Scripture
Luke 21: 34-36
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
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
Full-Time Discipleship
The verses in Luke preceding this reading describe signs of the end of the world in detail — natural and man-made disasters, territorial wars, heavenly disturbances. But these kinds of events have happened throughout human history. How will we know when they actually portend the end?
If we do what Jesus commands us, we won’t need to worry about the “when.” Jesus says if we want to have the spiritual strength to stand before the Son of Man, our faith can’t be a part-time gig. We’re warned to “be alert at all times,” not just during fires, floods and earthquakes. Stock brokers say you can’t time the market — the same goes for Armageddon.
What an uncomfortable directive! But lying down on the job is not an option. We can’t party to distraction and then expect to suddenly sober up just in time for Judgment Day.
—Laura Asplund is the Business Manager at Queen of All Saints School, the Roman Catholic elementary school of Queen of All Saints Basilica in Chicago. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill., where she was blessed to know Fr. Albert Bischoff, SJ, who ministered to the Catholic students on campus and called everyone “saint.”
Ignatian Prayer
Nov 29, 2025
Prayer
Lord, please help me to keep my eyes watchful, my ears attentive, and my mind awake to continue to serve you always. Fill my heart with your presence so I can avoid the temptations of this life and be with you in the next.
—Laura Asplund
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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