Imagine: A Guide to Jesuit Prayer

Introducing "Preach: The Catholic Homilies Podcast" Jun 19, 2023

We have an exciting new podcast from America Media to share with you. It’s called “Preach: The Catholic Homilies Podcast.”

On each episode listeners will first hear an inspiring homily, especially delivered for the podcast, and then take a privileged peek into the heart and mind of the preacher in a conversation with the host, Jesuit priest and America’s associate editor, Ricardo da Silva, S.J.

Whether you’re a preacher looking for inspiration or a Catholic in the pews, who believes like Pope Francis, that Catholic homilies could use some work, I hope you’ll check out the Preach podcast!

To give you a taste of the show, we’re sharing this week’s episode of Preach, featuring America’s editor in chief, Sam Sawyer, S.J.

Listen to more episodes of Preach.

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Imagine S4.E8. - Paul's dramatic encounter with Jesus changed him–and the world May 01, 2022

The conversion of Paul–from persecutor of Christians to missionary disciple–is one of the most dramatic in the Christian tradition. In this episode of Imagine, we’ll reflect on the story as told in the Acts of the Apostles. In the years following Jesus' death and resurrection, Saul of Tarsus was actively working to persecute the early church. He asked for permission from the High Priest to go to Damascus to arrest and persecute the Christians there. While on the journey, a bright light shone around him and he heard the voice of Jesus. This experience left him blind until a disciple of Jesus found him in Damascus, restored his sight, and baptized him. Known thenceforth as "Paul", his story reminds us that no matter our past, Jesus calls us to join him in spreading the Good News of God’s love and mercy.

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Imagine S4.E7 - Having doubts about the resurrection? So did the apostle Thomas. Apr 23, 2022

From the very beginning, people doubted the resurrection of Jesus. In this episode of Imagine, we’ll focus on one apostle, Thomas, who couldn't bring himself to believe the testimony of the other disciples who had encountered the risen Jesus.

The story of "doubting Thomas" is found only in the Gospel of John. When the other disciples tell him they encountered the risen Jesus, Thomas says that he would only believe if he could see Jesus for himself and place his hands in his wounds. The next time Jesus appears to them, Thomas is there and Jesus invites him to touch his wounds. Jesus shows his compassion by giving Thomas exactly what he needed. This reminds us that each story of calling and conversion is unique, including our own, because Jesus seeks to meet us wherever we are on our journey.

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Imagine S4.E6 - Conversion takes time. Ask the disciples on the road to Emmaus Apr 16, 2022

In this episode, as we continue reflecting on stories of conversion, we’ll look at the resurrection appearance of Jesus to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, found only in the Gospel of Luke. In this story, two disciples are walking away from Jerusalem after the death of Jesus. As they try to process the traumatic event, Jesus himself joins them, though they don’t recognize him.

Jesus helps them to understand the suffering and death of the Messiah through scripture and they finally begin to recognize him when he breaks bread with them. These disciples had certain expectations about the Messiah, but were disillusioned when Jesus was put to death. Their conversion was one of being called to a more profound faith in the redemptive suffering of Christ.

Luke tells us that their hearts were burning within them. What does it feel like? Let's imagine it together.

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Imagine S4.E5. - Converting at the moment of death Apr 09, 2022

In this episode of Imagine, we’ll focus on the story of Jesus’ crucifixion as told in the Gospel of Luke. In this version of the crucifixion, Jesus is nailed to the cross and placed between two criminals. One of the criminals joins the crowd in taunting him. The other defends Jesus, recognizing his innocence. Whatever crime he had committed, this man earnestly pleads with Jesus, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He reminds us that Jesus can be found in the most unlikely of places, and is always happy to welcome us home.

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Imagine S4.E4. - Jesus encounters the woman at the well Mar 26, 2022

In this episode, we’ll reflect on the story of the woman at the well, found only in the Gospel of John (Chapter 4:4-42). While traveling through Samaria, Jesus encounters a woman alone at a well and asks her for a drink of water. Jesus’ interaction with her is shocking for both the woman and his disciples. Jesus is a Jewish man and it is unusual for him to talk to a woman in public, let alone a Samaritan woman since there was great hostility between Jews and Samaritans. This encounter leaves the woman changed as she becomes an unlikely messenger for the Messiah and a sign that Jesus’ message was meant for all people.

00:00 - Welcome and meditation instructions
02:45 - Breathing exercise and opening prayer
05:15 - Meditation begins

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Imagine S4.E3 - A sinful woman walks into the room. What do you do? Mar 19, 2022

Imagine the tension in the room as a known sinner walks in and starts weeping at Jesus' feet. She's a mess. Simon, the Pharisee hosting the party, is not pleased. “If this man were a prophet," he says to himself, "he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him; that she is a sinner.” Watch Jesus. How does he respond to the woman? How does he respond to Simon?

"Imagine: A Guide to Jesuit Prayer" is a podcast that guides you through a form of prayer called Ignatian Contemplation, in which you use your imagination to see and interact with various scenes from Scripture.

