HomedotMagisExamenAn Examen for the Fifth Week of Lent

An Examen for the Fifth Week of Lent

From Ashes to Glory - What Now?This post is a part of the Lenten series “From Ashes to Glory.”

The Word

“Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.”

—John 12:26

Reflect

Even when we are trying to shake off a bad habit, the Examen should leave us content and even joyful. It will, if we remember that the good that we set ourselves to, we do for love—of Jesus Christ, of those He gives us, and of ourselves. This is “where” Jesus of Nazareth was, every day. This is where we find the honor given by the Father. We are called; we are Jesus’ servants for love.

1. Give Thanks. I thank God for this day, for my life, for all I am and have, and for His Word.

2. Pray for Light. I ask the Father to let me see my day as the Holy Spirit sees it, and to show me what I need to see.

3. Find God. I look at my day in the light of the Spirit.
I look at what I have done and not done.
Am I putting up with a bad habit?
Have I found God in the quiet?

4. Anything Wrong?
Have I ignored God? Have I neglected God’s gifts?
Where have I pleased myself instead of pleasing God?
Where I have fallen short, I repent and offer thanks.

5. What Now?
I look forward in hope.
What am I to do now? What do I have to avoid?

Prayer

To be in love in my life world, Lord of Love,
means many warm and charming things
like close hugging and intimate talk.
It lasts as long as a day lily in sun.
To be in love in your reign, my Lord of Love,
means joy in winter as rich as in spring.
It cherishes the precious dignity of friends
and looks for a good spirit in strangers.
Let me love as You love, my Lord,
and make my every action radiate
compassion and contentment.
And may every word I say
echo the words that You have said.
Amen.

Previous article
Next article
Joseph Tetlow, SJ
Joseph Tetlow, SJ
Joseph Tetlow, SJ, has spent his life sharing the message of Ignatian spirituality. His books Choosing Christ in the World and Always Discerning are considered classics of modern spirituality. Fr. Tetlow continues lecturing and writing. His latest book is Considering Jesus. He resides at Montserrat Jesuit Retreat House in Lake Dallas, Texas.

3 COMMENTS

  1. Thank you so much. It help me deepen my relationship with Jesus. As I am being taught and discovered ways of putting into deeds the words that comes out of my mouth. It is knowing the ways or the how’s of what it is to be truly in love with God. To God be the glory. Amen.

  2. Thank you to Fr Tetlow for his “Ashes to Glory ” posts on the Examen. .They help keep me focused during this Lenten season and his prayers are so moving.. Today’s prayer to our LORD Of LOVE is especially tender.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

DOTMAGIS BLOGGERS

Loretta Pehanich
111 POSTS0 COMMENTS
Marina Berzins McCoy
136 POSTS0 COMMENTS
Tim Muldoon
127 POSTS25 COMMENTS

FEATURED