Scripture
Acts 4: 13-21
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and ordinary men, the leaders, elders, and scribes were amazed and recognized them as companions of Jesus. When they saw the man who had been cured standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. So they ordered them to leave the council while they discussed the matter with one another. They said, “What will we do with them? For it is obvious to all who live in Jerusalem that a notable sign has been done through them; we cannot deny it. But to keep it from spreading further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” So they called them and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; for we cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard.” After threatening them again, they let them go, finding no way to punish them because of the people, for all of them praised God for what had happened.
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
Finding Impossible Not To Speak About Jesus
Even with threats of punishment, Peter and John say it is impossible for them to not speak about what they have seen and heard.
What have you seen and what have you heard?
St. Ignatius encourages us to pray with our memory, recalling gifts given and how God has labored for us in order to bring us to greater faith and surrender. What are the moments, gifts, insights, people, lessons, challenges, or miracles that you have seen and heard that have produced greater faith, hope, and love in you?
Recall them with all the memory and detail you can. Maybe they were 20 years ago, maybe they were last week. Then, let us ask God to give us the same boldness as Peter, John, and Mary Magdalene. May we, too, find it impossible not to speak about the works of the Lord Jesus.
What a gift that would be.
—Billy Critchley-Menor, SJ, is a Jesuit of the Midwest Province; he writes on Substack at From Every Side and currently studies at Boston College.
Ignatian Prayer
Apr 11, 2026
Prayer
Lord, give us the courage to be bold in proclaiming the Good News. Amen.
—Jesuit Prayer team
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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