Scripture
Luke 9: 1-6
Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.” They departed and went through the villages, bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere.
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
Take Nothing
When I read today's Gospel and imagine Jesus saying to me, "take nothing for the journey," I quickly realize that my life is filled with expectations... my anticipated schedule, the meals I have planned and prepped, the familiar ways I have of interacting with people, the overarching progression of the life I thought I would live. But Jesus says, "take nothing." He even suggests that we may encounter places of ease, welcome, and hospitality... and places of the opposite. "Take nothing."
Expect nothing.
Expect anything.
Expect everything.
We hear the echo of Jesus' words in St. Ignatius' teaching of the Principle and Foundation, that, "everything has the potential of calling forth in us a more loving response to our life forever with God." So, although the initial thought of "take nothing," fills my heart with a little fear and more than a little anxiety, if I stay with the teaching, I slowly feel my soul release into its wisdom. If I take nothing, I can receive all. And that is freedom. That is good news indeed.
—Laura Gilmartin is the Grants Manager and Facilitator of Urban Plunge immersion retreats at Casa Romero Jesuit Renewal Center, serves on the leadership team of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps of Milwaukee, and maintains a private spiritual care practice for monthly spiritual direction as well as the accompaniment of people through The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. She completed her formation to serve in this capacity through the Seminars in Ignatian Formation with the Midwest Province of Jesuits.
Ignatian Prayer
Sep 23, 2026
Prayer
Lord my God,
when your love spilled over into creation
you thought of me.
I am from love, of love, for love.
Let my heart, O God,
Always recognize, cherish, and enjoy your goodness in all of creation.
Direct all that is me toward your praise.
Teach me reverence for every person, all things.
Energize me in your service.
Lord God,
may nothing ever distract me from your love,
neither health nor sickness, wealth nor poverty,
honor nor dishonor, long life nor short life.
May I never seek
nor choose
to be other than you intend or wish. Amen.
—First Principle and Foundation, as interpreted by Jacqueline Syrup Bergan and Marie Schwan, CSJ
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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