Scripture
Matthew 16:13-20
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
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
Faith and Trust in God’s Call
Hearing and following God’s will means being attentive to his call in our lives and allowing ourselves to be an open piece of stone for his shaping, and at times even grinding. Like Peter proclaiming Jesus as the Christ, we often plunge headfirst toward this call with intense faith.
Christ’s call came to me later in life during a Mass in San Francisco. Hearing a group of young novices share their vocation stories, it felt as if Christ hit me directly in the chest, saying, “Pay attention! I want you to do what these men are doing.” This powerful moment inspired me to serious discernment with the Jesuits, ultimately joining the Society of Jesus as a brother- trusting Christ fully, including at times blindly.
As God builds us into solid foundations for his kingdom, we navigate an unknown journey in deep companionship with Christ. It is never too late to listen to his call and take that trusting plunge.
—Br. Mark Trombley, SJ, is a Jesuit of the Midwest Province studying philosophy at Loyola University Chicago and working at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, IL.
Ignatian Prayer
Aug 23, 2026
Prayer
Loving God- May I be blessed with grace filled trust in your Trinity inspired by your saints:
- The Attentiveness and Acceptance of Christ
- The Courage and Confidence of St. Michael the Archangel
- The Pondering and Patience of Our Holy Mother St. Mary
- The Charity and Justice of St. Alberto Hurtado, SJ
- The Faith and Fortitude of St. Nicholas Owen, SJ
- The Wonder and Wisdom of the Father
- and The Peace, Joy, and Hope of the Holy Spirit
Amen
—Br. Mark Trombley, 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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