Scripture
Luke 19: 45-48
Then Jesus entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling things there; and he said, “It is written,
‘My house shall be a house of prayer’;
but you have made it a den of robbers.”
Every day he was teaching in the temple. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people kept looking for a way to kill him; but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were spellbound by what they heard.
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
Passion for the Mission
A colleague and I were reflecting recently on a profoundly moving speech we both witnessed. I was determined to figure out what it was about that speech that had moved not just us but so many present.
“They must have a great speech writer!” I remarked. “No…” she said, “I don’t think that’s it.” I paused before adding: “Then they must be trained in persuasive speaking!” Shaking her head, she said: “No.... I think they just believed so deeply in the message they were delivering and its supreme importance at this moment. That’s something you can’t fake. Their hope spilled out of them and into us with every word.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus’ passionate belief in his mission is evident in both his admonishment of those misusing his Father’s house and in his daily teaching in the temple area. Even those that wished to stop him from reaching others with his words couldn’t do so. When Jesus spoke, people hung on every word.
I find myself longing to inspire people with my words like that. But I am not Jesus. I also am far from the great speech givers of our time. But maybe my passion is enough. Maybe if I have enough faith to try, my hope will spill out of me into the world. Afterall, Christ has no voice left but mine.
—Gretchen Crowder is Campus Minister at Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas.
Ignatian Prayer
Nov 21, 2025
Prayer
Lord,
I can feel your passion
when I hear you speak of Your mission.
I can feel your hope
when I hear you speak of Your people.
I can feel your desire
when I hear you speak of Your Kingdom.
I hang on your every word,
breathing in all that passion, hope, and desire for this world.
I want to stay right here,
holding my breath
as I take in every word you speak.
But then I hear you say:
“Breathe out. It’s your turn now.”
Grant me the courage I need to begin.
Amen.
—Gretchen Crowder
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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