What would it be like to encounter Jesus face to face? To witness the moment of his birth? To hear his voice as he calls Peter? To feel the joy of Mary Magdalene at the Resurrection? Ignatian contemplation is a method of prayer that involves using our imagination to...
Jesus gives some challenging teachings in today’s gospel and also challenges us on how to listen. Fr. Eric Sundrup, SJ, reflects on what it means to receive the Kingdom like a child. Based on the readings for Sunday, October 3, 2021 Context really matters…...
I am not a Trekkie, but recently, I stumbled across an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation that speaks to me as I confront the death of of my friend, brother, and mentor, Father Michael Christiana. In the episode, Data, the android, asks Captain Picard a...
Pope Francis has sometimes sparred with heads of state. He has implied some are not Christian while others have called him names. Recently, though, Francis has come under fire with a new accusation: neglecting a head of state. This past week, Pope Francis paid a...
When Jesus’ disciples try to stop others from doing ministry in his name, Jesus tells them “whoever is not against us is for us.” Doug Jones, SJ, reflects on this message and the challenge to foster unity instead of division. Based on the readings...
Dear President Biden, As a young Jesuit, I write to you gravely troubled by the way your administration is treating asylum seekers. As the Church celebrates this National Migration Week, my heart is weighed down by the many families waiting in a perilous limbo on our...
The following reflection is part of our “Jesuit 101” series, celebrating the Ignatian Year. This piece helps us to dive deeper into the Spiritual Exercises. Be sure to check out our explainer article: “Jesuit 101: The Spiritual Exercises, the Heart...
Where am I looking? What am I focusing on? These are important questions. Ones I need to ask myself often. I need to learn how to look because my perspective, that is, where I look and how I look and what I focus on, can change the reality of what I see. Sometimes the...
I’ve only been in L.A. for a couple of weeks, if I’m being honest, I’m already numb to the tents and RVs that some Angelinos call home. It’s a hot day as I drive with Fr. Mike Kennedy, SJ to South Gate, a small city in Los Angeles County, California. As we drive from...
Can Christians strive for greatness? Br. Sullivan McCormick, SJ, reflects on Jesus’ words about humility and what true greatness looks like. Based on the readings for Sunday, September 19, 2021. Is it okay to strive for greatness as Christians? Hi, I am Br....