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Imagine S4.E2 - Levi the tax collector dropped everything to follow Jesus. Would you? Mar 12, 2022

Sitting at his customs post, Levi the tax collector must have gotten some angry glares. After all, tax collectors were despised for collaborating with the Roman authorities and were unwelcome in the Temple or at dinner with upright Jews. But Jesus looked at him in a different way; in a way unlike anyone had ever looked at him before. Imagine this scene unfold as Jesus calls Levi who leaves everything to follow him. As they dine together at Levi's house, the scribes and Pharisees balk and question Jesus' practice of eating and drinking with sinners and tax collectors. Prayerfully watch the tension unfold in your mind. How do you feel in this moment?

New to Imagine? Listen to this "Imagine" Explainer: What is Ignatian Contemplation?

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Imagine S4.E1 - Jesus Calls His First Disciples at the Sea of Galilee Mar 05, 2022

When Jesus calls to a group of fishermen at the Sea of Galilee, they leave everything behind to follow him. The story is simple, but powerful. What was it about this man and his invitation that inspired them to go with him? In what ways have we heard the simple call to, “Follow me”? IMAGINE: A Guide to Jesuit Prayer is a podcast that introduces a form of prayer called Ignatian Contemplation, in which you use your imagination to interact with various scenes from Scripture. In this first episode of Season Four, Jesus calls his first disciples.

New to Imagine? "Imagine" Explainer: What is Ignatian Contemplation?

Support the production of "Imagine" by subscribing to America Magazine!

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Imagine Season 4: Called and converted by Jesus Mar 02, 2022

Lent is a time of personal and communal conversion, when we acknowledge that God calls each one of us to draw closer and we examine the ways in which we need to grow in response to that call. Calling and conversion are also major themes of the Ignatian Year, which marks the 500th anniversary of St. Ignatius' conversion after being struck by a cannonball.

This new season of Imagine: A Guide to Jesuit Prayer focuses on stories of calling and conversion in the New Testament. In each episode, we will experience the many different ways in which Jesus calls people into relationship with him. Some are sudden, dramatic moments like St. Paul on the road to Damascus; others are more subtle like the woman who meets Jesus at the well. No matter how they are called, each figure continues to grow and learn what it means to be a follower and friend of Jesus.

Join Tucker Redding, S.J., on this all-new Lenten journey . Episodes will release on Saturdays, starting on March 5th.

If you're new to Ignatian contemplation or just want a refresher on this type of prayer, check out our explainer episode.

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Introducing: Hark! The stories behind our favorite Christmas carols Dec 22, 2021

Imagine is proud to share the latest podcast in the America Media family: Hark! The stories behind our favorite Christmas carols.

Subscribe to the entire Hark! podcast series online, on apple podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

O Come, All Ye Faithful is a rousing, controversial and some might even say, miraculous Christmas carol! And it’s believed to have a subversive Jacobite rallying call hidden in the text. To peal back the layers of history in this song, Host Maggi Van Dorn is joined by Rev. Andrew Cameron-Mowat S.J., a Jesuit priest at St. Ignatius, Stamford Hill (London), and an accomplished organist and music director. We also hear from Dr. Kim Harris, Assistant Professor of African-American Thought and Practice at Loyola Marymount University, along with a former Choir of King’s College organ scholar, Parker Ramsey.

Special thanks to the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge and the Ignatian Schola

for allowing us to play parts of their recordings of Adeste Fideles/O Come, All Ye Faithful.

To support the production of “Hark!” and to access other great Advent reflections from America Magazine staff, please subscribe at americamagazine.org/subscribe.

Related articles:

Black spirituals meet the liturgy: Why I composed a Mass for Black Catholics

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Imagine S3.E8 - Jesus Appears by the Sea and Heals Peter Apr 04, 2021

The resurrected Jesus reveals himself to Peter and the disciples by the sea. After catching nothing through the night, a man tells the disciples to cast their nets again, and they catch a huge number of fish. They realize that it is Jesus and eat with him on the shore. Afterwards, Jesus asks Peter, “Do you love me?” Focus on Peter in this story and his own need for healing and reconciliation.

Find more reflections and resources for Lent and Easter at: https://www.americamagazine.org/lent2021

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Imagine S3.E7 - Agony in the Garden and Peter’s Denial Apr 02, 2021

In this episode, we’ll reflect on the events that take place following the last supper. We’ll keep watch with Jesus as he prays in the garden. Accompany Peter as he watches Jesus’ trial from a distance and witness his heartbreaking denial of his friend and teacher. Details will be taken from each of the Gospel accounts. What do these events teach us about Jesus’ experience of human suffering?

Find more reflections and resources for Lent and Easter at: https://www.americamagazine.org/lent2021

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Imagine S3.E6 - The Woman with a Hemorrhage Mar 26, 2021

“If I but touch his clothes, I shall be cured.” - Mark 5:28

A woman who had been afflicted with a hemorrhage for years believes that if she just touches the garments of Jesus, she will be cured. Pray with this moment of great faith and her encounter with Jesus.

