“With an age-old love I have loved you; so I have kept my mercy toward you.” (Jeremiah 31:3) - Both readings today illustrate that the Jewish faith tradition is not a missionary religion. Unlike many of our Christian faith traditions today, the Jewish people do not seek converts to their faith, because they are the chosen people.

“Lord, if it is really you, tell me to come to you across the water.” And Jesus replied, “Come.” The context of these lines, Jesus appearing to His disciples walking on water during a storm at night, is very familiar to all of us. And Peter is fine, too, getting out of the boat and walking on the water until he looks down.

Yesterday, July 31, was the Feast Day of St. Ignatius Loyola. Because it fell on a Sunday this year, the feast day was not celebrated by the Universal Church. (Sunday as “The Lord’s Day” always takes precedence over any memorial of a saint.) Yesterday also marked the end of the Ignatian Year (May 20, 2021 – July 31, 2022)