A Blanket Surprise
By Rebecca Ruiz This year, as Advent began, I wasn’t feeling ready. I just couldn’t get into the spirit of Advent. I talked with my spiritual director about it. We troubleshooted. I had been sidelined...
View ArticleNot a Fisherman
By Rebecca Ruiz This story is inspired by Matthew 4:18–22. I’m curious about this Jesus character. As an investigative journalist, I think he’d be a great story, so I’ve decided to shadow him this...
View ArticleThe Dance on My Countertop
By Rebecca Ruiz The old coffeemaker had been sitting in the middle of the counter since we moved—and that had been well over a month. Every day, there was a dance. The small appliance would shimmy to...
View ArticleLiving as Men and Women for Others
By Rebecca Ruiz Editor’s note: Throughout July, we’re hosting 31 Days with St. Ignatius, a month-long celebration of Ignatian spirituality. In addition to the calendar of Ignatian articles found here,...
View ArticleGod Cares About the Big and Small
By Rebecca Ruiz I’ve heard many say—and I’ve said myself—words in the general formula: “Oh, I don’t want to complain about [insert problem or concern], but compared to [insert wars, the latest...
View ArticleConnection with God
By Rebecca Ruiz It often happens that our spiritual lives are not in synch with the liturgical calendar. Some years we may approach the holidays with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for all of God’s...
View ArticleAllowing God to Work Through Ignatian Contemplation
By Rebecca Ruiz In his book, The Ignatian Adventure, Kevin O’Brien, SJ, says that contemplation, in the Ignatian sense, “is more about feeling than thinking. Contemplation often stirs the emotions and...
View ArticleHope and a Call for Change
By Rebecca Ruiz As a spiritual director, I have the great privilege to accompany individuals on their spiritual journeys. Some of the people that I accompany serve in the Ignatian Volunteer Corps...
View ArticleThe Audacity of Following in the Footsteps of St. Ignatius
By Rebecca Ruiz Editor’s note: Throughout July, we’re hosting 31 Days with St. Ignatius, a month-long celebration of Ignatian spirituality. In addition to the calendar of Ignatian articles found here,...
View ArticlePray for the Grace
By Rebecca Ruiz Occasionally, I have periods of great clarity regarding my spiritual life. This often happens when I am talking with friends who, like me, spend time cultivating their spiritual lives....
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