Scripture
Ephesians 5: 8-14
Brothers and sisters:
For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light— for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Sleeper, awake!
Rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
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
A Light of Life, Peace, and Hope
A few days ago, a front-page newspaper image seized my attention: an explosion, vast plumes of fire unfurling into the night sky.
From the profound comfort of my Jesuit community, I wondered what it would be like to stand beneath such a sky—to see the darkness suddenly torn open by violent light, to feel the world flare with terrible brightness and breaking.
And then, I imagined how quickly the fire would fade, light collapsing back into a deadly shadow. Darkness would return with a quiet that is anything but peace; new fear would grow, not only of what had passed, but of what might come next - the dreadful waiting for another blaze.
Ours is not meant to be a light that brings cruelty or separation or despair. Ours is meant to be a light of life and peace and hope.
In a world that too often flashes with the fire of destruction, Christ calls us to kindle a different flame - one that does not shatter the night, but lasts long and witnesses ever greater love.
—Fr. Eric Immel, SJ, is a vocation promoter for the Midwest Jesuits. To learn more about how to become a Jesuit, visit beajesuit.org.
Ignatian Prayer
Mar 15, 2026
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
Light that no darkness can overcome,
When the world is torn by sudden fire
and the night is filled with fear,
keep our hearts from the light that destroys.
Kindle within us Your gentler flame—
a light of mercy, patience, and peace.
Let our lives shine not with violence or despair,
but with the quiet brightness of Your love.
Teach us to be faithful lamps in the darkness,
steadfast in hope,
until Your everlasting dawn rises for all.
Amen
—Fr. Eric Immel, 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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