Self-Examination

Wednesday, February 18, 2009 -- Week of 6 Epiphany, Year One
Martin Luther, Reformer, 1546

Today's Readings for the Daily Office (Book of Common Prayer, p. 948)
Psalms 101, 109:1-4(5-19)20-30 (morning) 119:121-144 (evening)
Isaiah 63:15 - 64:9
1 Timothy 3:1-16
Mark 11:27 - 12:12

Socrates said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." Several of our readings today are the products of critical examination.

Jesus offers a parable that picks up on imagery from Isaiah 5 which speaks of Israel as a vineyard. Jesus uses the imagery to accuse Israel of unfaithfulness and violence toward God and God's servants. The leaders realize that his story is about them.

The reading from 3 Isaiah mourns the conditions of the post-exile community having returned to its home but failed to establish a community of justice, faithfulness and security. The prophet longs for God's dramatic action while recognizing how far away from their calling God's people have fallen.

Psalm 101 is a declaration of a person's highest intent to live a blameless and sincere life. Yet he sounds rather smug and arrogant in his claim to innocence. Psalm 109 is the aggressive lament of one who has been injured and wishes for God to curse those who "did not remember to show mercy, but persecuted the poor and needy and sought to kill the brokenhearted." The writer places suffering and injustice before God and asks God to act.

Finally 1 Timothy, which is concerned for establishing proper behavior in the local church admonishes bishops and deacons to lead ethical and exemplary lives.

The tradition of Ignatian spirituality encourages us to have what it calls a Daily Examen. It is a traditional practice at bedtime, and some people practice at noon as well. In the context of recalling the presence of God, we first thank God for all of the concrete gifts of the day. Next we invoke the Holy Spirit to help us look at our actions, attitudes, and motives with honesty and patience. Then we review the day: look at your actions; examine your heart's condition at each moment of the day -- was your heart divided or coherent? It is not a time to dwell on your shortcomings, but rather to look gently at how you responded to God's gifts. Grow more familiar with your spirit and become more aware of God's promptings within you. Let God speak, challenge, encourage and teach you, so that Christ can awaken your love of self and neighbor. The final step is a heart-to-heart talk with Jesus. Share with Jesus your reflection on your thoughts, actions, attitudes, feelings and interactions during the day. Let God's compassion flow within you. Express whatever regret, thankfulness and praise that seems right. Resolve with Jesus to move forward with future action. You might close with the Lord's prayer.

Here is the text of a little bookmark that outlines the process for the Daily Examen. It is a strong, helpful practice for living an examined life.

Praying the Jesuit
Examination of
Conscience

1. Thanksgiving
Lord, I realize that all, even
myself, is a gift from you.
- Today, for what things am
I most grateful?

2. Intention
Lord, open my eyes and ears
to be more honest with myself.
- Today, what do I really
want for myself?

3. Examination
Lord, show me what has been
happening to me and in me this
day.
- Today, in what ways have
I experienced your love?

4. Contrition
Lord, I am still learning to grow
in your love.
- Today, what choices have
been inadequate
responses to your love?

5. Hope
Lord, let me look with longing
toward the future.
- Today, how will I let you
lead me to a brighter
tomorrow?

Adapted from Through All the Days of Life, a collection
of prayers compiled by Fr. Nick Schiro, S.J.

Lowell

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About Morning Reflections
Morning Reflections is a brief thought about the scripture readings from the Daily Office of Morning and Evening Prayer according to the practice found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

Morning Prayer begins on p. 80 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Evening Prayer begins on p. 117

An online resource for praying the Daily Office is found at www.missionstclare.com
Another form of the office from Phyllis Tickle's "Divine Hours" is available on our partner web site www.ExploreFaith.org at this location -- http://explorefaith.org/prayer/fixed/index.html


The Mission of St. Paul's Episcopal Church
is to explore and celebrate
God's infinite grace, acceptance, and love.

Visit our web site at www.stpaulsfay.org

Our Rule of Life

We aspire to...
worship weekly
pray daily
learn constantly
serve joyfully
live generously.

Lowell Grisham, Rector

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, Arkansas