Recently the CLA community went In Search of the Common Good, with help from presenter Eric Styles.

We're featuring another excerpt this month from a recent Contemplative Leaders in Action (CLA) workshop presented by Meg McNeill, a CLA DC Coordinator, who speaks about her experience with accountable leadership.

"When we're not willing to hold the complexity, the simple answers are the wrong ones...Often times, even people who are pro-immigrant talk about the people that we walk with at the border like heroes. And folks who are anti-immigrant talk about them as villains. But neither of those actually resonate as true. The people we are working with are really ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances." Joanna Williams, the Executive Director of the Kino Border Initiative and Joaquin Pannunzio, a Contemplative Leaders in Action (CLA) New York Alum and former Kino Border Initiative Volunteer, recently joined the CLA community to discuss the theme of "Leading in Complexity." They discuss the complexity of the work of the Kino Border Initiative in accompanying immigrants as well as prayer and contemplation.

So who will you be this Good Friday? What will you be shouting from the crowd? Will it be “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord?” or will it be “Crucify Him!”?

The dying, broken open seed lets in elements like water and minerals that transform it to become something entirely different that produces much fruit. Out of the slow and quiet darkness of the dirt and decay, God works through our spirits to create new life.

In that witness is a love so profound, so transcendent that it can indeed save us, liberating our spirits from that which divides us—whether that’s physical prison walls or spiritual loneliness. Such love connects us to something greater than ourselves, something sacred and eternal.

But God’s words have everlasting life, and Jesus understands our human nature. That can be enough for me to cling on to on those tough days. I pray the same for you, as we all continue to journey through life. This week’s reflection was written by Kate Flores, narrated by Kate André, and presented by Jesuit Connections, a program of the Office of Ignatian Spirituality.

So what do we do with this reading? What kind of God would command someone to do such a thing? What lesson about trust or faith or fortitude is worth the anguish and pain of sacrificing one’s own child? How can we reconcile a God who loves unconditionally with a God willing to do this? This week’s reflection was written by Matthew Ryan-Bender, narrated by Kate André, and presented by Jesuit Connections, a program of the Office of Ignatian Spirituality.

Each year at the start of Lent, I find myself asking some of the same questions: “What are my intentions for this Lenten period?” “What should I fast from this Lent?” “What ‘reset’ button is God asking that I push in my life?” This week’s reflection was written by Amanda McCulloch, narrated by Kate André, and presented by Jesuit Connections, a program of the Office of Ignatian Spirituality.

When Gabriel first speaks to her, Mary is “greatly troubled at what was said.” Greatly troubled! Perplexed! Confused and even disturbed. This is her initial reaction to God’s call. This is perhaps the most relatable and comforting part of the story - Mary doesn’t say yes immediately with no thoughtfulness or reservation. She is rightfully shaken by this astounding news.

As the Jesuit Pierre Telihard de Chardin noted, “we are quite naturally impatient in everything to reach the end without delay.” Advent is after all a season of waiting, of patience. Perhaps our natural impatience is why it can be so overlooked. Yet the four weeks of Advent are nothing compared to the thousands of years of waiting that Israel endured as it looked for the Messiah.

As we journey through this Advent season, may our hearts be open to God’s unique call for each of our lives. It can be frightening and sometimes uncomfortable to recognize and use our gifts to say “yes.” But God tells us over and over again in the Bible, “Do not be afraid.”

The first week of Advent begins with Jesus telling his disciples that no one “knows when the time will come” and urging them to remain watchful so they are not “found sleeping” when the Lord returns. Jesus’ words are a reminder that Advent is not simply “pre-Christmas.” Rather, the Church teaches that it is also a season of preparation for Christ’s second coming. Each year at Advent, I often find myself asking what exactly it means for me to be prepared? Or to put it in Jesus’ words, how can I resist falling asleep?

