Scripture
Philippians 1: 20c-24, 27a
Brothers and sisters:
Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which I prefer. I am hard pressed between the two: my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for you.
Only, live your life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
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
Placing Ourselves in God’s Loving Hands
In today’s letter to the Philippians, St. Paul offers a profound model of trust rooted in faith. Contemplating his own life and death, he boldly declares, “Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.” Paul reminds us that when our focus remains fixed on Christ, we find true fulfillment because he never leaves our side.
This message presents both a hope and a challenge. While Paul longs for the eternal peace of being with Christ after death, he recognizes a pressing earthly mission: we are called to labor in God's vineyard and build his kingdom here on earth. The key to this earthly life is staying close to Christ and "conduct[ing] ourselves in a way worthy of the gospel."
Living worthily means remaining deeply attentive to God's will. We can discern his call through a committed prayer life and by actively serving Christ in reaching out to our brothers and sisters in need.
—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
Sep 20, 2026
Prayer
A Prayer for Discipleship in Christ
Heavenly Father,
Grant us the full courage and expectation of St. Paul,
that Christ may be magnified in our bodies, whether by our lives or by our deaths.
Keep our hearts anchored in the eternal truth that to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
When we long for the peace of Your heavenly kingdom,
redirect our eyes to the harvest around us.
Strengthen our hands for fruitful labor in Your vineyard.
Help us, above all, to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel.
Bind us together in one Spirit, striving side by side to always recognize Your face
in the needs of our brothers and sisters.
Encourage us, Guide us, and Bless us.
We ask this through the holy name of Your beloved son Jesus.
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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