5th week in Ordinary Time

Welcome to the Saturday Examen. This week, we have heard of some wonderful encounters; even when life is difficult, God is there, part of all we are. Today is the feast day of St Claude La Colombière, a Jesuit priest and spiritual director who had a deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Through the Examen we seek to follow his profound trust in divine providence and love. Take a few moments today to see the past week with the Lord’s guidance. Prepare yourself for prayer by focussing on your breath…take a deep breath in…and then a deep breath out. Notice how the change in breath brings stillness and an awareness of God’s presence. We might begin by asking for the wisdom and openness that also weaves throughout the scripture for this week. Look back on your week with gratitude for specific blessings, even challenges that shaped your heart. Consider moments of consolation, kindness, and beauty… Is there a particular moment God is drawing you to remember? Notice what rises to the surface naturally… allow the moment to reveal itself … Do you notice any challenges, lack of understanding or frustration? Allow these moments to be witnessed… Where, in the prayer journey of the week, have you found an opening of the heart? Where have you been challenged? Has there been something calling you to action this week? Again, notice what arises naturally… Look forward to the days to come, with a prayer of thanksgiving, asking for God's grace and guidance to carry the insights gained into each day. For the feast day, perhaps share with the Sacred Heart of Jesus thanks for every grace poured into your life today, even those you may not yet fully understand. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Saturday 15 February 2025