This is the third installment of A Deacon’s Diary. The second installment asked what ordination feels like. I. I dislike preaching, I thought. I found that sometimes I just didn’t know what I wanted to say. Or I’d get nervous about delivery. Or I’d keep looking for a...
During my years as a tech worker in Silicon Valley, general introductions usually included questions such as, “where do you work?” or, “what do you do for a living?” I preferred asking, “what do you do in your free time?” or, “what are your hobbies?” Talking to...
Have you ever hesitated to bring your needs to God? Doug Jones, SJ, reflects on Bartimaeus and how he teaches us to boldly approach God with our needs. Based on the readings for Sunday, October 24, 2021. Never doubt the power of prayer! Hi, I’m Doug Jones, and this...
“What am I doing here?” This question rises from my gut to my throat like a lump. I’m sitting in the office of the director of the ARC (Ashcroft Rehabilitation Center), the prison unit where I will serve as chaplain at Belize Central Prison. It is my first day. I’ve...
It is impossible to read The Diary of Jesus Christ by Bill Cain, SJ and not reflect on your own life. Here is the genius of the author and the invitation to all of us. Why not write a diary of your own, now? No matter if you doubt anyone would read it. Is that not how...
Do we recognize the crucified Christ in our midst? How do we respond? Br. Sullivan McCormick, SJ, reflects on recognizing Christ in those suffering in our midst. Based on the readings for Sunday, October 17, 2021. Where is the crucified Christ in our midst? Hi, I’m...
The following reflection is part of our “Jesuit 101” series, celebrating the Ignatian Year. This piece helps us to dive deeper into Ignatian Contemplation. To learn more about this form of prayer, check out our explainer article: “Jesuit 101: Ignatian Contemplation,...
“Who am I?” I have heard that question repeatedly since I started working with high school students. Looking back, there was a time when I struggled with that question myself. I, too, experienced an identity crisis. Especially during my college years. At first, it...
The weather’s getting cooler, the days are getting shorter, and it’s finally time for one of my favorite things in the world of sports: playoff baseball. The MLB playoffs started last week after a drama-filled last day of the regular season that saw four teams...
“What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Sometimes we might ask such questions hoping to check off the boxes, but Jesus reveals that the Kingdom of God is about more. Patrick Saint-Jean, SJ, reflects on Jesus’ call to the rich young man in this...
