Author Archives: Esther Hizsa

Unknown's avatar

About Esther Hizsa

Esther is a writer, spiritual director, and cofacilitates contemplative retreats and courses. She lives in Vernon, B.C. with her husband, Fred.

Bringing My Mother to Jesus

A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to … Continue reading

Posted in Aging, compassion, Poetry, Praying with the Imagination, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

The Human Reason

 A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, “If you choose, you can make me clean.”  Moved with pity, Jesus[stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I do choose. Be made … Continue reading

Posted in compassion, Poetry, Praying with the Imagination, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

You Know Enough

We have known and believe the love that God has for us.–1 John 4:16a (NRSVUE) The word for this new year that came to you –of all the words, this one and of all people, you– what if it isn’t what you should be but … Continue reading

Posted in compassion, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Count Yourself In

The gull stood on a rock in the sea.Ferry wash struck the rock and drenched her. She shifted her stance but remained, webbed feet on cold mount,as another wave splashed over her,then, another,and another. Why does she keep standing there? The next … Continue reading

Posted in compassion, Mindfulness, Poetry, Prayer Retreat Outline, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Word Became Flesh

The Word became flesh and blood,    and moved into the neighbourhood.We saw the glory with our own eyes,    the one-of-a-kind glory,    like Father, like Son,Generous inside and out,    true from start to finish.-John 1:14 (The Message) Credits and References:Image of candle from Rawpixel Creative … Continue reading

Posted in Christmas, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Encountering God in Our Emotions

The Christmas season tends to evoke a range of emotions in us. While we express tidings of comfort and joy, we may feel anything but comforted or joyful. It’s good to pay attention to those unsettling feelings and listen to … Continue reading

Posted in Advent, Christmas, compassion, Popular Posts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Christ In Me, With Me, For Me

This Advent, God’s been inviting me to live in the reality that Christ is in me, with me, and for me. I noticed, when I undertook a task or wrote a post, that I was not alone. I felt accompanied … Continue reading

Posted in Advent, Christmas, compassion, Mindfulness, Mystical, Reflections, Seed Cracked Open | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

A Wondrous Thought

After the angel Gabriel’s visit, Mary woke to a new reality. The pondering of her heart emerged on her lips as she washed the dishes and passed by the beggars on her way to fetch water. “My soul glorifies the … Continue reading

Posted in Advent | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Waiting

What if the one you are waiting for never comes? It was only choir practice at the little United Church a mile away. My friend Edith and I were thirteen years old and proud to be the youngest members. Every … Continue reading

Posted in Advent, Childhood, Christmas, compassion, Reflections, Seed Cracked Open, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

When Love Happens

To loveand be loved.We were made for this.Love created the earth, the stars, the seas.Everything and everyone was made of You,from Loveby Love,for Love. Love is the one thing needed,the command that keeps all others. To see what love does–there … Continue reading

Posted in community, compassion, Creation, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment