Scripture
Philippians 2: 6-11 (Canticle from Holy Saturday Evening Prayer)
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Ignatian Reflection
In the Tomb, Awaiting New Life
As members of the Ignatian family, we have spent these holiest of days imaginatively contemplating the action of that singular week after which nothing would ever be the same. We accompanied Jesus to Jerusalem, from the Upper Room to Gethsemane, from the garden to the halls of earthly power, to Calvary and the cross, and now to his tomb.
Many priests, religious, and lay faithful will pray this great hymn of St. Paul today as part of Evening Prayer. It was also the scripture I prayed with when I petitioned for first vows in the Society of Jesus. Christ’s self-emptying for love of the world is our ultimate life model as Christians. And his acceptance of death shows us there is no aspect of human experience and existence the Lord has not touched, renewed, and redeemed.
Today is a day to remain in the tomb. Notice the brokenness, hurts, and disappointments that lie there. And with yearning untold, we wait for the New Life that will come with the dawn.
—Jonathan Jue-Wong, SJ, is a Jesuit scholastic and member of the Midwest Province, currently studying philosophy at Loyola University Chicago.
Ignatian Prayer
Apr 19, 2025
Prayer
Holy darkness, blessed night,
Heaven’s answer hidden from our sight.
As we await you, O God of silence,
We embrace your holy night.
—Refrain from “Holy Darkness” ©1993 Dan Schutte (inspired by St. John of the Cross)
The Daily Examen is a prayer technique developed by St. Ignatius to help us reflect on the events of the day to discern God's presence and direction. When Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus, he required the Jesuits to practice the Examen twice daily—at noon and at the end of the day. It's a habit that Jesuits, and many other Christians, practice to this day.
The Examen structure presented below is adapted from a technique described by Ignatius Loyola in his Spiritual Exercises. Click here for more information from our partners in ministry at Loyola Press.
Daily Examen
1. Become aware of God's presence
God, I believe that at this moment I am in your presence and you are loving me.
2. Review the day with gratitude
God, you know my needs better than I know them. Give me your light and your help to see how you have been with me, both yesterday and today.
3. Pay attention to your emotions
God, help me to be grateful for the moments when people have affirmed me and challenged me. Help me to see how I have responded, and whether I have been kind to others and open to growth.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it
God, forgive me for when I have not done my best or have failed to treat others well. Encourage me, guide me, and continue to bless me.
5. Look toward tomorrow
As I look to the remainder of this day, make me aware that you are with me. Show me how to be the person you want me to be.
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