Fr. Jim Martin, SJ, recently joined the Contemplative Leaders in Action (CLA) community to break open the program's first theme, Cultivating a Contemplative Spirituality. In preparation for their journey, participants read The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything. Listen to our interview with with questions curated by the CLA community.

The large and small ways that we live each day express most fully our faith. We are not defined by our outbursts in times of difficulty. Welcome to the sixth and final week of the Lenten audio retreat, presented by Ignatian Young Adult Ministries, an initiative of the Office of Ignatian Spirituality. This reflection was written by Dominick Mastrodonato, a 2021-2023 member of the Contemplative Leaders in Action (CLA) program in New York City. It is narrated by Kate André, CLA-New York and Virtual Cohort Coordinator. Contemplative Leaders in Action (CLA) is currently accepting applications for their 2023-2025 cohorts. Apply today: contemplativeleaders.org

Through study, prayer, contemplation, and relationships, I am coming to know God as a tender being that resides in the center of my soul, who is listening to my deepest desires and offering abundant wisdom. Welcome to the Fifth Week of the Lenten audio retreat, presented by Ignatian Young Adult Ministries, an initiative of the Office of Ignatian Spirituality. This reflection was written by Amy Sytsma, former Cohort Coordinator of the Contemplative Leaders in Action program in Seattle. It is narrated by Kate André, CLA-New York and Virtual Cohort Coordinator. Contemplative Leaders in Action (CLA) is currently accepting applications for their 2023-2025 cohorts. Apply today: contemplativeleaders.org

“How is my Lent going so far?” I’ve most assuredly failed to live up to my own expectations for how I would create space for the Lord to show up in my life. That is why this Sunday’s readings give me so much hope. Welcome to the Fourth Week of the Lenten audio retreat, presented by Ignatian Young Adult Ministries, an initiative of the Office of Ignatian Spirituality. This reflection was written by James Luisi, a member of the 2021-2023 Virtual Cohort of Contemplative Leaders in Action. It is narrated by Kate André, CLA-New York and Virtual Cohort Coordinator.

Welcome to the Third Week of the Lenten audio retreat, presented by Ignatian Young Adult Ministries, an initiative of the Office of Ignatian Spirituality. The third week of Lent begins with an invitation to accept the living water of Christ. The Gospel acclamation reads, “Lord, you are truly the Savior of the world; give me living water, that I may never thirst again.” This week’s reflection was written by Andria Seneviratne, a member of the 2018-2020 Contemplative Leaders in Action program Washington, DC cohort and current DC Cohort Coordinator It is narrated by Kate André, CLA-New York and Virtual Cohort Coordinator.

Welcome to the Second Week of the Lenten audio retreat, presented by Ignatian Young Adult Ministries, an initiative of the Office of Ignatian Spirituality. Pause, breathe deeply, and notice the Spirit of life around you, wherever you are. If it will help you to light a candle, brew a cup of tea, move to a more comfortable spot, or close your eyes. Be present, as much as you are able, feeling yourself held by the floor, chair, or ground. And for a few more breaths, imagine you are resting in the hands of God as we explore this week’s theme: “Openness, Listening, and Responding to God’s Call.” This reflection was written by Declan Foley, a member of the 2021-2023 Contemplative Leaders in Action program in Boston. It is narrated by Kate André, CLA-New York and Virtual Cohort Coordinator.

Lent is a time to pause and reflect on both our inner spiritual life and our outward life. It is a time to reset and push ourselves to be uncomfortable, to learn and grow forward, to become a better version of ourselves. Welcome to the Lenten audio retreat, presented by Jesuit Connections, a program of Ignatian Young Adult Ministries, an initiative of the Office of Ignatian Spirituality. This week’s reflection was written by Grace Caldara, a member of the 2021-2023 Contemplative Leaders in Action (CLA) program in Boston. It is narrated by Kate André, CLA-New York and Virtual Regional Coordinator.

