The Examen came to mind as a wonderful way to reflect on God’s message in Luke 7: 36-50.
The Examen is a wonderful reflective tool used by St. Ignatius and continues to be used by Jesuits and laypeople worldwide. In the daily Examen I pause, relax, and ask God to be with me as I enter God’s presence. The Examen asks me to call to mind 2-3 things I am grateful for in the past 24 hours; where did I see God in the day, in today’s events where did I accept God’s invitation to be loving, grateful and where did I turn away? Where did I stray from God? I call to mind the morning, midday and evening and I reflect on all events and how I responded? What emerges from this reflection for me to focus on? I pause and review the day, remembering what I regret and ask God for forgiveness and the grace to do better.
In this gospel message Jesus recognizes this woman as a sinner who has been forgiven for her sins before her actions, she is able to love and show her love because she understands she has been forgiven. She feels God’s love and mercy and can love more because of it. In my daily Examen, or my time with God, it provides me an opportunity to feel God’s love and mercy so I can in turn love more. Spending time with God during the Examen provides an insight and lens into my soul that is so meaningful. What emerges is a message from God …a message of kindness, forgiveness, and love. The Examen brings a time to sit before God…to be silent and listen and an opportunity to share that love with others.
Cindy Costanzo
I have worked at Creighton University since 2005 as a full-time associate professor in the College of Nursing (CON), graduate school, and College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPCE). In 2023, I transitioned to part-time as a adjunct associate professor in CPCE within the Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Education department. I love working with doctoral students as they journey toward their terminal degree.
Reading and writing reflections for this ministry augments my daily meditation and allows me to grow closer to Jesus. Spending this time in prayer and meditation over the past several years has transformed me in ways I am forever grateful.
