“A horror movie.” That’s how Ricardo, a Jesuit friend from Mexico, described the streets of Los Angeles during a recent visit. Families in tattered tents on Skid Row. Crazed men yelling at the shadows. Young women drifting in and out of opioid delirium....
As the saying goes, “Words are cheap.” Conan Rainwater, SJ, reflects on how the Letter of James reminds us that our actions are more important than our words. Based on the readings from the Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Do what I say, not what I...
“Jaret, ¿estás disponible para acompañar a estos hermanos?” On June 25, 2021, I was working in the reception area at Kino Border Initiative,1 a migrant aid center on the Mexican side of the border, when our social worker called me over to help two brothers from...
When the Lord asked him if the Apostles would abandon Jesus as so many others had, Peter asked, “To whom else shall we go?” Brian Kemper, SJ, reflects on how everyone is called to remain close to Jesus, who “has the words of eternal life.”...
Every election cycle, politicians caution about the harrowing extremes of the other side. Media pundits label each subsequent election as the most important of our lifetime. Despite the hyperbolic language, such commentary – after reflection – somehow...
Many people are concerned with the food they put in their bodies, but how many consider what they put in their minds? Josef Rodriguez, SJ, reflects on how consuming Jesus in the Eucharist empowers us to be the presence of grace in the world. Based on the readings of...
Bread is often the basic element of any meal. Fr. Joseph Dickan, SJ, reflects on how when Jesus says he is the “bread of life,” he is reminding us that he is the fundamental necessity of our lives. Based on the readings from the Nineteenth Sunday in...
At a Jesuit community dinner last week, an older Jesuit priest inquired about my recent summer travels. When I told him I had just returned from the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, without a beat, he responded: “Oh yes, the Catholic Woodstock.”...
On May 18, 2024, a month before the end of my two years of regency in Morocco, I participated in my last tea ritual among the beautiful dunes of the Sahara. A ritual that began about forty minutes before when we all went out to contemplate the sunset that soothes the...
We watch the Olympics because we want to witness athletes do incredible feats. Conan Rainwater, SJ, reflects on how we can all do spectacular things through Christ. Based on the readings from the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Can you do spectacular things? Hi,...