Originally published at Ignatian Spirituality
I have heard that the practice of creating New Year’s resolutions dates to at least ancient Romans, who engaged in pagan sacrifices and promised to act better in the next year, or even to Babylonians, who used their springtime new year as a time to pay debts and return borrowed items. Early Christians adopted this practice but replaced it with their own prayer and promising God to behave better in the next year. Now the religious character has all but disappeared as many of us vow to exercise more or quit a bad habit, like eating a favorite unhealthy food.
I don’t know whether St. Ignatius of Loyola made New Year’s resolutions, but in many ways the Examen is a kind of resolution that is connected to our relationship with God. Ignatius, though, did not treat resolutions as only once-a-year decisions, but as a daily practice.
In praying the Examen, we begin with letting ourselves be the object of God’s gaze of love and place ourselves in the presence of divine love. We start with gratitude and offer thanks to God. Next, we review our day. Sometimes I review my day in order, but sometimes I just allow whatever rises
