decided to dedicate his life entirely to God. 

Many of his former companions found his conversion difficult to believe because they remembered him as an ambitious soldier who pursued worldly success. 

Some ridiculed his new way of life and questioned the sincerity of his transformation. 

Ignatius did not argue with them but quietly persevered in prayer, study, and service. 

To cut the story short, he eventually founded the Society of Jesus, whose members became known as the Jesuits, dedicating themselves to education, missionary work, and the greater glory of God. 

In the gospel story of Matthew, Jesus Himself experienced rejection because the people of His hometown could not accept that someone they had known since childhood possessed such extraordinary wisdom and authority.

What are our inspirations for today?

First, familiarity can prevent us from recognizing God's work.

Jesus returned to His hometown and taught in the synagogue, astonishing the people with His wisdom and mighty works. 

Yet instead of believing in Him, they questioned His background. 

Because they focused on what was familiar, they failed to recognize who stood before them.

This same attitude can appear in our own lives. 

Sometimes we dismiss the goodness of people simply because we think we already know them. 

We say, "He will never change," or "She has always been like that." 

Such judgments prevent us from seeing the transforming power of God's grace.

Saint Ignatius experienced similar doubts after his conversion. 

Those who knew his former life struggled to believe that he had become a man completely dedicated to Christ. 

Yet God was not limited by other people's opinions. 

His grace continued to shape Ignatius into one of the greatest saints in the history of the Church.

Familiarity can prevent us from recognizing God's work.

Second, faith can grow in us if we allow God to surprise us.

Because of the people’s lack of faith, Jesus performed only a few mighty works in his hometown. 

The people closed their hearts, and in doing so, they missed the blessings God desired to give them.

Faith requires openness. 

God often works through ordinary people, familiar situations, and unexpected moments. 

If we insist that God must act only according to our expectations, we may overlook the miracles He quietly performs every day.

Saint Ignatius remained open to God's surprising call. 

A wounded soldier became a pilgrim. 

A pilgrim became a priest. 

A priest became the founder of a religious order that transformed education, missionary work, and evangelization throughout the world. 

His life reminds us that God's plans are always greater than our expectations.

Faith can grow in us if we allow God to surprise us.

As we reflect today, let us ask ourselves: Do I believe that God can truly transform people's lives? 

Have I allowed past experiences to prevent me from seeing God's work in others? In what ways is God inviting me to trust His grace more deeply today?

Children of God: 
God continues to transform lives in quiet and surprising ways. 

We are called not to judge people by their past but to rejoice whenever grace brings new beginnings. 

Let us remain open to the possibility that God is still writing beautiful stories in ordinary lives. 

May we never become obstacles to another person's conversion through our doubts or prejudices. 

Instead, may we encourage one another to grow in holiness.