Category Archives: Lent

Moving from “Me” to “We”

Posted on March 19, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

If I were Jesus riding into Jerusalem, I would have been pretty agitated. Imagine entering the city where you’re about to be betrayed, abandoned, beaten, and killed. How could Jesus remain present to the crowds of joyous people shouting, “Hosanna!”? Before the week is through, … Continue reading →

Posted in Easter, Helpful Images, Holy Week, Lent, Rob Des Cotes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

There You Are

Posted on March 18, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

Okay. Okay. I’m being still. I’m trying to pause between activities and regain my balance. But, I’ll be honest with you, God. It doesn’t feel like a lot’s happening here. I haven’t stopped overeating and Lent is nearly over. My heart … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent, Mystical, Overeating, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Get Real Still

Posted on March 11, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

It was easy to pick out our grandson in the line-up of swimmers. The eight-year-old wore a life jacket and was a foot or two shorter than the others. Like those ahead of him, he waited for his turn to try the obstacle course that stretched … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent, Mindfulness, Reflections, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Between My Selves

Posted on March 4, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

I gather up my courage and for the second time talk with my spiritual director about being overweight. “I’m so confused,” I lament. “De Mello says ‘Don’t change.’ Richard Rohr points out that two of the four gospels begin with the call to … Continue reading →

Posted in False Self, Lent, Overeating, Spiritual Direction, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Love Is a Risky Business

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

In the post Undoing My Life, I talked about a time when I kept expecting to be rejected but encountered love and acceptance instead. That experience was wonderful and scary. As the Rejected One, I protected my heart from the inevitable pain of being discovered … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent, Popular Posts, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Caught in the Act

Posted on February 19, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

The religious leaders were ready to stone her. But Jesus defended the woman caught in the act of adultery. “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her,” he said. One by one … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent, Popular Posts, Stories | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Glory Led Me Here

Posted on February 12, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

The last blossom on my Christmas cactus fell weeks ago. For forty days vibrant pink glory adorned the room where I pray, write, and offer spiritual direction. But now that glory is gone. I think of the Israelites. For forty years they beheld … Continue reading →

Posted in Ignatian Spirituality, Lent, Mystical, Reflections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Ash Wednesday

Posted on February 9, 2016 by Esther Hizsa

Pilgrimage Ash Wednesday He’s on the road PUT waiting for me today we begin a forty day walk to Jerusalem I lace up my shoes and follow PUT from a safe distance but it’s bound to happen His eyes will catch mine … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent, Poetry, Stories of an Everyday Pilgrim | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Good and Glory

Posted on April 3, 2015 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 and laughter, … Continue reading →

Posted in Easter, Holy Week, Lent | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

O Sacred Friend Now Wounded

Posted on April 2, 2015 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 they’re … Continue reading →

Posted in Easter, Holy Week, Lent | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments