Scripture
John 20: 24-29
Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”
A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
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 Lord and My God
Today’s Gospel passage focuses on the journey from doubt to faith through a personal encounter with Christ. Thomas struggled to believe the testimony of others and desired tangible proof of the resurrection. Rather than rejecting him, Jesus met Thomas where he was and invited him to touch his wounds.
In the Spiritual Exercises, Ignatius encourages individuals to use their imagination to place themselves within Gospel scenes. By entering the story of Thomas, I can imagine standing beside him, seeing the risen Jesus, and hearing his words, “Do not doubt, but believe.” This prayerful experience reveals that faith is not blind acceptance, but a relationship built through encounter and trust.
Thomas's transformation from doubt to belief challenges me to bring my own questions honestly to God. Like Thomas, I am invited to move beyond uncertainty and respond with faith: “My Lord and my God.”
—Tom Drexler is a graduate of Marquette University High School and Creighton University. At present he works in the advancement office of the Midwest Jesuits.
Ignatian Prayer
Jul 3, 2026
Prayer
Gracious God, I pray that I may be able to profess “my Lord and my God” and to live out my life according to that profession of faith.
—Tom Drexler
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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