Welcome to Week 4 of Advent Audio Reflections, presented by Jesuit Connections, a program of Ignatian Young Adult Ministries. As we conclude our series and make final preparations for Christmas, recall the beginning of your Advent journey. Where were you four weeks ago? What were you feeling, discerning, anticipating? How have things shifted since then? Imagine there is an Advent wreath around your heart. Take a moment to light each candle as we turn our attention, one last time, to this week’s theme: “Peace and Mercy.” This week’s reflection was written by Shateara Hall, a member of the 2021-2023 Contemplative Leaders in Action (CLA) Virtual cohort. It is narrated by Kate André, CLA New York and Virtual Regional Coordinator.

Welcome to Week 3 of Advent Audio Reflections, presented by Jesuit Connections, a program of Ignatian Young Adult Ministries. Let’s pause and breathe deeply as we turn our attention to this week’s theme: “Light in the Advent Blue.” This week’s reflection was written by Bri Lazarchik, a member of the 2021-2023 Contemplative Leaders in Action (CLA) Virtual cohort. It is narrated by Kate André, CLA New York and Virtual Regional Coordinator.

Welcome to Week 2 of Advent Audio Reflections, presented by Jesuit Connections, a program of Ignatian Young Adult Ministries. We invite you to pause, breathe deeply, and notice the Spirit of life around you, wherever you are. If it will help you to light a candle, brew a cup of tea, move to a more comfortable spot, or close your eyes, do it! Simply be here, now, as much as you are able today, feeling yourself held by the chair, the ground, and by God as we explore what it means “To Winnow and to Welcome.” This week’s reflection was written by Joaquin Pannunzio, a member of the 2021-2023 Contemplative Leaders in Action (CLA) program in New York City. It is narrated by Eric Clayton, Deputy Director of Communications for the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States.

Welcome to the Advent Audio Reflections, presented by Jesuit Connections, a program of Ignatian Young Adult Ministries. We’ll provide a short audio reflection on a theme or liturgical reading from each week in Advent. We hope these clips will deepen our personal and collective preparation for Christmas. Let’s pause for the next several minutes, take a deep breath, and enter intentionally into the First Week of Advent as we contemplate “Plans and Preparation.” This week’s reflection was written by Monika Hyatt, a member of the 2021-2023 Contemplative Leaders in Action (CLA) program in Boston. It is narrated by Kate André, CLA New York and Virtual Regional Coordinator.

Welcome to the Sixth and Final Week of the Lenten audio retreat, presented by Ignatian Young Adult Ministries. we have arrived at Holy Week. As we conclude our series and make final preparations for Easter, recall the beginning of this Lenten season. Where were you on Ash Wednesday? What were you feeling that First Sunday in Lent? How have things shifted? Take a moment to return once more to the Heart of things as we explore our final theme: “Savor the Unfolding Story.” This reflection was written by Henry Frank and narrated by Kate André. PDFs of these written reflections, along with prayers and reflection questions, are available at ignatianyoungadults.org/lent.

Welcome to the Fifth Week of the Lenten audio retreat, presented by Ignatian Young Adult Ministries. As we enter into prayer, imagine there is a light in your heart, growing brighter with every breath. Shine the light from the crown of your head to the soles of your feet. Observe with compassion any tension, distractions, or desires that may want to pull you from the present moment as we explore this week’s theme. This reflection was written by Mary Beth Cassidy and narrated by Kate André. PDFs of these written reflections, along with prayers and reflection questions, are available at ignatianyoungadults.org/lent.

Welcome to the Fourth Week of the Lenten audio retreat, presented by Ignatian Young Adult Ministries. This week began with Laetare Sunday, which means we’re halfway through our Lenten journey! Laetare is Latin for “Rejoice!” As we begin our prayer, consider: How has joy manifested in your life recently? What has helped you “rejoice,” even in the midst of difficult circumstances? To what extent are you feeling far from or connected to God, your spiritual home, your beloved community, and yourself? Acknowledge the stirring of the Spirit as we dive into this week’s theme: “Remembering and Growing in Love.” This reflection was written by Seán Patrick Sanford and narrated by Kate André. PDFs of these written reflections, along with prayers and reflection questions, are available at ignatianyoungadults.org/lent.

