Scripture
Matthew 5: 13-16
Jesus said to his disciples:
“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
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
Preserve and Protect
In today’s Gospel, the Lord tells his disciples that they are the salt of the earth. Salt was and continues to be a very singular, valuable commodity. In fact, the Latin word for salt is the root of the term ‘salary.’ Salt adds savor to food and enhances the experiences of everyday living. It also has a protective function as it helps to preserve food from spoiling. Salt is also essential for human life from a biochemical perspective as the body requires appropriate levels of electrolytes to continue functioning properly.
There are obvious parallels between Christ’s salt metaphor and the necessity of authentically living into the Christian life. Relationship with God gives life its savor and profoundly elevates the experience of everyday living. Faith in Christ preserves and protects us from the effects of sin, which otherwise would result in decay and death. Relationship with God is also simply essential for eternal life. The human soul cannot function properly without God’s grace.
Christ’s admonition for us is simple and direct, if perhaps a little challenging. Just as the value of salt is directly tied to its saltiness, the value of human life is inherently tied to our relationship with God. We simply cannot live without the love of God.
—Ben Jansen, SJ, is a Midwest Jesuit scholastic teaching English and anthropology at Elisabeth University of Music in Hiroshima, Japan.
Ignatian Prayer
Jun 9, 2026
Prayer
O Holy and infinitely loving God, you have made us from nothing and you hold us in existence from moment to moment. We cannot exist apart from you. All that we are and all that we have comes from you. Our happiness lies in you alone. Please grant us the grace to see ourselves as we truly are so that we may offer you fitting praise for the infinite myriad of wonders you have wrought for us. Grant us also the grace to desire your love and companionship above all other things. We humbly ask all of these things through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
—Ben Jansen, 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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