Sent by ash
we join Love in the desert,
disoriented, dizzy. we thirst
as we wander rending
-
-
Prayer in a Time of Chaos
I can’t anymore. Sometimes urgently, sometimes softly but persistently, several times a day these words echo in my brain. They seem like an interruption and they need to be heard. I can’t anymore. In a world on fire, I am exhausted. As a spiritual director, I am a professional listener. Everyone I listen to right…
-
2 Prayers for this season
Emmanuel,The choirs sing peace on earth while the festive crowds feast and dump waste into bins. Meanwhile migrants are offeredthe opposite of welcome, The planet needs healing, Violence and conflict rage and Many people are without the basics:Food, shelter, water, warmth, love.Forgive us for how we have wandered Far from the meaning of your glorious Incarnation, from the simplicity and purityof your love…
-
FSPA guide for discerning religious life
FSPA offers several years’ worth of reflections and resources for discerning religious life. Many of the resources are also beneficial for general discernment.
-
Jesus says, set them free
On Saturday August 16, 2025, hundreds gathered for Mass outside Alligator Alcatraz in protest of reported harsh conditions for the hundreds of immigrants held at this remote detention center in the Florida Everglades. During his homily, Fr. Frank O’Laughlin advocated for “Liberty to the oppressed,” echoing Jesus’ proclamation at the beginning of his public ministry….
-
Floating with the Currents of Christ
I once lived in a lodge in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, tucked into a lakeside cove. The simple log cabin was lined with windows. On clear days, I could see the trees on the other side of the lake, three miles away. Without going outdoors, I could see how the lake expressed its mood with…
-
Creative Contemplation Prayer Stations
These Creative Contemplation Prayer Stations, designed by Sr. Julia Walsh, FSPA, can be used for meetings, retreats, and other gatherings. Scroll through the prayer stations below, or download the document using the button underneath the image.
-
Holy Week Hour of Prayer Open to All Online
During Holy Week, all are invited to join Messy Jesus Business writers, podcast guests, and audience members for an online hour of prayer, reflection, and faith sharing led by Sr. Julia Walsh, FSPA. We hope you can join us for this special gathering to contemplate the mess of Holy Week. It would be a delight to…
-
Ashen timelines
we inherit historyhistory of horror, heartachethe systemic sinsthe memories of line after lineof penitent, penitentour breath, our skinheavy hearts –no denial, only Truthrepent, repentancestors lamentgaze into flamessmoke, smog, ash:reality invades temptations to escapeyet we must remain, remainso we say Amento mortality, humilityto dust & decayto being todaythe bodiesalong linesof time smearedwith sorrow,with truth,with ash who…
-
Dreaming and Discernment
Recently I dreamed that I changed congregations. As a Franciscan sister (FSPA) who made first vows almost 20 years ago, I have never thought of being in a different order. But that morning, after the dream, I had my regular prayer time. As I prayed and talked to God, suddenly a desire started to take…
-
Fr. James Martin, SJ Returns: Pilgrimage and Parable
Episode 86 of Messy Jesus Business podcast, with Sister Julia Walsh. In the return of Messy Jesus Business podcast, Sister Julia Walsh, FSPA talks with Fr. James Martin, SJ about his vocation, the raising of Lazarus, pilgrimages and Jesus’ parables, and Fr. Martin’s experience at the Synod. Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: Email | RSS | More A transcript of…
-
Special Podcast: Darkness and Light in Advent
A Contemplation Episode of Messy Jesus Business podcast, with Sister Julia Walsh. Join Sister Julia in a special edition of Messy Jesus Business podcast as she reflects on what the darkness can teach us in Advent. Podcast: Play in new window | Download With this episode, we’re beginning our winter break. We’ll see you again in late January!…
You must be logged in to post a comment.