Tag Archives: Ignatian Spiritual Excercises

Sabbath Keeping

Posted on February 14, 2025 by Esther Hizsa

At that time Jesus went through the grain fields on the Sabbath; his disciples were hungry, and they began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. When the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Look, your disciples are … Continue reading →

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What Is Taken Away

Posted on February 7, 2025 by Esther Hizsa

Whoever has will be given more;whoever does not have,even what they have will be taken from them.–Mark 4:25 (NIV) When I heard this scripture one morning, and thought about our generous God, I didn’t hear the word “even.” I heard, … Continue reading →

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A Circle of Safety

Posted on January 31, 2025 by Esther Hizsa

My worrierworks tirelessly,always watching, bracing for bad news,seeing the possibility of disaster,and pushing the panic button. This fearful guardian has wearied mefor as long as I can remember.But when I discovered,as Dorothy did in The Wizard of Oz,that the one … Continue reading →

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My Heart Sings

Posted on January 24, 2025 by Esther Hizsa

The master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, … Continue reading →

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Amnesia

Posted on January 18, 2025 by Esther Hizsa

I sit down to pray disappointed that I didn’t have a better night’s sleep, frustrated that I still can’t get a handle on this. Compassion comes out of hiding,slips in beside me,leans her head on my shoulderand strokes my arm. … Continue reading →

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Crybaby

Posted on January 10, 2025 by Esther Hizsa

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.–Luke 4:1,2 (NIV) Three mornings in a row,I wake from vivid dreamsof what … Continue reading →

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As a New Year Begins

Posted on January 3, 2025 by Esther Hizsa

I’m more than a little nervousof what this new year might hold–so many uncertainties. There’s no safety foundin settling intowhat I can lose–my things, my body, my mind, my loves–though I won’t stop trying,and they need tending. It’s good to … Continue reading →

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Here for a While

Posted on December 27, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

So many wondersI treasure in my heart.My soul magnifies the Lord.He has scattered the proud and lifted up the lowly!I still find it hard to believeI was chosen to give birth to God-With-Us.The wonder of wonders I wake up to … Continue reading →

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Advent 4: The Star Appears

Posted on December 20, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

Blessed are you,agreeing to stand still long enoughto let your eyes adjust to the darknessuntil the starlight begins to appear,the dawning of God’s promises.–Kate Bowler, A Blessing for Open Arms Be still, my friend, and breathe with me.Let us open … Continue reading →

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Advent 3: God Incarnate

Posted on December 13, 2024 by Esther Hizsa

Saturday morning, I stirred the pot on the stoveand noticed the contents were too watery.I felt churning in my stomachand butterflies in my chest.Translation:If this doesn’t work outI can’t handle it. This is what puts me over the edge?Date squares … Continue reading →

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