Since the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents on the streets of Minneapolis, I have found myself in some grim conversations with people I care deeply about. Jesus said, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny themself, take up their cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save their…
I’ve been thinking about misogyny and the church even more than usual. A week ago, an ICE agent shot and murdered a woman named Renee Good, without reason or provocation. Days later, men who identify as Christian continue to defend the murderer, mock the victim, make jokes about her death, and say that she was…
Even today in households where division of labor is not definitively gendered, women do the work of Christmas: To stretch the dollar to make a feast or to fill Santa’s sack, To soothe agitated family relationships or countless other ongoing worries, To accept the duty left to them to carry forward family traditions, To maintain…
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….
Jesus said to his disciples:“Do not be afraid any longer, little flock,for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.Sell your belongings and give alms.Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out,an inexhaustible treasure in heaventhat no thief can reach nor moth destroy.For where your treasure is, there also will your heart…
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…
Based on Luke 4 I never have good news for Jesus. I deal in the gloom and doom. But that doesn’t make me any less welcome in his home. I lower my head as I meet his mother at the threshold, then allow myself a half grin as her arms wrap around me. I am…
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…
Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the…
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!…
Episode 85 of Messy Jesus Business podcast, with Sister Julia Walsh. Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: Email | RSS | More “Sometimes [conversion] just felt so hard to do. I had so many questions and I had so many doubts and it was conveyed to me by more than one person that It shouldn’t be this hard, but I look…
Advent is the perfect time for praying in the dark. We offer you this gift to support you in this endeavor: a prayer service put together by Sister Julia Walsh. To view the Advent prayer service you may scroll through what is on the page here or click the button beneath the display to download…
