Lord, please soften my heart so that I can be truly sorrowful and repentant over the sins of my past and present.
Option 1:
Scripture: 1 John 1:5-2:2
Reflection: Consider your past sins. Ignatius suggests calling to mind places you have lived, people you have known, and particular occupations in order to facilitate the reflection. The goal here is not to laden with guilt, but to own the truth that each of us has and does participate in sin. Transformation begins with honesty. And transformation is possible because God readily forgives and desires to help us love better. Close with Psalm 130.
Option 2:
Scripture: James 5:16; John 3:20-21
Listen: On Being podcast, “The Refreshing Practice of Repentance” by Jewish scholar Louis Newman.
Activity: Sin is often fueled by secrecy and fear of admitting imperfections. Confession is good for the soul. Begin a new regular spiritual practice of repentance and confession to trusted pastors and friends. What might you start with this week?
Close with Anima Christi
Option 3:
Scripture: Meditate on and pray with Psalm 51.
Reflection: Consider various sins you struggle with these days. What fosters them? Lament and confess, knowing God is faithful to forgive them.
Activity: Try bringing your body into prayerful confession (see #3 of Praying During the Spiritual Exercises).
Option 4:
Scripture: Matthew 5:21-24
Reflection and activity: Ask God to bring to mind a specific person(s) with whom you need to make amends or reconcile. Write a letter. Make a phone call. Meet them in person. Ask God to give you courage, wisdom, and humility.
Option 5:
Scripture: Luke 18:9-14
Enter the scene. Where do you find yourself in this story?
Close with the Triple Colloquies
Option 6:
Reread: “The Examen”
Reflection: Look back on the past day using the Examen and consider where you would have liked to have done things differently? Ask God to give you insight into what contributes to certain sinful thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. Ask God to empower you with the Holy Spirit to overcome these.
Reviewing the Week:
Look back on the past week. What kind of emotions and thoughts have come up for you? Ignatius hoped that by reflecting on sin and mercy that we would 1) be awakened to areas where we are not living out our created purpose and mourn that tragic reality and 2) be awakened to God’s amazing mercy that helps us return to loving well. Both of these perspectives have the ultimate goal of filling us with desire to throw off all that hinders and eagerly pursue God’s will for us. Have the reflections accomplished this goal? Why or why not? Talk with God honestly about where you are at.