Marlena Graves: The dangers of money, power and influence Season 1. Episode 9 of Messy Jesus Business, hosted by Sister Julia Walsh IN THIS EPISODE: In episode nine, Sister Julia speaks with Marlena Graves the author of The Way Up Is Down. They discussed her new book and its message about downward mobility and discipleship, how justiceContinue reading “Marlena Graves: The dangers of money, power and influence”
Tag Archives: writing
Jessica Mesman: Church as muse
“If I want to feel faith and emboldened in my faith that happens through art. My most profound spiritual experiences have probably happened through reading books.” -Jessica Mesman
In the Christian journey’s four seasons, “All Shall be Well”
For a year of my life, I lived in Northern California, where the seasons felt all out of order, the rhythm of nature a mess. In the winter, everything was bright and green from the cool rains and in the summer the grasses were golden and dry. Yet, spring bloomed with newness and fall wasContinue reading “In the Christian journey’s four seasons, “All Shall be Well””
On Being Everywhere I Go
“No matter where you go…there you are,” stated the character Buckaroo Banzai in the 1984 cult film The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension. This troubling truism has become a bit of a mantra for me as I stumble through life. I frequently have too much going on. In the flurry of activity,Continue reading “On Being Everywhere I Go”
Hearts wide open: in the sky, on earth
Happy Feast of St. Clare! The following prose-poetry is dedicated to her. This past Monday I drove north, from Kansas City to La Crosse, through lush fields of green growing up towards the sky. As I moved, my eyes focused on the constant road. It was an all-day drive after a two-month pilgrimage of study,Continue reading “Hearts wide open: in the sky, on earth”
Thanksgiving for Messy Jesus Business’ 5th Birthday!
It is amazing to me that it is nearly Messy Jesus Business‘ 5th Birthday! Thanks be to God that I listened to the encouragement of my community and friends to start a blog about living the Gospel and we’re still going strong. I am in awe, really, upon reflection on all the waves that MJBContinue reading “Thanksgiving for Messy Jesus Business’ 5th Birthday!”
5 good ones
Sometimes really good things can get buried underneath other good things. At times, we are called to uncover and re-expose the hidden goodness in the Kingdom of God, so that the blessings can help us be renewed. This blog has been going for about three and half years now and includes over 230 posts. Wow! ThanksContinue reading “5 good ones”
The Pain of Climate Change
Last fall, I heard a story on the radio that caused me to have all sorts of physical reactions. It was the end of a busy day of ministry, and I was cooking dinner for the sisters I live with, a group of Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. I was casually listening to the evening news whileContinue reading “The Pain of Climate Change”
Made by many
I have exciting news! This week’s issue of America magazine contains an essay written by me! The essay is called “Changed, not ended: A view of religious life from a young sister” and it also includes a great illustration, which I love: Writing this essay and going through the process of getting it published hasContinue reading “Made by many”
By the book
I remember when and where I first learned the word. I was 18 and sitting on a folding chair among a crowd in an enormous gymnasium-converted auditorium. It was dark in the giant room; only the stage was lit. Eager to be an excellent Christian, I was at a conference sponsored by The Navigators (an international,Continue reading “By the book”