Category Archives: Stories

Spared

Posted on May 11, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

Tell me, what is it you plan to dowith your one wild and precious life?-Mary Oliver, “The Summer Day“ Biking on a country road,eyes full of beauty,wind in my ears,I didn’t hear,didn’t look,didn’t see the car coming.As I was about … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, Poetry, Reflections | Tagged Aurora borealis, Christopher Chapman, Esther Hizsa, Mary Oliver, Protopian Pickle Jar, Richard Rohr, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | Leave a comment

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

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

Wounded Goodness

Posted on March 1, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

Ignatius asks us to see how Jesus on the cross identifies with wounded creation and accepts the task of reparation, healing and transforming the damage we have been doing to ourselves and our planet. Ignatius would say Jesus loves us … Continue reading →