Scripture
John 15:26-16:4a
Jesus said to his disciples:
“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father, he will testify on my behalf. You also are to testify because you have been with me from the beginning.
“I have said these things to you to keep you from stumbling. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, an hour is coming when those who kill you will think that by doing so they are offering worship to God. And they will do this because they have not known the Father or me. But I have said these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you about them.”
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
Strengthened by the Holy Spirit
I recently returned from a trip to Central Europe, which included a heart-wrenching visit to Austria’s Mauthausen concentration camp. Coincidentally, I’m in a group led by local faith leaders studying German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Prior to and during WWII, Bonhoeffer and a handful of others spoke fervently against the persecution of Jews and other targeted populations, and pleaded for churches to take a stand against the authorities. As others were silenced or gave up their quest for justice, he became a lone voice crying in the wilderness, and was executed at the Flossenbürg concentration camp.
These words of John are both challenge and solace to those who will follow the call of Jesus. They will speak truth to power, through their own experience of Jesus and the strength given by the Holy Spirit. In today’s times, we can be inspired by Pope Leo speaking boldly about justice for immigrants, peace instead of war, and love and acceptance of others. Ignatian spirituality is rooted in actions like “seeing God in all things” and standing with the marginalized.
We are each called to take up our crosses and be Christ’s disciples. Will we follow?
—Donna K. Becher, M.S., is a certified spiritual director with the West Virginia Institute for Spirituality in Charleston, West Virginia. Her training is rooted in the Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
Ignatian Prayer
May 11, 2026
Prayer
Lord Jesus, teach me to be generous;
teach me to serve you as you deserve,
to give and not to count the cost,
to fight and not to heed the wounds,
to toil and not to seek for rest,
to labor and not to seek reward,
except that of knowing that I do your will.
—Prayer for Generosity
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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