Scripture
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3a, 14-17
We ask you, brothers and sisters, as to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we beg you, brothers and sisters, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as though from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here. Let no one deceive you in any way.
For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by our letter.
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.
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
Return to Tradition
The word “tradition” is sometimes given a bad rap, as if it represents an uncritical loyalty to old-fashioned norms or practices that are out of step with the modern world. But the purpose of tradition is not to prevent necessary change. It is rather to ensure, as St. Paul tells us in today’s reading, that we do not abandon the “eternal comfort and good hope” given to us by Christ. When our changing subjective states and the events of the world around us cause us to lose hope, to despair, to “be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed”—it is precisely at these moments that we are invited to return to tradition, that is, to the confident trust, handed down to us by our ancestors in the faith, that “all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Rm 8:28).
—John Stein, SJ, is a Jesuit scholastic of the Midwest Province studying theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
Ignatian Prayer
Aug 25, 2026
Prayer
Lord, when I am tempted to abandon hope or to give in to the voice of the enemy who discourages me, give me the grace I need to hold fast to the “eternal comfort and good hope” that you have handed on to me in Christ. Strengthen my trust in you and in your Church. Amen.
—John Stein, 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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