Spring and the Holy Spirit bring new life in the midst of pandemic and mental illness.
Pondering Movements of Mystery in May
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Susanna Bertelsen
“Awakened, Arise to Love” – Contemplating the Love of God
The Ignatian Exercises are “bookended” with meditations considering God’s love. I found new energy and interest in daily quiet prayer, practicing the Examen, and contemplating the scriptures with imagination while using all my senses.
“And Jesus Wept” – Reflecting on Palm Sunday
Again, using Ignatian Contemplation, I pondered often if Jesus were to look over our world today, what would bring him to tears?
Cultivating and Nurturing Compassion in Times of Change and Conflict
I reflect on the important virtue of compassion – as I strive to deepen my relationships with others, and offer self-compassion to myself.
Advent Reflections
First Advent…then Christmas...followed by Epiphany...reflections from my Minnesota backyard! Indeed, sunny, beautiful Minnesota winters offer peaceful mornings for backyard reflection! My Advent meditations on this photo led me to recognize those areas of darkness and...
Autumn Reflections: Layers of Awareness
“Oh, how I love Autumn!!” I mused as I walked along the familiar trail near our home in late September. What struck me, was that nature all around me seemed to be shouting, “pay attention,” “be aware of the gifts I offer...
Awake: Arise to Love
Awakened, Arise to Love” – Contemplating the Love of God As I continue to look for God’s consolation in these troubled times,I reflect on my experience with the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola and am drawn to review its meaning for me.When I began the...
Vernal Equinox Reflections: day to day desolations and consolations invites gratitude.
On this March 19 first-day-spring, I too am secluded at home with my husband, “social distancing” ourselves from others by avoiding all sorts of venues where people gather. Inconvenient? Yes. Annoying? Often. Frustrating? Most of the time. Fearful? No doubt. Stressed?...
PRAYER SHAWLS: Everyday reminders of God’s love, compassion and mercy.
While busy with fall closet cleaning at Loyola, I came across three beautifully knit prayer shawls! What a pleasant surprise! Those three shawls immediately raised up in me powerful memories of my own experiences with prayer shawls…warm reminders of how God loves us...
Prayers offered, prayers answered – Reflections from in the Golden Shadow of the Lady with the Lamp
by Susanna Bertelsen In July, my daughter and I visited Ellis Island’s Immigration Museum and viewed Liberty Island from the ferry. The Museum Research room offered clues and discoveries to the immigration experiences just about 100 years ago, of both my Italian...
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