Studies of theology
20. Studies in Alcalá
In 1526, Iñigo moved on to the University of Alcalá to take a few courses in theology. At this stage, it seems his studies were more for his own greater understanding of things of God rather than any desire to be a priest. At the same time, he gathered a few companions around him and began giving spiritual guidance and the Spiritual Exercises to many local people.
Many who were attracted by his spiritual ministry were former prostitutes and people on the edges of society who were somewhat unsure of the way ahead.
The companions all dressed in similar long robes and lived a simple lifestyle, just as they imagined the disciples had lived with Jesus.
Lyrics
Ave verum corpus, natum
de Maria Virgine,
vere passum, immolatum
in cruce pro homine
cuius latus perforatum
fluxit aqua et sanguine:
esto nobis praegustatum
mortis in examine.
O Iesu dulcis, O Iesu pie,
O Iesu, fili Mariae.
Hail, true Body, born
of the Virgin Mary,
having truly suffered, sacrificed
on the cross for humankind,
from whose pierced side
water and blood flowed:
Be for us a foretaste [of the Heavenly banquet]
in the trial of death!
O sweet Jesus, O holy Jesus,
O Jesus, son of Mary,
A thought to ponder
Who are those that ‘respectable people’ would avoid becoming too friendly with today?
Do you imagine you would be more comfortable with the public sinners Jesus called friends, or the respectable people the Pharisees were happy to be seen with?
Scripture for the Day
As a way of praying today’s Scripture we suggest, Imaginative Contemplation.
Mark 2: 13-17 NRSVACE
Jesus went out again beside the lake; the whole crowd gathered around him, and he taught them.
As he was walking along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him.
And as he sat at dinner in Levi’s house, many tax-collectors and sinners were also sitting with Jesus and his disciples—for there were many who followed him.
When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax-collectors,
they said to his disciples, ‘Why does he eat with tax-collectors and sinners?’
When Jesus heard this, he said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician,
but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.’
Music for Today
The Summons
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