Another year is drawing to an end, but before we welcome 2022, we should spend some time reflecting on 2021. The Examen teaches us the importance of reviewing time so that we can learn to recognize where God has been present and active in our lives and acknowledge the...
I began writing fiction during the pandemic last year. Fiction has been a way for me to inhabit other worlds in ways that bring me more deeply into a reality beyond myself. This story is dedicated to my mom and many other women who have taught me about spiritual...
Mary and Joseph created a loving home for Jesus and in today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that God also provides a home for us. Doug Jones, SJ, reflects on the Feast of the Holy Family. Based on the readings for Sunday, December 26, 2021. Merry Christmas! 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 the Contemplation on the Incarnation from the Spiritual Exercises. To learn more about this contemplation, check out our explainer...
My first experience of Jesus as “Emmanuel” had nothing to do with Advent or Christmas. At least that is what it seemed like. On one of my annual eight-day silent retreats, I was following Jesus in His public ministry: healing, preaching, teaching. On our retreats,...
Nativity scenes are everywhere this time of year. There’s a porcelain one on the mantel, one made of small clay figures on the dinner table, a large one adorns the altar of the parish. I’ve even seen a nativity scene with living animals. Be careful, the donkey bites. ...
I My dad wears the same red t-shirt every Christmas Eve. Above a silhouette of Santa’s jolly face it reads, in large script, “I BELIEVE.” Year after year, he passes out gifts, wrangles the dogs, and throws balls of used wrapping paper at the ceiling fan, launching...
The feelings and sentiments that accompany this time of year are an entanglement of joy and emptiness. I love the seasonal movies, music, and décor, as it brings up wondrous nostalgia from when I was a child. The times spent with family next to a fire with hot...
Elizabeth couldn’t contain her joy when Mary greeted her. Neither should we when we recognize God at work in others. Tucker Redding, SJ, reflects on the Visitation in this week’s One-Minute Homily. Based on the readings for Sunday, December 19, 2021. Share...
The following reflection is part of our “Jesuit 101” series, celebrating the Ignatian Year. This piece helps us to dive deeper into the Contemplation on the Incarnation from the Spiritual Exercises. To learn more about this contemplation, check out our explainer...
