Scripture
Luke 6:1-5
One sabbath while Jesus was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked some heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate them. But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?”
Jesus answered, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and gave some to his companions?”
Then he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the sabbath.”
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
Eyes to See Differently
Through our modern eyes, it is easy to view the Pharisees’ perspective as ridiculous. The disciples were following Jesus and ministering with him. They were hungry. Of course it is reasonable for them to pick and eat a bit of grain! But, when viewed through the strict Levitical laws of the time, they were doing something that God had forbidden them to do. Jesus used this opportunity to remind them of the bigger picture behind the laws, and the role he plays in salvation history.
While we typically don’t find ourselves in danger of a similar interaction with Pharisees today, we still encounter rules or preconceptions that live in the background and dictate the way that we interact with the world around us. When we see a person asking for money on the street, do we first see a human being in need, or do we just see someone in our way or who should “just get a job”? When we hear about injustices being inflicted on particular individuals or groups, do we speak out against it, or do we stay in our comfort zones and try to avoid rocking the boat? Each day, we are faced with circumstances that invite us to look past the social norms or preconceived notions of others and instead look with the eyes of God. What might God be inviting you to see differently today?
—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 5, 2026
Prayer
Dear Jesus, help me to spread Thy fragrance everywhere I go. Flood my soul with Thy spirit and love. Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly that all my life may only be a radiance of Thine. Shine through me and be so in me that every soul I come in contact with may feel Thy presence in my soul. Let them look up and see no longer me but only Jesus. Stay with me and then I shall begin to shine as you shine, so to shine as to be a light to others. Amen.
—Prayer attributed to John Henry Newman, prayed daily by St. Teresa of Calcutta
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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