Scripture
Matthew 9: 14-15
Then the disciples of John came to Jesus, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “The wedding guests cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.”
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
Don’t Pre-Worry
Is it better to know that there is sorrow ahead and tell people, or just let people be in the moment and experience life as it comes?
I am a disaster planner by nature and catastrophize in vivid color. The world has a lot going on and it can be plenty scary to consider.
Kids going off to college in my house have every extreme first aid item available, laundry emergency remedy, legal paperwork, car repair item, and extreme clothing—whatever is necessary to face anything.
At the same time, I tell them to go, have fun, and be safe, knowing that their life experience should be formed as they go along. “Don’t pre-worry” is a mantra.
Jesus knows what’s coming and I think he wants the disciples to be in the moment. There will be time for suffering later, but for now carry on. I can only imagine that he sees how deeply the future will impact them, the sorrow that will lead them to the brink of despair. It’s like he wants to give them just a little more time to have a normal life.
In today’s world we are faced with uncertainty and doom, depending on who you listen to. Jesus is reminding us to have faith and live with love in our heart. Spread the joy and enjoy being with each other, because there will be time for sorrows soon enough.
—Nora Dabrowski is a regional advancement director for the Midwest Jesuits working in the Detroit and Cleveland areas.
Ignatian Prayer
Feb 20, 2026
Prayer
Lord, prepare our hearts for you as we enter more deeply into our Lenten practices. 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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