Short Jesuit Definitions

Magis (Latin for “greater”):

A characteristic way of proceeding for Jesuits and colleagues: when faced with two or more good options, choose that which benefits the greater number of people. Think globally.

Men and Women for Others:

A primary goal of Jesuit education is to form men and women devoted to service of others and the formation of a more just society.

Finding God in All Things:

God instills desires for truth, love and beauty in every person, therefore any sincere attempt to find and express these—in the arts, sciences, philosophy, religion, everyday experiences, etc.—to a certain extent draws persons closer to God and to each other.

Unity of Minds and Hearts:

Jesuit education seeks to form men and women who, being diverse in backgrounds and convictions, are united by common respect, a presupposition of good will, and core values.

Care of the Person (Latin = Cura Personalis):

Quality care for others requires that we acknowledge and attend to unique experiences, perspectives and needs.

Contemplatives in Action:

Familiarity with God that enables one to instinctively recognize His presence and activity at any moment of the day, and to determine with relative facility what choices will better serve Him.

Examen: An Ignatian method of reflection.

The Examen as a religious exercise

The Examen in Five Steps

Before you begin, as in all prayer, remind yourself that you’re in God’s presence, and ask God to help you with your prayer.

  1. Gratitude: Recall anything from the day for which you are especially grateful, and give thanks.
  2. Review: Recall the events of the day, from start to finish, noticing where you felt God’s presence, and where you accepted or turned away from any invitations to grow in love.
  3. Sorrow: Recall any actions for which you are sorry.
  4. Forgiveness: Ask for God’s forgiveness. Decide whether you want to reconcile with anyone you have hurt.
  5. Grace: Ask God for the grace you need for the next day and an ability to see God’s presence more clearly.

The Examen as a non-religious exercise

Beautiful Yesterdays

The daily examen is of special help to seekers, agnostics, and atheists. For them it can be altered into a “prayer of awareness.” The first step is to be consciously aware of yourself and your surroundings. The second step is to remember what you’re grateful for. The third is the review of the day. The fourth step, asking for forgiveness, could be a decision to reconcile with someone you have hurt. And the fifth is to prepare yourself to be aware for the next day. Gradually they may begin to connect the events of their lives with God’s love, presence, and care for them.

(Both of the Examens listed are from The Jesuit Guide To (Almost) Everything, James Martin, S.J.), Pages 97 and 101.