The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed | Saturday 2 November 2024

Welcome to the Saturday Examen.

In the past week we have been offered some images of the kingdom of God, looked at the spiritual battles and protection offered by the Lord, then celebrated All Saints Day. At this time of year, it may feel as if you are physically surrounded by darkness, especially if you're in the Northern Hemisphere as we notice daylight becoming less and the period of darkness extending more each day.

As you begin to reflect on the past week now, you might like to carefully light a candle as a reminder that whatever spiritual darkness is at work, or whatever troubles we encounter in our daily life, Christ is the light of the world, and in John’s Gospel we read...

‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’. Sit with these words for a while.

Now as you listen to some of the words from the past week, try to recall some of your moments in prayer:

You are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.

[Jesus] said therefore, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.’

Someone asked him, ‘Lord, will only a few be saved?’ He said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able.

Therefore, take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.

Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Can you recall a moment this week when you felt especially close to God? Give thanks for this moment.

Can you recall a moment when you felt distant from God? What was this like?

Now, take time to consider the week ahead, asking the Lord for his blessing on you as you continue to love, seek and serve him.

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.