Scripture
Matthew 7: 6, 12-14
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul you.
“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
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
Following the Way to Jesus
One of the small things that brings me a lot of comfort when visiting my hometown is not needing a map. I can get almost anywhere without even thinking about the way. And to places I know well like work or school I even remember small and overlooked shortcuts that get me there faster than even online maps.
Jesus reveals himself to us as the Way. He is not trying to hide himself from us! Rather, the road to life is missed because it is so easy to follow the wide road that we can lose sight of those shortcuts that bring us close to Jesus. Getting to know Jesus well through the Scriptures and in prayer, and looking for him in our neighbor and the events of our lives, helps us draw closer to him even on those days that we feel lost.
—Jon Herrington, SJ, is a Jesuit scholastic of the Midwest Province studying philosophy at Fordham University in New York City.
Ignatian Prayer
Jun 23, 2026
Prayer
Jesus, you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. When I feel lost, overwhelmed, or bored in the midst of my daily life, help me to see that in each moment you are drawing me closer to you. Amen.
—Jon Herrington, 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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