DAILY INSPIRATION

May 21, 2018

Scripture

Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church

Acts 1:12-14

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.

Ignatian Reflection

The first Christian community

After Jesus ascends into heaven, the apostles return to Jerusalem and gather in the upper room. Throughout the Gospels, we see the apostles gathered together in a room to pray together, to support one another, and to build community. They huddle together, afraid after Jesus is crucified. They are together in a locked room when Jesus appears and offers them peace. And they are together praying when the Holy Spirit descends upon them at Pentecost.

Today’s reading from Acts reminds us that it was not just twelve who were gathered together. They were with others, including Mary, the mother of Jesus. This make perfect sense! These first disciples gathered together as the community that would become our Church. Of course Mary would be there!

Mary was present with and for that first Christian community, and remains with us in our faith communities today.

—The Jesuit Prayer team

Prayer

Mother, help our faith!
Open our ears to hear God’s word and to recognize his voice and call.
Awaken in us a desire to follow in his footsteps, to go forth from our own land and to receive his promise.
Help us to be touched by his love, that we may touch him in faith.
Help us to entrust ourselves fully to him and to believe in his love, especially at times of trial, beneath the shadow of the cross, when our faith is called to mature.
Sow in our faith the joy of the Risen One.
Remind us that those who believe are never alone.
Teach us to see all things with the eyes of Jesus, that he may be light for our path.
And may this light of faith always increase in us, until the dawn of that undying day which is Christ himself, your Son, our Lord!

—Pope Francis’s prayer to Mary at the conclusions of Lumen Fidei

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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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