Author Archives: Esther Hizsa

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.

Message Received

Posted on May 3, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

I stood by the mail roomwaiting for Mom and Dad to come down on the elevator,and she saw me again.Yvonne smiled and said something funny–I can’t remember what–then she pausedand told me againwhat a great job I’m doinglooking after my … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, compassion, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged anji barton, Bleeding Hearts, Esther Hizsa, Julian of Norwich, Lisa Ruokis, Mirabai Starr, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Wade Simmons | Leave a comment

Manna

Posted on April 26, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

Even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking. –Psalm 139:2 (MSG) I notice that when the details of my life are attended toI feel calmer.Then I think, But I shouldn’t need that to be calm.You know what I’m thinking,and … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Poetry, Poverty of Spirit, Reflections | Tagged Ercole de' Roberti, Esther Hizsa, Exodus 16:1-4, Gathering Manna, Isaiah 55:8, Manna, Psalm 139:2, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Thinking, Tiger500 | Leave a comment

Two Prayers for Those Who Fear Scarcity

Posted on April 19, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

Last Saturday, I joined a dozen contemplatives for a Quiet Morning. When it was my turn to check in around the circle, I confessed my current and lifelong fear of scarcity. Thinking of my parents’ cost of care which had … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Easter, Prayer, Reflections, Stories | Tagged 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Abundance, Broo_am (Andy B), Erich Ferdinand., Esther Hizsa, Hebrews 12:1, Julian of Norwich, Philippians 4:19, Precarious existence, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | Leave a comment

Appearances

Posted on April 12, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

The same day I resigned myself to watching, waitingand being with my longingYou saw me. I was accompanying my mom to her suite,and the first resident I met at the seniors’ home caught my eye.I saw in her face what … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging, compassion, Easter, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged Carivaggio, Emmaus, Esther Hizsa, John 1:5, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | 3 Comments

Waiting for Resurrection

Posted on April 5, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

I’m not unhappy. Life is full and good, but the joy of Your resurrection eludes me. I went to the empty tomb, the garden, the locked room.I walked to Emmaus and back to Galilee.You appeared to thembut not to me. I hear … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Easter, Reflections | Tagged A Better Resurrection, Christina Rosetti, Esther Hizsa, James Finley, Julian of Norwich, Robert Zünd, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Steve Bell, The Way to Emmaus, Turning to the Mystics | 2 Comments

Awake

Posted on March 31, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” –-Matthew 28:9 Suddenly you meet us–on our way from the empty tomb, in the garden, on the road to Emmaus, in a locked room, by the sea, and in the dawn of our darkest night. Your … Continue reading →

Posted in Easter, Holy Week | Tagged Chris Ballard, Esther Hizsa, LIving Flame of Love, Matthew 28:1-9, Michael D. O'Brien, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, St. John of the Cross, the glory of dawn, Transcendence | Leave a comment

Good and Glory

Posted on March 30, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

It is finished. Jesus has died. His body is lowered down from the cross and taken to the tomb. On Easter Saturday, we hold vigil with everyone who is grieving the loss of Christ’s presence. Those bright days of miracles … Continue reading →

Posted in Easter, Holy Week, Lent | Tagged Devotion, Easter Saturday, Esther Hizsa, Gone is the Light, Gord Johnson, Holy Saturday, John 14:28, John 1:5, LIving Flame of Love, Luke 11:11-13, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Steve Bell, The Dark Night of the Soul | Leave a comment

O Sacred Friend Now Wounded

Posted on March 29, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

Now you are lifted up and alone, O Sacred Friend. You are every person who has ever been condemned, battered, betrayed, or abandoned. You bear all our suffering and every consequence for the suffering we caused. “Father, forgive them; they don’t know what … Continue reading →

Posted in Easter, Holy Week, Lent | Tagged Crucifixion 2, Esther Hizsa, Jesus down from the cross, Luke 23:34, Michael D. O'Brien, O Sacred Head, Rene, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, The Dark Night of the Soul | Leave a comment

A Smelly, Sweet Encounter

Posted on March 28, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

Perhaps it wasn’t until Jesus and his disciples sat down to eat their evening meal that they noticed the unpleasant aroma of street and feet. I can imagine them all, tired from the day, edgy and irritated with each other, avoiding eye … Continue reading →

Posted in Easter, Holy Week, Lent | Tagged Dirck van Baburen, dirty feet, Esther Hizsa, foot washing, Jesus Washing the Apostles' Feet, John 13, LIving Flame of Love, Maundy Thursday, rbairdpccam, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, St. John of the Cross, Tassoman. flames | Leave a comment

The End of a Story

Posted on March 23, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

On each of my dyings,shed your light and your love.–Soul of Christ Prayer, paraphrased by David L. Fleming I’m haunted by the ending of a story.The boy dies from his compulsion to save the earth.The father can’t save his son;he … Continue reading →