Category Archives: Stories

Jesus Shows the Full Extent of His Love

Posted on March 28, 2018 by Esther Hizsa

It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full … Continue reading →

Posted in Easter, Holy Week, Praying with the Imagination, Reflections | Tagged Esther Hizsa, Full extent of love, Haold Copping, Jesus washes disciples' feet, John 13:4-5, John 13;1, Maundy Thursday, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Waiting for the Word | 2 Comments

Your King Is Coming

Posted on March 23, 2018 by Esther Hizsa

Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt. –John 12:15 Savour these words with me. Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming. . . Ever since I was young, waiting for … Continue reading →

Posted in Holy Week, Lent, Reflections | Tagged Contemplation, Daniel Ladinsky, Entry into Jerusalem, Esther Hizsa, Gaylon Keeling, Giotto di Bondone, John 12:15, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Triumphal Entry | Leave a comment

Return and Rest

Posted on March 16, 2018 by Esther Hizsa

“Keep noticing,” says Father James Martin, SJ at the end of his Daily Examen podcast. It’s an invitation to notice God’s demonstrative love in the events of our lives. It’s also an invitation to notice what we’re feeling physically and emotionally … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent, Reflections | Tagged Aftab Uzzaman, Esther Hizsa, Genesis 16, Isaiah 30:15-18, James Martin, Luke 15:1-7, Luke 19:1-10, rest, Soul of Christ, spiritual direction, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | 4 Comments

God’s Demonstrative Love

Posted on March 9, 2018 by Esther Hizsa

Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.–John 12:3 (NIV) In Meeting Jesus in John, … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent, Prayer, Reflections, Wednesday Lunch Club | Tagged anointing of Jesus, Esther Hizsa, Giotto di Bondone, gratitude, James Martin, Jesus washes disciples' feet, John 12:3, John 13: 2, Meeting Jesus in John, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | 1 Comment

Loosening My Grip

Posted on March 2, 2018 by Esther Hizsa

I’ve been walking with the image of the dead leaf dancing in the wind. With each step I hear, Peace before me. Peace behind me. Peace under my feet. I see a missed a call on my cell phone and … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent, Reflections | Tagged David Haas, dead leaf, Esther Hizsa, Just right she sighed, Lenten Reflection, Let all around us be peace, loosening my grip, Luke 17:33, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Steve Corey | Leave a comment

Peace under Our Feet

Posted on February 23, 2018 by Esther Hizsa

During a silent retreat, I walked along the Pitt River. It was a blustery day and a zephyr of wind swept a few dead leaves into the air. They danced there for so long–swirling, dipping, and cresting–that I began to … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent, Reflections, Wednesday Lunch Club | Tagged Amancay Maahs, Charles Spurgeon, David Haas, Esther Hizsa, Father Matthew Linn, joy resting, Lovely Feet, Peace before Us, Peace dancing, Prayer for Peace, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, Wednesday Lunch Club | 2 Comments

All of Me

Posted on February 16, 2018 by Esther Hizsa

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope,” I read in The Message and was comforted because that’s exactly where I was. But the beatitude didn’t end there. It went on to say, “With less of you, there is more … Continue reading →

Posted in Lent, Prayer, Reflections | Tagged Daniel Novta, Esther Hizsa, half a flower, lent, Martha Carlough, Matthew 5:3, Meeting Jesus in John, Salzburg Cross, spiritual direction, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver, St. John the Evangelist | Leave a comment

When the Son of Man Comes

Posted on February 9, 2018 by Esther Hizsa

Tuesday night I met a friend for coffee at Tim Horton’s. Just as I was leaving, a young man with a cardboard sign asked me for money. “Want a pair of socks?” I asked. “Sure,” he said and smiled. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Homelessness, Stories | Tagged Ancho, Esther Hizsa, Homeless Jesus on a bench, homelessness, Isaiah 43:1, Luke 18:8, Mark O'Rourke, Matthew 25:31-46, Progressive Housing Society, Society to End Homelessness, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | 4 Comments

At the End of My Rope

Posted on February 2, 2018 by Esther Hizsa

I was doing well for a while, then I gained back the weight I lost. Paul’s words in Romans come to mind. I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide … Continue reading →

Posted in Overeating, Poverty of Spirit, Reflections | Tagged AA, addiction, attachments, Esther Hizsa, Hold On, Isaiah 41:13, just.Luc, Overeating, Romans 7:18-25, spiritual director, spiritual director Burnaby, spiritual director Vancouver | 8 Comments

Waking Up

Posted on January 26, 2018 by Esther Hizsa

I want to be fully awake to God. I’d like to live so aware of being in Christ that I rely on nothing other than God for my security or identity. A bird held by a single thread is still not … Continue reading →