We celebrated two saints this past week who learned to fall upward. We can learn from them.
St. Ignatius of Loyola aspired to a career in the military before a canon ball shattered his leg. A book about the lives of the saints was only reading available while he was convalescing. In this lowest moment of his life, Ignatius gained the spiritual foundations that led him to start a religious order and eventually lead millions of souls to strength through his spiritual Exercises.
The following day we celebrated St. Alphonsus Liguori–a lawyer who entering the priesthood after losing a major case. His first career was derailed, but the supposed detour enabled him to encourage countless souls through his spiritual writing and eventual leadership as a bishop. He was known for preaching in an accessible style that everyone could understand.
As you look back at your own life, what disappointments ended up leading you to greater blessing in the end? May this give us more confidence for God’s providence in what is to come. Yes, sometimes God let’s us fall upward.
Jesus endured the greatest fall imaginable through the cross, and this led him to an even greater rise. You were baptized into this death and resurrection–a principle that will continue to bear fruit in your life.
Onward and upward!