Today we celebrate the feast day of Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556). Our painting by Domenichino depicts Saint Ignatius's vision at La Storta (a place to the north of Rome) where he saw God the Father and Jesus Christ holding the Cross. Saint Ignatius attested that he received the vision while travelling to Rome with two of his followers to obtain permission from the Pope to found his new Order. In the vision, Christ promised that he would bless Saint Ignatius and his efforts in Rome. Saint Ignatius said that Christ spoke the words 'Ego tibi Romae propitius ero' ('I will be favourable to you in Rome'). This promise of Jesus to Saint Ignatius prompted the naming of the Society of Jesus.
The trip to Rome proved to be successful as, together with Peter Faber and Francis Xavier (probably the two figures in the background who accompanied Ignatius to Rome), Ignatius formed the Society of Jesus, which was approved in 1540 by Pope Paul III. Ignatius was chosen as the first Superior General of the Jesuits.
Our Gospel reading today describes the kingdom of heaven as a treasure hidden in a field, which a man finds and hides again, then joyfully sells everything he has to buy that field. As a prime example of this, Saint Ignatius of Loyola experienced a profound spiritual awakening after he had found this treasure of faith. He renounced his former life of wealth, nobility and military ambition to dedicate himself entirely to seeking and serving God. Ignatius’ transformation echoes the parable’s message of finding something so valuable that one is willing to forsake all else to attain it, reflecting his total commitment to the pursuit of spiritual riches.
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