Scripture
Luke 6: 43-49
Jesus said to his disciples:
“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good, and the evil person out of evil treasure produces evil; for it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks.
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I tell you? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house.”
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
Living as Christ
In today’s Gospel Jesus tells us, in a poetic and vivid way, that our actions truly speak louder than words. Actions stemming from a love of Christ manifest as a love of neighbor. The way we interact with our relatives, the way we treat people we disagree with online, the way we talk about people or groups who are different from us--all of these are the actions that are a response to Jesus’ commands.
We are more likely to listen to, and act like, those with whom we surround ourselves. This certainly includes the people we choose to be in relationship with, but it also includes our relationship with Christ. As we spend time in prayer, listening to God’s word, the messages of Jesus become more ingrained into our way of thinking and our way of being. This makes it easier to act as Jesus calls us to act.
The question for us today is not “how am I being called to speak today?” but “how am I being called to live as Jesus’ disciple?”.
—Lauren Gaffey is the director of communication for the Midwest Jesuits and also Works in communications for the Office of Ignatian Spirituality.
Ignatian Prayer
Sep 12, 2026
Prayer
Lord, as we listen to your words, help us to speak and act as you command. Let our love of you manifest itself in the love of our neighbor. Help us to deepen our relationship with you so that we can follow your words more easily. Amen.
—Jesuit Prayer team
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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