Resisting violence in our skies and museums
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Resisting violence in our skies and museums

On a bright Sunday afternoon last month, my friend Ashley and I went to an “anti-militarist field day” outside the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. It was organized by a group of recent college grads and was part of the Boeing Arms Genocide campaign. My desire to learn about anti-war efforts like these…

Discipleship and Decay: Why I Resist Greatness
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Discipleship and Decay: Why I Resist Greatness

In this part of the world (here in the Upper Midwest, in the United States of America), it’s the season of decay. Decay is colorful, creative, expansive. Alive. When one walks through the woods in the crisp autumn air, one may notice a full rainbow of fungus speckling the path, the rotting logs and devouring…

Personal Freedom and the Fourth of July
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Personal Freedom and the Fourth of July

Personal Freedom: freedom of the person in going and coming, equality before the courts, security of private property, freedom of opinion and its expression, and freedom of conscience subject to the rights of others and of the public. – Merriam-Webster Dictionary Personal Freedom: is it a real idea or an ideal made up that each…

AnaYelsi Velasco-Sanchez: Discipleship, Decolonization, and Discomfort
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AnaYelsi Velasco-Sanchez: Discipleship, Decolonization, and Discomfort

Season 4, Episode 10 of Messy Jesus Business, hosted by Sister Julia Walsh. “When I say everyone belongs, everyone belongs.” – AnaYelsi Velasco-Sanchez LISTEN HERE: IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode of Messy Jesus Business, Sister Julia Walsh talks with AnaYelsi Velasco-Sanchez about how she found her way to Christianity and justice work. They talk…

Paul Engler: The Mess Calls for Community
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Paul Engler: The Mess Calls for Community

Season 4, Episode 7 of Messy Jesus Business podcast, hosted by Sister Julia Walsh. “We have to acknowledge that social change is collective action.”-Paul Engler LISTEN HERE: IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode of Messy Jesus Business podcast, Sister Julia Walsh talks with Paul Engler, author, activist and community organizer. They discuss his call to…

Tessa Bielecki: The Mystery and the Mess
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Tessa Bielecki: The Mystery and the Mess

“Let yourself be broken. Let yourself suffer. Cling to Christ through it.” – Tessa Bielecki Season 4, Episode 6 of Messy Jesus Business podcast, hosted by Sister Julia Walsh. LISTEN HERE: IN THIS EPISODE: In this episode of Messy Jesus Business, Sister Julia Walsh talks with Tessa Bielecki about pain and the healing process: how…

Pádraig Ó Tuama: The Language of Lightness, Darkness and Love
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Pádraig Ó Tuama: The Language of Lightness, Darkness and Love

In this episode of Messy Jesus Business podcast, Sister Julia Walsh and poet, public speaker, teacher and theologian Pádraig Ó Tuama explore the light, the dark, and the infinite complexities of language. They consider terms like Christian and minister, and discuss the nature of poetry as well as the essential role imagination plays in one’s spiritual life as well as conflict resolution. And they talk about the complexities of doing good and being good.

Activist Kathy Kelly: We are all Part of One Another
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Activist Kathy Kelly: We are all Part of One Another

In this powerful episode of Messy Jesus Business, Sister Julia Walsh talks with author and activist Kathy Kelly about her journey as a peace activist, how militarism doesn’t offer true security and how to ground ourselves in the fight for peace when we feel overwhelmed.

Prayer of Mixed Emotions after the Conviction of Derek Chauvin
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Prayer of Mixed Emotions after the Conviction of Derek Chauvin

Lord of Mixed Emotions, thank you for knowing. Thank you for knowing where we hurt, what we fear, what we dread, and what makes us sing. It’s a strange day, Lord, the day after many of your children sighed deep sighs of relief, and cried out to you with gratitude — thank you for being…