Jesus says that he is the true vine. That must mean there are false vines out there too. In this talk, David introduces the meditation on the Two Standards and reflects on the things that draw us closer or further from Christ.
Posts in Spirituality
When I felt God close, I knew I was on the right path
For our latest Jesuit 101 reflection, Ignatius, a first-time writer, reveals the waves of consolation and desolation he experienced on his novitiate pilgrimage.
Discovering the Power of Healing Touch in Prison
The pandemic deprived everyone of a vital aspect of life: the gift of touch. The incarnation shows us that God wants to heal us by touching our wounds. This is especially true for life in a prison. But when we find ways to reach out to others, we discover that Christ has the power to work through our hands to bring healing to those in need.
Talk 3: Chosen to Bear Fruit | Lenten Retreat 2022
Our online retreat moves into the Second Week of the Spiritual Exercises, when we focus on following Christ who calls us to help build up the Kingdom of God. This call can be exciting and motivating at first, but we can become lukewarm over time. David reflects on advice from Pope Francis and the example of Mary to persevere in faith.
Getting in Touch with God through Letters
Do you journal? Or write letters to yourself for future you to read? Read one Jesuit’s post-retreat letter to himself; you may want to take up the same practice!
Talk 2: A Pruned Branch | Lenten Retreat 2022
In the second talk of our Lenten Retreat, David reflects on the First Week/Theme of the Spiritual Exercises. The goal in this part of the Exercises is to recognize that we are sinners that are loved deeply by God. David reflects on the difficult, but important process of pruning as he goes deeper into the theme of the Vine and the Branches.
Jesuit 101: Consolation and Desolation
The terms “consolation” and “desolation” are used regularly in Ignatian spirituality, but what do they mean? Ian Peoples, SJ, offers some insight from St. Ignatius for our Jesuit 101 series.
This Lent, Let God Give You the Gift of Tears
Emotions in our prayer life can lead us to God. Tears, St. Ignatius writes, are a powerful gift that can lead us to consolation. In this short reflection, Andrew stresses the importance of our emotions in our prayer lives.
Wondering Who’s Doing Christ’s Work in the World? Look to the Women Religious
As a kid, a sister taught Nick that we are like tiny pebbles tossed into a pond; our lives may seem small, but they make ripples. In his first article, he celebrates Catholic Sisters Week by reflecting on the numerous women religious whose lives have made waves of grace into their communities.
Why is God Silent?
God’s silence can be painful. It can also be fruitful experience of prayer if we surrender to it.