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Good morning. I can’t remember when I first heard Socrates’ phrase 'the unexamined life is not worth leading' but it’s helped me as much in weeks of restless activity as when my life has seemed adrift - helped break unhealthy patterns by the act of looking inwards.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Today's anniversary of Germany's unconditional surrender in 1945 brings it to mind and recalls that the end of military hostilities in Europe was only the prelude to a decade of self-examination in Germany that transformed its mentality from militaristic state into peace-loving democracy.

I think of Socrates too in my work as a spiritual director. When people come to me and express a desire for change, it's often our point of departure: are you examining your life?

Five hundred years ago a wounded Spanish soldier, Ignatius of Loyola, hit upon a method of reflection helpful in grasping the significant facts of one’s everyday life. Since then, his Examen has proved invaluable to countless searchers including myself in getting a purchase on the inner world of self to find the echo of God's presence there.

Five simple steps: first - ask God for light to look back at the previous 24 hours with his eyes not merely one's own; then be consciously grateful; then, carefully review the day just completed, step by step - notice the outward facts and the movements of inward moods; then face up to any shortcomings; lastly, look forward to the day to come – and ask for the grace to live it well.

Transformation can always take place; so never give up.

God, you show yourself through the everyday things of our lives, this weekend, grant us a space to breath out the stresses of the week and take stock, so that we may sense more deeply the value of our living and find you with us there.

Amen.