When I was a junior at Boston College, I had the privilege of leading a Kairos retreat. During our formation as leaders, our director challenged our team to end each day with the Examen. Sixteen years later, I continue to end every day with a modified version of this exercise. When my head hits the pillow, I ask myself three questions:

• Where did I see Christ today?
• Where was I Christ today?
• Where did I need to try harder to be Christ today?

This practice serves as an opportunity to reflect on my day, attentive to Christ’s presence.

• Where did I see Christ? I witnessed my son help his little brother when he got hurt at the park this morning. 
• Where was I Christ? I spent soul sharing time with my friend who recently lost her dad. 
• Where did I need to try harder to be Christ? I could have been more patient with my husband.

Can these three questions help you recognize “The kingdom of God is among you?” 

—Liz Stowe Fennell is the assistant director for leadership development at Boston College’s Roche Center for Catholic Education.

Prayer

Dear Lord,
Help me to recognize that the kingdom of God is among us.
Allow my eyes to see your presence in my daily life.
Allow my hands to serve others, so they may see your presence through me.
Allow my heart to continue to grow, so I may be more like you.
Amen.

—Liz Stowe Fennell