Scripture
John 1: 19-28
This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said,
“I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness,
‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’”
as the prophet Isaiah said.
Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.
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
My Relationship with Abba
The Jewish priests and Levites asked John the Baptizer, “Who are you?”
Have you ever been asked the same question, “Who are you?” Or, during a period of introspection have asked yourself, “Who am I?” These are signific questions worthy of serious reflection.
Too often we identify ourselves by naming our relationships. Common one-word answers are, “I am a mother, father, daughter, son, or a friend.” But how often do we include our relationship with the divine, “I am a beloved child of God,” or, “I am a friend of Jesus.” Jesus teaches us that we are beloved children of God with the “Our Father” prayer he gave us. In Aramaic, the language Jesus spoke, the first word is “Abba.” Abba is often translated as “Father” or “Daddy.” But Abba conveys a deeper more intimate meaning that denotes a respectful, endearing relationship that is deep, trusting, and caring.
Today, take time to reflect on your relationship with Abba.
—Russ Long is a Montessori educator, teacher-trainer, and writer. He attends St. Peter Catholic Church, the Jesuit parish in the Diocese of Charlotte, NC.
Ignatian Prayer
Jan 2, 2026
Prayer
Abba, may I always hold close to my heart the reality that I am a member of your family. You are the potter and I am your clay.
—Russ Long, from Isaiah 64:8 and Jeremiah 18:1-6
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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