The Contemplatio

How do we explain the death and resurrection of Christ to children? This month we invited Ann Garrido into conversation about the spiritual lives of children. Ann is is Associate Professor of Homiletics and Director of Spiritual Formation for the at Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis and a formation leader with the U.S. National Association of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. You can read Ann's article on reading the Resurrection narratives to children at http://cctheo.org/news/resurrection-narratives/ Ann referenced the Children's Illustrated Bible by Selina Hastings and Eric Thomas. Learn more about Ann's work and books at anngarrido.com.

The Third Week of the Spiritual Exercises is the story of Jesus' journey to the cross. How does this narrative fit with our Lenten practices and bring us closer to Jesus? Andy, Sarah, and Fr. Peter unpack this mystery of Ignatius' Exercises and the Christian story.

A huge topic for a 30-minute podcast, but why not? We did just celebrate Valentine's Day. Maria Cressler and Bill Noe, SJ join Andy Otto to scratch the surface of love from an Ignatian and Christian perspective—and beyond just romantic love.

Ignatius imagines us as co-laborers with Jesus, working with him side-by-side in the vineyard of the kingdom. Andy, Kay, and former staff member Fr. Brent Otto, SJ, unpacks this Ignatian idea.

As we celebrate the Incarnation of Christ at Christmas we explore the Ignatian concept of finding God in all things with a focus on the body. Ignatian-trained yoga instructors Cathy Crosby and Kimi Nettuno discuss this with Andy Otto.

Why is gratitude so central to Ignatian spirituality? It's all about the gifts. Andy chats with Maria Cressler and Fr. Bill Noe, SJ about thanksgiving.

What does it mean to do "God's will"? Fr. Peter, Sarah, and Andy talk about the Ignatian understanding of this concept and the role of the True Self in our journey with God. Our past episodes on indifference and desire will be helpful listens, too.

What is the concept of Ignatian "indifference"? There are many names for it: detachment, freedom, letting go, being at a balance... Living into it can transform your spiritual life. Maria, Kay, and Andy discuss this principle.

Ignatius knew that our deep desires propel us forward in the Christian journey. Sarah, Fr. Bill, and Andy discuss the Ignatian concept of desire and how it relates to our spiritual life.

Ignatius called himself "the Pilgrim", but what is pilgrimage? Maria, Kay, and Andy talk about how pilgrimage is a journey to know one's self better and to know Jesus better. And the journey leads to love.

What does it mean when Ignatius says we can speak to Jesus like a friend? As we begin this Ignatian year, we talk about the depth of companionship and intimacy with God that Ignatius is inviting us to.

Sarah Otto speaks with Fr. Peter Fink, SJ and Maria Cressler about St. Ignatius' devotion to Mary and the topic of motherhood, which we specially honor together each May.

Maria Cressler and Fr. Joe Lingan, SJ speak to Andy Otto about finding hope in life's various transitions.

Carl McColman and Sarah Otto speaks about the joy of Lent with Andy Otto.

Carl McColman speaks about the joy of Lent.

Kay Satterfield and Kathy Farrell discuss finding joy in the ordinary with Andy Otto.

Andy otto reflects on finding joy in the ordinary.

Fr. Joe Lingan, SJ and Sarah Otto talk about the joy of the incarnation with Andy Otto.

Fr. Joe Lingan, SJ talks about the joy of the incarnation.

Fr. Joe Lingan, SJ and Maria Cressler join Andy Otto to speak about joy and gratitude.