Year End Examen
Originally sent December 26, 2023
Ignatius of Loyola introduced the church to a daily practice of reflection called the Examen. The basic idea is slowing down and paying attention to what we pay attention to. For a Jesuit this would include the following:
Give thanks to God for the blessings of the day
Ask God for wisdom and clarity
Reflect on the day and consider periods of nearness or distance
Seek forgiveness for any wrongs committed
Resolve to change
I know this sounds incredibly simple, but there is something profound about slowing down, seeking God, and reflecting on our lives. I hope this is part of what you experience in Spiritual Direction…slowing, seeking, reflecting. I want to invite you to consider this practice as a kind of year-end review. You might want to use your calendar or even the photos on your phone to review the year. Walk through the five steps above and consider what God might say. Here are a few questions to consider as your reflect on your spiritual journey this past year:
How have you seen God in new ways? Is there a metaphor that gives you a picture of God’s work in your life this past year?
Is there a practice or perspective you would like to leave behind?
What are you celebrating in your walk with the Lord?
What is God inviting you to in the coming year?
