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The every day Examen is meant to assist us discover the place God is in our lives. We do that by analyzing the main points of the day simply previous with consideration to what we’re grateful for, what we remorse, and what we hope for the long run. It’s easy sufficient till the ache of sickness, grief, or trauma makes it appear unattainable. This can be a model of the Examen for these occasions.
Place ourselves within the presence of God. A method to do that, particularly once we are feeling our worst, is to think about ourselves on the foot of the Cross. A few of the saints have rejoiced on the alternative to share the sufferings of Christ. For these of us who haven’t had the good thing about such graces, it could be sufficient to be with the mom and closest associates of Jesus and share their grief as they witness his struggling. We aren’t alone—and Good Friday just isn’t the tip of the story.
Ask for the sunshine of the Spirit. After we’re in ache, quick prayer is less complicated than lengthy prayer. Our phrases could be so simple as, “Come, Holy Spirit.”
Give thanks. It isn’t straightforward to checklist what we’re grateful for when our ache crowds out all different emotions. Maybe we have to suppose small: thank God for shiny sunshine, a hen singing, or any small kindness that somebody has carried out. After I got here down with COVID in December, 2022, I thanked God for the not too long ago developed antiviral medicine that healed me; if I had contracted the virus even a yr earlier, I’d have died!
Be sorry. Our struggling just isn’t punishment for previous sins, opposite to a typical superstition. However none of us is ideal; all of us have our failings and omissions, even once we’re sick or grieving. Have I been too preoccupied with my very own ache to have compassion for others? Did I brush off somebody who needed to assist? Have I been offended with God? Have I refused to wish?
Sit up for the long run with hope. “Hope within the Lord,” or, “Don’t surrender hope,” and related expressions are unhelpful abstractions at occasions of struggling. A greater apply is to look forward, at some point at a time, and mirror on how at the moment’s Examen can inform the best way we stay tomorrow. What graces did I expertise at the moment? I can proceed to savor every of these graces, conscious that they mirror alternatives for the long run. I can pray in easy phrases with an uplifted coronary heart after I don’t have the power for my normal routine. I can attempt to obtain undesirable recommendation graciously. I can settle for assist extra gratefully. Above all, I can pray for the grace to note.
Photograph by Kindel Media through Pexels.
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