The Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary | Saturday 17 June 2023

Welcome to the Saturday Examen.

The Letter of John tells us that God ‘abides’ with us. God lives in and with us and is present to us always. God invites us to open ourselves to that presence. Find a time of quiet space and the best way for your body and mind to become still, so that you can become aware of that invitation.

We may become aware of God’s presence but also of our absence from the signs of God present in our lives. Have you been aware of this presence or absence during this past week?


This week we have heard passages of Scripture that speak both of promise and of challenge. As you have listened to and prayed with them, what particular thoughts, desires or feelings have arisen within you?

Today some Christians celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. It’s a feast that dwells on Mary the mother of Jesus as having the one human heart that is totally open to God, through the grace of her Son. Has there been a sense of how this week has invited or challenged you to open your heart to God? How has that sense of invitation or challenge felt? How have you responded?


Mary ‘treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart’. What have you treasured and pondered this past week?


This week’s readings may have brought you a sense of delight and consolation or of regret or struggle. You may have found it difficult to express fully what you have thought and felt. Whatever your feelings at this point, take time now to say what is in your heart to God, our loving Creator, who lives in and with you, whatever your state of mind or heart.

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.