Scripture
John 11: 19-27
Many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.”
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
Beyond Imagination
As this passage begins, Martha and Mary have no hope; Lazarus is dead. The sisters had sent for Jesus hoping he’d come right away and heal their brother. They’d hoped for the same kind of healing Jesus had been doing all over Galilee. However, Jesus deliberately delays and Lazarus dies. Many of us can likely relate to experiencing our own dashed hopes when our prayers for a loved one’s healing go unanswered.
At first, Jesus consoles Martha with “your brother will rise again,” but she cannot even imagine what Jesus is about to do. The sisters had hoped for an earthly healing for Lazarus, but when Jesus, the resurrection and the life, shows up, he restores Lazarus to life. And he assures us that if we believe in him, we too will never die.
Today, be alert for signs of God’s presence in both the ordinary and the unexpected. Be open to new possibilities that are beyond imagination.
—Diane Amento Owens was introduced to Ignatian spirituality in 2009 through the Midwest Jesuits’ annual Lenten Morning of Reflection. She offers spiritual direction with an Ignatian lens and is the author of Walking with Jesus to Jerusalem: A Lenten Pilgrimage of Hope.
Ignatian Prayer
Jul 29, 2026
Prayer
Yes, Jesus, I do believe you are who you say you are, but sometimes my faith gets buried underneath my circumstances or I get stuck without hope in a tomb of despair. Calm my doubts and distress. Help me to enjoy a close friendship with you like you had with Martha, Mary and Lazarus.
Jesus, I place my hope in you, the resurrection and the life.
—Diane Amento Owens
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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