In life we constantly make choices, both big and small. Smaller choices might include how to recreate or what movie we will see. Bigger choices include buying a house, whether or not to get married, and with whom, or whether or not to enter religious life and if so,...
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,...
Every history teacher has two goals when planning a lesson or unit: to make the unfamiliar familiar and the familiar unfamiliar. The joy of teaching is complete when students encounter something they’ve never studied before and begin to understand and savor the new...
I hadn’t planned on being part of a protest, but there I was—standing 200 yards from the border, holding a cross in my hand, wondering if anyone was looking at me. As they often do, a group of religious leaders, migrants, allies, and students had gathered in Douglas,...
Jesus said that the greatest of the commandments is to love God with our entire being and to love our neighbors as ourselves. How do we do that? Doug Jones, SJ, reflects on today’s gospel on this week’s One-Minute Homily. Based on the readings for Sunday,...
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,...
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...
