Scripture
Matthew 28: 16-20
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
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
Carry Forward the Mission
Jesus ascends because he can. He has accomplished what he came to do and now leaves the continuing work of transformation in the hands of those he has taught and trusted, with the gift of the Holy Spirit. His departure is not absence; it is confidence. He trusts the disciples—and through them, all of us—to carry forward his mission, to speak of God’s love, and to live as witnesses to God's reign.
The Ascension is a lesson in trust and empowerment. Jesus does not cling to the mission he began; he includes us, in the Spirit. His leaving opens space for his disciples to act, but not just to act – to act like him.
Because he can, Jesus ascends—but in ascending, he invites us into the ongoing work of God’s reign here on earth, accompanied and empowered by his Holy Spirit.
—Fr. Martin Connell, SJ, serves as dean of Arrupe College at Loyola University Chicago.
Ignatian Prayer
May 17, 2026
Prayer
Christ, you entrust your mission to us and empower us with your Spirit, not as spectators but as witnesses shaped by your life. Grant me the grace to act with confidence and freedom, carrying your love into the world as you would. Amen.
—Fr. Martin Connell, SJ
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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