Today is Inauguration Day. So much has happened leading up to this day that we offer this moment to God, to bless, to protect, and to guide this day into the way of peace. Pray with us today as our country takes time to transition and change.
All posts by Eric Immel, SJ
Eric was raised in Green Bay, and despite his best efforts to remain indifferent, the Packers have a stronghold on his emotional well-being. He enjoys grilling bratwurst, whales, and playing the drums. If he weren't a Jesuit, he'd likely make a last ditch effort at penning terrible pop songs. He appreciates a good beard and Stanley Tucci movies, and he studies theology at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry.
Joined in 2013 100 posts eimmelsj@thejesuitpost.org
This Advent I’m Thinking About Death
November, we formally mark the recollection of our beloved dead, has passed away. Now we’re in the season of Advent, a penitential season, a time to take stock of what we need and whether we’re willing to wait for it. And, as if All Souls and Advent weren’t a reminder of death, we’re still living in this pandemic, which has claimed the lives of nearly 1.5 million people worldwide. This might sound dire, but we’re in Advent, so there is hope! Hope in our waiting. Take a moment and reflect with me on waiting!
Sometimes I Have To Let Go and It Is the Only Thing I Can Do
When a day trip to New Hampshire’s White Mountains came up this past weekend, some friends and I considered ways to enjoy the great outdoors and the explosion of fall colors in the Northeast. Surely, this was a place to practice my newfound parkour passion. Read what happens when I have to let go and let God.
My World May Be Small, but the World Is Still Huge
Eric Immel, SJ, writes: “I spent more time in my room these past nearly six months that I had the previous, say, four years combined. The same is true for the number of times I’ve washed my hands. I’ve high-fived less people in the past nearly six months than was typical for me in a day pre-COVID, and I cannot count the number of times I’ve wanted to yell at people for getting too close to me, which I don’t think I’d ever thought to do before in my life.” Eric takes us on journey of a small world that opens up to something larger than previously thought.
Taylor Swift’s “folklore” Made Me Feel All the Things, and it’s Just What I Needed
Taylor Swift’s folklore is a welcome surprise during a long, overwhelming summer. It’s different from her other efforts, but it’s more than an indie album. Rather, it’s an invitation to see the evolution of an artist and feel something deeply.
What ‘Words with Friends’ Has Taught Me About Loss and Hope
My Jesuit community engaged in COVID-19 protocols after Mass on March 16. No more all-community Masses. No more going to school for class. No more ministry. A world of masks and gloves and handwashing. That evening, a friend and I had a conversation thinking through ways we could try to make the most of the indefinite future that came with pandemic.
What Two Corgis on Instagram Can Teach Us About Racism
As people of privilege, it is easy to escape the reality of the movements we witness. We cannot ignore the messages of anti-racism, no matter where they come from – even if they come from a pet.
The Ascension: Jesus Does Not Leave Us Behind | One-Minute Homily
When Jesus ascended into heaven and left his disciples, he did not leave them alone. Eric Immel, SJ, reminds us that Christ remains with us too in this One-Minute Homily. Based on the readings for the Ascension of the Lord. https://youtu.be/tOy2Ht4QTxg It’s a famous...
I Used to Hate ‘Standing Room Only’ Masses, Now I Want It More Than Ever
Churches are empty these days. Even if they open up again soon, the norms of physical distancing will necessarily limit the way that we pray together. No more hugs and handshakes. No more chalices. No more songbooks, holy water fonts, or donuts after Mass. At least, not yet.