Welcome to the Third Week of the Lenten audio retreat, presented by Ignatian Young Adult Ministries. As we enter into prayer together, begin to scan your body from the crown of your head to the soles of your feet. Notice if you are holding any tension, experiencing any sensations, and breathe. Invite God to be with you as you listen to this week’s reflection. This reflection was written by Elise Gower and narrated by Kate André. PDFs of these written reflections, along with prayers and reflection questions, are available at ignatianyoungadults.org/lent.

Welcome to the Second Week of the Lenten audio retreat, presented by Ignatian Young Adult Ministries. We invite you to intentionally pause the busyness of ordinary life: get still, breathe deeply, and listen closely as we explore this week’s theme: “Awakening to the Extraordinary.” This reflection was written by Joe Williams and narrated by Kate André. PDFs of these written reflections, along with prayers and reflection questions, are available at ignatianyoungadults.org/lent.

Welcome to Lenten Audio Reflections, presented by Ignatian Young Adult Ministries. We invite you to pause, breathe deeply, and notice the Spirit of life around you, wherever you are. Simply be here, now, as much as you are able today, feeling yourself held by the floor, chair, or ground. And for a few more breaths, imagine you are resting in the hands of God as we explore this week’s theme: “Desiring More in the Desert.” This reflection was written by Lauren Gaffey and narrated by Kate André. PDFs of these written reflections, along with prayers and reflection questions, are available at ignatianyoungadults.org/news-feeds/lent-reflection-series. Each week during Lent, we’re providing a short audio reflection on a theme or liturgical reading from that week to deepen our personal and collective preparation for Easter.

Welcome to Lenten Audio Reflections, presented by Ignatian Young Adult Ministries. Each week during Lent, we’ll provide a short audio reflection on a theme or liturgical reading from that week. These reflections will deepen our personal and collective preparation for Easter. In anticipation of Ash Wednesday, let’s pause for the next several minutes, take a deep breath, and return to the heart of the Lenten season. This reflection was written by Sindy Collazo and narrated by Kate André. PDFs of these written reflections, along with prayers and reflection questions, are available at ignatianyoungadults.org/news-feeds/lent-reflection-series

Welcome to the Fourth Week of the Advent audio retreat, presented by Jesuit Connections and Charis Ministries. As we conclude our series and make final preparations for Christmas, recall the beginning of your Advent journey. Take a moment as we turn our attention, one last time, to this week’s theme: “The Loving Gaze.” This reflection was written by Patrick Farmer and narrated by Kate André.

Welcome to the Third Week of the Advent audio retreat, presented by Jesuit Connections and Charis Ministries. Let’s pause and breathe deeply as we turn our attention to this week’s theme: “Gratitude and Joy." This reflection was written by Chris Miller and narrated by Kate André.

Welcome to the Second Week of the Advent audio retreat, presented by Jesuit Connections and Charis Ministries. We invite you to pause, breathe deeply, and notice the Spirit of life around you, wherever you are. Simply be here, now, as much as you are able today, feeling yourself held by the chair, the ground, and by God as we explore this week’s theme: “Peace in Suffering.” This reflection was written by Aimee Della Porta and narrated by Kate André.

Welcome to the Advent audio retreat, presented by Jesuit Connections and Charis Ministries. We’ll provide a short audio reflection on a theme or liturgical reading from each week in Advent. May these clips deepen our personal and collective preparation for Christmas. Now, pause for the next several minutes, take a deep breath, and enter intentionally into the First Week of Advent as we seek to “Unveil Hope.” This reflection was written by Jennifer Sawyer and narrated by Kate André.