Scripture
1 John 1: 1-4
Beloved:
We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us— we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
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
Believe the Testimony
In a courtroom, witnesses attest to the truth of an event. Not a subjective interpretation, but truth based on a factual, physical encounter with the senses, an accumulation of sight and sound, sometimes smell, taste and touch. Jury members weren’t present so they must judge witnesses’ believability. How detailed were the observers’ visions, what sounds did they hear?
The senses are emphasized here to proclaim the factual reality of the Word of life: “seen,” “looked upon,” “visible,” “heard,” “touched.” Eternal life is not an opinion or idea, but a tangible actuality, something to be experienced and felt. When Thomas believed in Jesus it was because he saw and felt him in person. We’re asked to be jury and believe witness testimony — that the writer saw, heard and felt the living God. Believing is unity and oneness, the palpable body of Christ.
Today, how can we use our hands, mouths, voices to bear witness to the truth? What physical work can we complete in the service of God?
—Laura Asplund is the Business Manager at Queen of All Saints School, the Roman Catholic elementary school of Queen of All Saints Basilica in Chicago. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill., where she was blessed to know Fr. Albert Bischoff, SJ, who ministered to the Catholic students on campus and called everyone “saint.”
Ignatian Prayer
Dec 27, 2025
Prayer
Lord, help me to overcome my lack of faith, my numbness in navigating the challenges of the world. Awaken my senses to outwardly praise and thank you and to walk in the steps of your sacrifice.
—Laura Asplund
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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