Scripture
Acts 2: 1-11
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—in our own languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.”
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
Move, Act, Participate in Life
I’m convinced that the Spirit’s descent isn’t as polite or as quiet as often depicted in art. In Acts, we hear that tongues of fire appeared and came to rest on each of the disciples. I like to imagine the flames landing not gently on top of the apostles’ heads but where they would really get their attention—on their backsides. The Spirit comes as an unmistakable prod, encouraging risk, movement, and engagement with God’s work in the world.
James Brown put it perfectly. When an audience sat too long, too politely, he shouted, “Get up offa that thing and dance til you feel better!” The Spirit calls us the same way. Not to sit and watch, not to stay comfortable, but to get off our rusty-dusties, to move, to act, to participate in the life and energy of God pouring into the world.
—Fr. Martin Connell, SJ, serves as dean of Arrupe College at Loyola University Chicago.
Ignatian Prayer
May 24, 2026
Prayer
Come, Holy Spirit, unsettle my comfort and stir me from passivity into movement, risk, and joy. Grant me the grace to respond boldly to your fire, participating fully in the life and work of God. Amen.
—Fr. Martin Connell, SJ
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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