Category Archives: Reflections

Christ Behind Me and Before Me

Posted on April 28, 2017 by Esther Hizsa

Recently I received a new awareness that was liberating. Like a pilgrim summiting a mountain pass, I beheld a fresh landscape. Rolling green hills with clusters of trees and fields of wildflowers sprawled out before me. I savoured this new way of being for ten … Continue reading →

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Connected

Posted on April 21, 2017 by Esther Hizsa

I tried to lie back and relax in the underground saltwater pool but whenever I did, I began to drift toward people I didn’t know. I was afraid I’d bump against them and disturb their solace. The Nordik spa in Gatineau, … Continue reading →

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The Cost of Being Known

Posted on April 7, 2017 by Esther Hizsa

“What was the most memorable meal you ever had?” a friend asked everyone at the dinner table. One by one each person described an experience of eating extravagantly prepared food in an exquisite setting. But it was hard for me to listen. … Continue reading →

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I Will Love. End of Story.

Posted on March 24, 2017 by Esther Hizsa

A pharisee once asked Jesus which commandment is the greatest.  Jesus said, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The … Continue reading →

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Loving Certain People: Part 2

Posted on March 10, 2017 by Esther Hizsa

This Lent I am taking you with me on my journey to love people who annoy or anger me. In last week’s post, Rowan Williams, Abba Moses, Hafiz and Jesus invited me to move from judgment to humility and compassion. … Continue reading →

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Loving Certain People

Posted on March 3, 2017 by Esther Hizsa

“I love mankind. It’s people I can’t stand,” exclaimed Linus Van Pelt decades ago in the cartoon strip Peanuts. Perhaps it’s more accurate to say, “It’s certain people I can’t stand.” When I see certain people do things that annoy … Continue reading →

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DIY Prayer Retreat #9: Living Out Our God-Created Identity

Posted on March 2, 2017 by Esther Hizsa

Here is another one-day prayer/silent retreat outline I put together for our contemplative group. You’ll find the introduction to Do It Yourself group prayer retreats here and other outlines under resources. Living Out Our God-Created Identity Introduction: Gather together, light a candle and take time … Continue reading →

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Making Peace with My Humanity

Posted on February 24, 2017 by Esther Hizsa

I had another dream where I was rushing against all odds to accomplish something important. I woke with urgency still fresh in my veins. The day before, I tried to pack too much into my day and hurried to make dinner … Continue reading →

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Forever

Posted on February 17, 2017 by Esther Hizsa

I attended Ken’s memorial service on January 28. Hearing about his life reminded me of St.Irenaeus‘ quote, “The glory of God is man fully alive.” Ken had lived life to the full. What he contributed to the world and how well he loved could be seen on … Continue reading →

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Wait for It

Posted on February 10, 2017 by Esther Hizsa

“Even though I knew everything was going to be fine, I felt panicked,” I told Fred after I explained what happened with the car. “At first I thought this was happening to me because I was being punished for something. Then … Continue reading →

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