The Daily Examen

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. He was famous for many writings, especially his Spiritual Exercises. Another element of Ignatian spirituality is the "Daily Examen," a method of reflection and prayer to examine your day.

This involves taking time to reflect on your actions, thoughts, and attitudes. Then, you identify areas where God was present as well as areas that need amending. If you want to grow closer to God, it's essential that you also know yourself. Of course, you should examine your sins, weak spots, and bad tendencies—but you should see where things are going well, too—where you perceived God's closeness, where you heard His voice, or observed His Providence. Then, wrap that all in humility and gratitude to God. Here are some ways adopting this habit will transform you:

• Deeper knowledge of your interior life and the ability to see any spiritual trends
• Awareness of how God is working in your life, which leads to greater gratitude and peace
• A chance to create strategies to combat your weaknesses

The daily examen can be a simple 5-minute reflection on the day. Here are some steps for a quick, nightly examination:

1. Begin with an awareness of God's presence.
2. Ask God for the grace to examine yourself well.
3. Give thanks for the blessings from the day.
4. Examine your day. What went well? What did not go well? How was God acting in your life?
5. Ask for forgiveness for your shortcomings.
6. Resolve to change - how can God specifically help you improve tomorrow?

This is just one of many possible examinations you can do. What's most important is developing a sustainable habit that you can continue even beyond Lent.

8 Tips for Catholic Dating | SEEK24 | Emily Wilson

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Emily Wilson delivers an Impact Session talk about dating and shares eight useful tips to help navigate dating as a Catholic at SEEK24 in St. Louis, Missouri. She shares the true purpose of dating and how it leads to Christ.

I shall love You, O Lord, and return thanks to You and exalt Your Name because You have pardoned so many of my guilty acts. -St. Augustine