Category Archives: compassion

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

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 →

Posted in compassion, Creation, Easter, Holy Week, Lent, Poetry, Reflections, Stories | Tagged Esther Hizsa, John 12:24, Luke 9:23-24, Sing Over Me, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, The Porter's Gate | Leave a comment

Free

Posted on March 16, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

O Beloved, how numerous are my fears!They rise up within me whisperingthere is no help for you. Yet You, O Beloved,are a shield about me…When I cry out to You,You answer within my heart.–Psalm 3:1-4 Nan C. Merrill, Psalms for Praying … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Reflections | Tagged Anne Yungwirth, Esther Hizsa, Nan C. Merrill, Psalm 3, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | 2 Comments

Courage and Curiosity

Posted on March 8, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

For my courage is in You, O Love, You who are the Lover hidden in every heart. –Psalm 3:6 Paraphrase by Nan C. Merrill,Psalms for Praying People do things that annoy and disturb us,challenge and hurt us. Sometimes Wisdom says,“Keep your distance.Stay out … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Lent, Mindfulness, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged Annoyed, Christopher, Esther Hizsa, Game of chicken, Michael Neel, Nan C. Merrill, Psalm 31-7-8, Psalms for Praying, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | Leave a comment

The Suffering We Choose

Posted on February 23, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

I cannot promisethis blessing will free youfrom danger,from fear,from hungeror thirst,from the scorchingof sunor the fallof the night.–Jan Richardson, Beloved Is Where We Begin The blessing of being God’s belovedwill not free usfrom suffering– suffering that comes unbidden,the suffering of our … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Lent, Reflections | Tagged Beloved Is Where We Begin, Esther Hizsa, Fr Lawrence Lew O.P., Jan Richardson, Luke 10:33-34, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, The Good Samaritan, tim kubacki | Leave a comment

There It Is Again

Posted on February 10, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

It’s therewhen you spill your teajust when you thoughtThis time, I’ll be on time for my meeting,there again,when judgment announces your mistakeafter the fact,and there toowhen you lie awake at nighttrying and failingto find a wayto make things work. It’s … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged Esther Hizsa, Hoa Nguyen, Let's open the door, powerlessness, Psalm 3:3, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Superman, [RG] | 2 Comments

Naked Among the Tombs

Posted on February 3, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

Believing you’re lovedis easy if you’re the demoniac in the story.Jesus meets you living naked among the tombs,a danger to yourself and others,and then restores you in mind, body and spirit,clothes you,and returns you to your loved ones.A story book … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged 1 John 1:5, Christian.Rudman, Esther Hizsa, Garesene demoniac, Luke 8:26-39, Nick Thompson, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, stillness | 2 Comments

When the Dove Descends

Posted on January 27, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

When the dove descended on Jesusand a voice from heaven declaredin the presence of many witnesses,“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”did Jesus believe it? Perhaps the Holy Spirit led him into the desert so he could listen … Continue reading →