by Chase Hawkins
One of the most awkward encounters we humans experience is door-holding. I think most of you will agree that holding the door for someone – though a nice gesture – can become pretty awkward. Sometimes I see someone approaching the same door as I am from a different angle and change my walking pace so that we don’t end up at the door at the same time.
And most of the time, when someone is walking behind us they’re just too far behind to hold the door open for a comfortable amount of time. It gets awkward when we hold the door for more than 10 seconds. In that case, we either force the person behind us to run awkwardly and/or avoid eye contact as we hold the door at the most uncomfortable position imaginable. The point is, holding the door for someone is something that is not only expected of us, but is usually very uncomfortable or inconvenient.
Since my last post, I have now successfully moved in to my college dorm on the campus of Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. So far, I have enjoyed everything! (Except for the lack of air conditioning in the dorms…) It has been quite a change now that I have to be responsible for going to class, managing time, walking everywhere, and meeting new people.
One thing that I have noticed is constant amidst all the change is God. After my three morning classes on Monday, for example, I made it to the chapel just in time for daily Mass at noon. Also, I have even gone to adoration in one of the many Eucharistic Chapels on campus. I have found time to pray as I walk through the city on my way to and from classes. Mass is always there for us. Adoration is always there for us. Prayer is always there for us. Of these things, prayer is usually the most difficult. We don’t always know how to pray.
Another difference that I have noticed about being in college is that I am now attending a Jesuit university (that is, it is an institution based off the Society of Jesus). The reason that I mention this is that I attended a Marianist high school (Archbishop Moeller) of the “Society of Mary”. Our rival high school was a Jesuit high school named St. Xavier. This meant that the Jesuits were always associated with the rivals. Now, at a Jesuit university, I am now more in-tune with the ways and formation of the Society of Jesus.
In my opinion, the two main points of Jesuit formation is education and examination of conscience. The Jesuits are known for being teachers of not only the faith, but in general. Also, one of the biggest points that St. Ignatius of Loyola (the founder of the Society of Jesus) stressed was examination of conscience.
So what is an examination of conscience?
Well, generally speaking, it is an EXAMINATION of one’s CONSCIENCE. When we examine our consciences, we prayerfully reflect on our lives. But even more simply, it is a concrete way to pray. This is one way in which we can learn to pray. Typically, this is done in Jesuit institutions worldwide through the technique of The Daily Examen. The Daily Examen is a reflection technique that focuses on examining one’s day as opposed to one’s life. The Examen is a practice in which we are able to see God at work in our days. Many Jesuit high schools practice the Examen either every day or maybe once a week. However, Jesuit priests are typically required to practice the Examen twice each day – that is, once at noon and once at the end of the day.
There are many variations to the Examen. Typically, though, they are something along the lines of:
Prayer is an important part of our lives. The power of prayer is simply unexplainable. Ask anyone Catholic or Christian or Jewish or Muslim. Prayer is important. If we believe in a God, we are expected to pray. Despite this, we often think it is uncomfortable or inconvenient to pray. It’s just like holding the door for someone. Prayer is like holding the door for God. It may seem uncomfortable or inconvenient at times, but it lets God into our lives and into our hearts. When we open our hearts to prayer and reflection, we open our hearts to God.
Using the above guidelines, practice the Examen sometime. Maybe take time in the middle of the day to reflect and prepare for the rest of the day. Or, as you lay down at night, open your heart to reflection and thank God for the previous day and for the day to come.
St. James, ora pro nobis.
St. Francis of Assisi, ora pro nobis.
St. Margaret Clitherow, ora pro nobis.
-Chawkins.
"I Lay Me Down" by Michael W. Smith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfK4RXI0gSc
And most of the time, when someone is walking behind us they’re just too far behind to hold the door open for a comfortable amount of time. It gets awkward when we hold the door for more than 10 seconds. In that case, we either force the person behind us to run awkwardly and/or avoid eye contact as we hold the door at the most uncomfortable position imaginable. The point is, holding the door for someone is something that is not only expected of us, but is usually very uncomfortable or inconvenient.
Since my last post, I have now successfully moved in to my college dorm on the campus of Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. So far, I have enjoyed everything! (Except for the lack of air conditioning in the dorms…) It has been quite a change now that I have to be responsible for going to class, managing time, walking everywhere, and meeting new people.
One thing that I have noticed is constant amidst all the change is God. After my three morning classes on Monday, for example, I made it to the chapel just in time for daily Mass at noon. Also, I have even gone to adoration in one of the many Eucharistic Chapels on campus. I have found time to pray as I walk through the city on my way to and from classes. Mass is always there for us. Adoration is always there for us. Prayer is always there for us. Of these things, prayer is usually the most difficult. We don’t always know how to pray.
Another difference that I have noticed about being in college is that I am now attending a Jesuit university (that is, it is an institution based off the Society of Jesus). The reason that I mention this is that I attended a Marianist high school (Archbishop Moeller) of the “Society of Mary”. Our rival high school was a Jesuit high school named St. Xavier. This meant that the Jesuits were always associated with the rivals. Now, at a Jesuit university, I am now more in-tune with the ways and formation of the Society of Jesus.
In my opinion, the two main points of Jesuit formation is education and examination of conscience. The Jesuits are known for being teachers of not only the faith, but in general. Also, one of the biggest points that St. Ignatius of Loyola (the founder of the Society of Jesus) stressed was examination of conscience.
So what is an examination of conscience?
Well, generally speaking, it is an EXAMINATION of one’s CONSCIENCE. When we examine our consciences, we prayerfully reflect on our lives. But even more simply, it is a concrete way to pray. This is one way in which we can learn to pray. Typically, this is done in Jesuit institutions worldwide through the technique of The Daily Examen. The Daily Examen is a reflection technique that focuses on examining one’s day as opposed to one’s life. The Examen is a practice in which we are able to see God at work in our days. Many Jesuit high schools practice the Examen either every day or maybe once a week. However, Jesuit priests are typically required to practice the Examen twice each day – that is, once at noon and once at the end of the day.
There are many variations to the Examen. Typically, though, they are something along the lines of:
- Ask God for Light – look at your day with God’s eyes, not only your own eyes.
- Give Thanks – be grateful for the gift of the day which God has given you.
- Review the Day – carefully look back on the day. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
- Face Your Shortcomings – face up to what is wrong in your day and in your life.
- Look Forward to Tomorrow – ask God for His assistance in the day to come.
Prayer is an important part of our lives. The power of prayer is simply unexplainable. Ask anyone Catholic or Christian or Jewish or Muslim. Prayer is important. If we believe in a God, we are expected to pray. Despite this, we often think it is uncomfortable or inconvenient to pray. It’s just like holding the door for someone. Prayer is like holding the door for God. It may seem uncomfortable or inconvenient at times, but it lets God into our lives and into our hearts. When we open our hearts to prayer and reflection, we open our hearts to God.
Using the above guidelines, practice the Examen sometime. Maybe take time in the middle of the day to reflect and prepare for the rest of the day. Or, as you lay down at night, open your heart to reflection and thank God for the previous day and for the day to come.
St. James, ora pro nobis.
St. Francis of Assisi, ora pro nobis.
St. Margaret Clitherow, ora pro nobis.
-Chawkins.
"I Lay Me Down" by Michael W. Smith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfK4RXI0gSc