Scripture
Luke 4: 14-22
Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?”
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
Jesus Walks With Us
Heartbreak. Illness. Mistreatment. Failure. Most likely these are not on the list of things which we wish to happen to us in 2026. Yet we know that they are an integral part of human experience. There is a good chance that we, or someone we know very well, will suffer greatly this year. Of course, we all hope that is not the case. Jesus, filled with the Spirit after rebuking the temptations of the devil in the desert, speaks his first words of ministry in today’s Gospel from Luke. The Spirit has led him to reach out to those who are suffering—the poor, captives, the blind, the oppressed. His words are to console them, to let them know that they are not alone. He is the promised Messiah. Jesus announces to those in the synagogue that he will walk with them in their suffering, something he proves throughout the Gospel. He walks with us too in our suffering. So, if, or when, suffering visit us this year, let us turn to “God, our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Ps 46:1).
—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 8, 2026
Prayer
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with
the Lord. Scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In
each, I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were
two sets of footprints; other times there was only one.
During the low periods of my life I could see only one set of
footprints, so I said, "You promised me, Lord, that you would
walk with me always. Why, when I have needed you most,
have you not been there for me?"
The Lord replied, "The times when you have seen only one set
of footprints, my child, is when I carried you."
—Footprints in the Sand, often attributed to Mary Stevenson
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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