Each day is a gift from God – a chance to grow in holiness, live out our faith, and participate in God’s divine plan. At the close of the day, many Catholics pause to ask: “How could I have made today even better?” This question is not rooted in guilt but in grace – a loving desire to grow closer to God
🔍 The Power of Daily Reflection (Examen)
One of the most profound Catholic practices to help evaluate our day is the Examen of Conscience, popularized by St. Ignatius of Loyola. This spiritual tool allows us to see our day through God’s eyes.
Steps of the Examen:
- Give Thanks – Recognize God’s presence and thank Him for today.
- Ask for Light – Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see your day clearly.
- Review the Day – Look at moments of grace and moments of struggle.
- Face Your Shortcomings – Ask for forgiveness and healing.
- Look Toward Tomorrow – Plan to do better, trusting in God’s mercy.
By asking, “How could I have made today even better?” we begin to identify opportunities where love, mercy, and faith could have flowed more freely.
✨ Examples of Making the Day Better
- Prayed more intentionally – Did I rush through prayers, or speak to God from the heart?
- Loved more generously – Could I have shown more patience to a family member or coworker?
- Lived the Sacraments – Did I attend Mass if possible? Have I considered Confession recently?
- Trusted God more fully – Did I worry unnecessarily or fail to surrender to God’s plan?
- Served someone in need – Was there a moment to show Christ’s love that I missed?
📿 A Short Prayer for Evening Reflection
Lord Jesus,
You are the light that guides my path.
As I look back on today, help me to see clearly.
Where I have failed, grant me Your mercy.
Where I have loved, receive my offering.
Help me trust more deeply in Your plan.
May tomorrow be another step toward holiness.
Amen.
🕊️ Devotional Takeaway
“Today is the beginning of forever.” Even if today wasn’t perfect, God is still writing your story. Ask honestly how you could have made today better, but never forget: God’s grace fills the gaps. Learn from today, but place your hope in tomorrow’s mercy.
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What does the Catholic Church say about daily reflection?
The Church encourages daily examination of conscience as a means of growing in virtue and holiness. It’s especially important in preparation for Confession and deepening one’s relationship with Christ.
❓ Is it wrong to feel like I failed today?
Not at all. In fact, awareness of our shortcomings is the first step to spiritual growth. As St. Thérèse of Lisieux taught, God delights not in perfection, but in humility and trust.
❓ Do I need to follow a strict format for reflecting?
No. The Examen is flexible. The goal is to reflect prayerfully with sincerity, inviting the Holy Spirit to illuminate the events of your day.
❓ How can I make tomorrow better?
- Begin with prayer
- Seek the Sacraments
- Practice charity
- Trust in God’s will over your own
- Ask for the intercession of saints
📌 Final Thoughts
Asking “How could I have made today even better?” is not about spiritual perfectionism, it’s about becoming who God created you to be. Every step toward virtue, no matter how small, is a step toward Heaven.
Remember: Grace meets you exactly where you are, but never leaves you there.
If this article helped you reflect, share it with someone who may need encouragement in their walk with God.
Keep trusting God’s plan – one day, one prayer, one step at a time.
