This week on a special episode of “Jesuitical,” Ashley, Zac and Jesuitical producer Sebastian have a conversation with Dr. James Finley about first-half-of-life mysticism. Jim is a clinical psychologist and faculty member at the Center for Action and Contemplation where he teaches and writes on the Christian mystical tradition. He’s also the host of the podcast, “Turning to the Mystics.”
Prayer
Posted inFaith in Focus
The Lenten practice that transformed my life
Was I, indeed, being selfish by spending so much time contemplating why I couldn’t do something that God might want me to do, rather than actually doing it?
Posted inFaith in Focus
My Lenten Letters and the Woolly Bear Caterpillar
The Lenten letters I sent to my lapsed, dying father changed how I thought about coming to faith.
Posted inPodcasts
Preaching the pillars of Lent: Prayer
What is prayer? And maybe more importantly for preachers—what are we inviting people into when we stand in the pulpit and speak about it? As “Preach” continues its Lent 2026 series, we turn to the three classical pillars that shape the season: prayer, fasting and almsgiving.
Posted inFaith in Focus
How to be an extraordinary Catholic during Ordinary Time
There is no reason that Ordinary Time must be ordinary. It can be special if we use it to deepen our experience of the Scriptures and prayer.
Posted inFaith in Focus
A Catholic convert’s ecumenical journey—and prayer for Christian unity
I couldn’t have explained it while it was happening, but there have been moments in my life when I quickly and intimately connected with an absolute stranger. I’ll find myself confiding the most personal of details to this person in line at the grocery store, or at a party or on the sidewalk. Or I […]
Posted inPodcasts
Podcast: Spiritual advice you don’t want to miss for 2026
This week on “Jesuitical,” Ashley and Sebastian get some spiritual wisdom for the new year from Eric Sundrup, S.J., the vice president for mission and ministry at Xavier University and longtime spiritual director of the show.
Posted inPodcasts
How do I reset my spiritual life in the New Year?
In my conversation with Brother Paul Quenon, O.C.S.O., on the premiere of the second season of “The Spiritual Life” podcast, we tackled six questions we’ve gotten from listeners and viewers over the last year. We thought that having a Trappist and a Jesuit, given their different spiritual perspectives, address the same questions would make for […]
Posted inThe Good Word
How to become God’s dream for you
A Homily for the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, by Father Terrance Klein
Posted inThe Good Word
Can we mind meld with God?
A Homily for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, by Father Terrance Klein