Scripture
Luke 14: 1-6
On one occasion when Jesus was going to the house of a leader of the Pharisees to eat a meal on the sabbath, they were watching him closely. Just then, in front of him, there was a man who had dropsy. And Jesus asked the lawyers and Pharisees, “Is it lawful to cure people on the sabbath, or not?” But they were silent. So Jesus took him and healed him, and sent him away. Then he said to them, “If one of you has a child or an ox that has fallen into a well, will you not immediately pull it out on a sabbath day?” And they could not reply to this.
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
Choose Compassion
Jesus’s invitation to Sabbath dinner at the home of a scribe must surely have been an ominous sign. Entering into this scene we feel the tension of everyone in the room. The contagion of smiles is clearly a facade and every move is calculated. It doesn’t take long before the trap is set and Jesus, well aware, seated by a man suffering from edema, invites everyone at the table into the dilemma. They all know the law, but, Jesus asks, does compassion ever take precedence? Only silence comes in response. Jesus acts first with his heart, always seeking the greater good and choosing the more loving response over blind adherence to the law.
We look into our own hearts and ask the same question. How often do I let my self-created laws get in the way of showing mercy? My checklist of schedules, my own comfort, the worthiness of the man in front of me allows me to look right past him and maintain this same silence. Whenever law and love collide, Jesus chooses love. If I profess to be his follower, I must be willing to do the same.
What “law” can I set aside today in order that I might be more present to the needs of others? How can I model choosing love as Jesus did?
—Tere Allen is a retired vice principal from Sacred Heart Nativity Schools in San Jose, California, who is now contemplating God through her Substack writing.
Ignatian Prayer
Oct 30, 2026
Prayer
Gracious God, help us to see those at our own dinner tables who might be in need. Forgive us when we let our own routines and rules blind us to the pain of our neighbors and prevent us from reaching out. Let us look out at the world through the loving eyes of Jesus and always choose compassion over our own comfort.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen
—Tere Allen
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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