Scripture
Matthew 24: 37-44
Jesus said to his disciples:
“For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”
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
Awaiting His Arrival
Happy Advent!
And how lucky are we?! We have the benefit of knowing how the next part of the story goes… We know what follows this beautiful season: the hour is coming, Christmas is in reach, Christ will soon be born. How can we use this time to prepare ourselves for the Prince of Peace who is on his way?
Whether they put it into words or not, children are incredibly perceptive and sensitive to their surroundings. Into what sort of environment do we want to welcome Jesus? Is there reconciliation that needs to take place before his arrival? Forgiveness that needs to be offered? Depth that needs to be explored, or a word of love that needs to be extended?
Many of us are rarely willing to take these steps for ourselves. Let's take them for the Child who longs to transform our lives.
—Joe Ertle, SJ, is a Jesuit scholastic of the Midwest Province currently studying philosophy at the ITESO, a Jesuit university in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Ignatian Prayer
Nov 30, 2025
Prayer
God, you who long to bring peace into my life, I want what only you can offer. Give me the grace I need: ____________ (the willingness to open my heart to the people I have hurt or who have hurt me; the courage to say how I truly feel; the boldness to set aside whatever doesn’t lead me to you, who matter more than all else).
I know that today likely won't bring all of the peace that I desire, but I trust that a glimmer of it is a glimpse of you. And for that I’m grateful.
Amen.
—Joe Ertle, 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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