Scripture
Matthew 9: 1-8
And after getting into a boat Jesus crossed the sea and came to his own town.
And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” Then some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.” And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings.
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
Lift Sin into God’s Grace
The weight of sin is amazingly powerful. Though its actual mass is zero, less than that of a mustard seed, a single sinful act, let alone a sense of one’s sinfulness, can be an overwhelming immense burden. It can hold us back from life and love, smother our ability to thrive as human persons, and turn us downward and inward with shame and unworthiness. It can paralyze us physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
More than the effects of one’s own personal sins can be the judgements of others. This sin of the world, of human nature, is interwoven throughout human history. It permeates our society and culture, and is written into our laws. I repeatedly, endlessly struggle with ways in which I have felt judged and unworthy as well as how I judge and deny the equal dignity of others.
The danger is in not admitting this reality – ignoring and disregarding how these are embedded within our attitudes, assumptions, our way of identifying ourselves and one another. Pretending that these are not my issues, that I did not cause them and I am not responsible, leaves them in the dark, and fosters and nurtures the evil that thrives in sinfulness. Jesus, in this narrative, lifts out sin into God’s grace and light with healing forgiveness. Jesus likewise lifts up the man into God’s same grace and light in which he can thrive and experience joy and love. Our challenge is to go and do likewise.
Some homework: Chapters 1 and 2, only 1/3 of Pope Leo’s recent encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, offers an understandable presentation of Catholic Social teachings on human dignity, the common good, and social justice.
—Fr. Glen Chun, SJ, a priest of the Midwest Province, is community minister of Bellarmine House of Studies in St. Louis.
Ignatian Prayer
Jul 2, 2026
Prayer
Let us build a house where love can dwell
And all can safely live
A place where saints and children tell
How hearts learn to forgive
Built of hopes and dreams and visions
Rock of faith and vault of grace
Here the love of Christ shall end divisions:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
Let us build a house where prophets speak,
and words are strong and true,
where all God’s children dare to seek
to dream God’s reign anew.
Here the cross shall stand as witness
and as symbol of God’s grace;
here as one we claim the faith of Jesus:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
Let us build a house where all are named,
their songs and visions heard
and loved and treasured, taught and claimed
as words within the Word.
Built of tears and cries and laughter,
prayers of faith and songs of grace,
let this house proclaim from floor to rafter:
All are welcome, all are welcome,
all are welcome in this place.
—Verses of “All Are Welcome” by Marty Haugen ©1994, GIA Publications
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.
All fields are optional except for the prayer request. Please know that will we only share your first name and complete request when praying for your intention. Your name and email address will never be shared with anyway, nor will you receive any additional correspondence from us.
Pray with the Pope
Prayer unites people of faith everywhere. It is a tangible expression of our dependence on God, and our care for one another. These prayer cards combine images from campus with prayers that speak to joyful and difficult experiences in life. You are invited to share and personalize these cards by emailing, posting to social media, or printing them out for yourself or others. You can also choose from a gallery of images below to add a special touch to the prayer card.
Please enter your information below to have your Daily Inspiration from JesuitPrayer.org delivered to your in-box. As a subscriber, you will receive the daily email from Jesuit Prayer. If you would like to receive the email newsletter or printed magazine from one of the Jesuit provinces, you may indicate that as well. We will never share your data with others.
Prayer Experience
Daily prayer is essential for nourishing our relationship with Christ. We become ever more mindful of God's presence in all facets of our lives. Through the daily Scripture, Reflection, and Prayer, may you be fortified in God's faithfulness and his invitation to move through your day in a spirit of service to others. The prayer experience is provided every day of the week, with reflections rooted in Ignatian spirituality.
Submit a Prayer
Prayer is at the core of Jesuit life. We pray daily for the needs of our world and for you, our partners in mission. Please enter your prayer request and know that it will be shared with the priests and brothers of our senior Jesuit communities; they will receive your request and hold your intentions in prayer.
Subscription
To receive the daily Scripture, Reflection, and Prayer by Email please complete the form on the "Subscribe to Email" tab. The prayer content will be delivered to your Email daily.
App
To read the prayer content on your iPhone, iPad, and Android, download the free App available on the prayer home page.
Prayer Cards
Download these special Jesuit prayer cards and share with family and friends.
Videos
On various occasions spiritual, educational, and informational videos will appear on the prayer home page. These compelling videos provide an additional resource to the prayer experience. Visit our Youtube Channel
Resources
Available are a variety of resources for Ignatian spirituality, learning more about religious life, the Society of Jesus, prayer, and discernment.
Contact
Contact us at prayerteam@jesuitprayer.org