DAILY INSPIRATION

April 23, 2019

Scripture

St. George

Acts 2: 36-41

Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.”

And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.

Ignatian Reflection

Jesus continues to be there for us

“Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah.”

We have just celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord on Easter, and in today’s readings Peter is urging us to be certain of what we have experienced. This might seem like something that is easier said than done. It is true that Peter’s experience of Jesus was different than ours, he experienced the Resurrection first hand after all. He physically saw Jesus arrested and witnessed his Resurrection. So how can we be as certain as Peter?

“… this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Peter, in his exhortation, doesn’t want us to forget what caused this wonderful act of redemption. We are still broken and in need of God’s love and mercy, but, just as he was for the Apostle Thomas who needed a sign even after the resurrection, Jesus will be there, especially when we doubt, offering himself for us on a daily basis in the Eucharist. That is our certainty and our faith.

—Jonathan Harmon, SJ, is a transitional deacon of the Jesuits USA Central and Southern Province. He is currently in theology studies at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, CA.

Prayer

Lord I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

—Response during the Eucharistic Prayer

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THE POPE'S PRAYERS

Pray with the Pope

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DAILY EXAMEN

Daily Examen

The examen is a prayer popularized by St. Ignatius Loyola that helps us to recognize the ways that God is present and active in our daily lives.

Stillness: Quiet yourself. Close your eyes and be still. Remember that in this moment you are in God’s presence and that God is now loving you. Take time to let yourself be looked at by the Lord.
Gratitude: Take a few moments to recall one or two things from today for which you are especially grateful. Give thanks to God for these gifts and take time to savor them.
Review: Review the events of the past day from start to finish, as if you were watching a movie. Notice the ways that God has been present today. Pay attention to your emotions and stirrings within your heart.
Sorrow: As you have reflected upon your day, you may have noticed a moment from the day in which you have fallen short. Bring this experience to prayer and ask for God’s healing and forgiveness.
Looking Forward: Look ahead to the next day and ask for God’s help and grace as you move forward with activities, commitments, and interactions with others. When you are ready, conclude your examen with the Our Father.

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