DAILY INSPIRATION

January 21, 2019

Scripture

1 Cor 1: 26-31

Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God.

He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Ignatian Reflection

Boast in the Lord

‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.’ The last line of this Scripture reading echoes St. Ignatius’ words in a letter he wrote to Sr. Teresa Rejadell in June 1536. Ignatius tell her that if she speaks of how God works in her life “you would be giving praise to the same Lord because you are making known His gift, and you glory in Him, not in yourself.”

It’s not often part of our culture to talk about how God’s goodness has shown up in our daily life. I thank God in prayer, but rarely share that experience with other people. I am challenged by today’s reading to share with others my experiences of God. Can you take a few minutes to reach out to someone you trust and tell them about one way you feel God’s presence in your life?

—Kay Gregg is the Assistant Department Chair of Campus Ministry at Loyola Academy in Wilmette, IL.

Prayer

God,
Help me to find time in my day to speak about you.
Help me to use opportunities to share with others how you are present in my life.
Let this be my mantra for today:
“When I boast, let me boast in the Lord.”

Amen.

—Kay Gregg

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THE POPE'S PRAYERS

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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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