Scripture
Luke 2: 16-21
So the shepherds went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
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
Be Amazed
“All who hear it were amazed…And Mary kept all these things and reflected on them in her heart.” How often do we let ourselves be amazed? Life really is amazing. Earlier this year, I walked into the scene of two rabbits nesting in the bed of lettuce in my garden. They had found a way past the weak fence that I had constructed. Amazing! On the parochial school girls’ basketball team I coach, I asked one girl to lead us in prayer before practice. She crossed herself and began, “Bless us O Lord and these thine gifts…” We roared in laughter as she led us in the prayer before meals. It is now our team prayer. Amazing! As we begin this new year, we would be well to follow Mary’s example and keep all these amazing things in our hearts. Especially since, as we hear in the verse that follows, the shepherds will return glorifying God once more proclaiming the wonderful ways in which God’s love enters the world. The gifts just keep coming.
—Rev. Paul J. Shelton, SJ, is the provincial assistant for vocations for the Midwest Jesuits. If you are interested in becoming a Jesuit or know a young man who would be a good Jesuit, please visit beajesuit.org.
Ignatian Prayer
Jan 1, 2026
Prayer
Lord, you continue to amaze us, in both the big and little moments of our lives. Open our hearts to recognize and cherish these times so that we may see your presence and proclaim your love in our world.
—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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