Find more reflections and resources for Lent at: https://www.americamagazine.org/lent2021

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Imagine S3.E5 - The Healing of the Blind Man Mar 19, 2021

“What do you want me to do for you” - Mark 10:51

As Jesus passes by with a large crowd, the blind man Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus, “Son of David, have pity on me.” When the crowd tries to silence him, Bartimaeus calls out even louder. Witness this healing encounter between Jesus and the blind man who can see who he truly is.

Find more reflections and resources for Lent at: https://www.americamagazine.org/lent2021

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Imagine S3.E4 - The Woman Caught in Adultery Mar 12, 2021

“Has no one condemned you? Neither do I condemn you.” - John 8:10-11

While Jesus is preaching at the Temple, a group of scribes and Pharisees bring before him a woman who was caught in the act of adultery. They seek to condemn her, but Jesus treats her with mercy. What can we learn about the healing love of God through this encounter?

Find more reflections and resources for Lent at: https://www.americamagazine.org/lent2021

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Imagine S3.E3 - Jesus heals a paralytic Mar 05, 2021

“Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Rise and walk’?” - Luke 5:23

While Jesus is speaking in a crowded home, a group of people go to extraordinary lengths to bring their friend before him for healing.

Find more reflections and resources for Lent at: https://www.americamagazine.org/lent2021

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Imagine S3.E2 - Jesus calls (and heals) Peter Feb 26, 2021

“Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” - Luke 5:8

Jesus calls on Peter and his partners to cast their nets into the deep, where they catch a huge number of fish. Peter responds with a moment of vulnerability. See how Jesus responds.

Find more reflections and resources for Lent at: https://www.americamagazine.org/lent2021

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Imagine S3.E1 - The Temptation of Jesus Feb 19, 2021

Released on Fridays during Lent, new episodes of "Imagine" will introduce you to a form of prayer called Ignatian Contemplation, in which you use your imagination to interact with various scenes from Scripture.

First Friday of Lent: “At once the Spirit drove him out into the desert, and he remained in the desert for forty days, tempted by the devil.” - Mark 1:12-13. Before Jesus began his ministry of healing and reconciliation, he faced his own temptations in the desert. Join him in the desert as he faces these temptations and is ministered to by angels.

Find more reflections and resources for Lent at: https://www.americamagazine.org/lent2021

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Imagine S2.E6 - Visitation of the Shepherds Dec 25, 2020

“When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’” Angels announce the birth of Jesus to the poor and lowly shepherds of the region. Join them to visit the newborn Jesus.

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Imagine S2.E5 - The Nativity Dec 24, 2020

“She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” - Luke 2:1-5

Accompany Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and witness the birth of Jesus.

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Imagine S2.E4 - Journey to Bethlehem Dec 19, 2020

“Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.” Travel with Mary and Joseph on the long and rough journey to Bethlehem.

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Imagine S2.E3 - The Visitation Dec 12, 2020

“Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” In this episode, we witness the Visitation, when Mary travels to see her relative Elizabeth.

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Imagine S2.E2 - The Annunciation Dec 05, 2020

“Hail Mary, the Lord is with you.” In this episode in the Advent/Christmas season of Imagine, we witness the Annunciation, as Gabriel announces the birth of Jesus to Mary and awaits her response.

For more Advent content from America Media, click here.

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Imagine S2.E1 - The Incarnation Nov 28, 2020

What would it be like to witness the Incarnation from God’s point of view? This first episode of the Advent/Christmas season of Imagine focuses on a unique contemplation from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits. Pull back and meditate on all of creation while witnessing the great love of God who enters into human history at a decisive moment in response to humanity's longing. This sets the stage for the rest of the Advent and Christmas seasons, which will take us from the Annunciation to the birth of Jesus.

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Imagine S1.E10 - Jesus Appears to Mary of Magdala May 31, 2020

Welcome to Imagine: A Guide to Jesuit Prayer from America Media, a Jesuit Ministry.

This podcast will guide you through a form of prayer called Ignatian Contemplation, in which you use your imagination to see and interact with various scenes from Scripture.

In this episode, we follow Mary of Magdala to find the empty tomb of Jesus.

Today's episode focuses on the account found in John 20: 1-18

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Imagine S1.E9 - The Tomb of Jesus May 31, 2020

Welcome to Imagine: A Guide to Jesuit Prayer from America Media, a Jesuit Ministry.

This podcast will guide you through a form of prayer called Ignatian Contemplation, in which you use your imagination to see and interact with various scenes from Scripture.

In this episode, we spend time at the tomb of Jesus.

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Imagine S1.E8 - The Way of the Cross May 31, 2020

Welcome to Imagine: A Guide to Jesuit Prayer from America Media, a Jesuit Ministry.

This podcast will guide you through a form of prayer called Ignatian Contemplation, in which you use your imagination to see and interact with various scenes from Scripture.

In this episode, we walk with Jesus as he carries his cross. Since there are so many details in the Gospels between the Last Supper and Jesus' crucifixion, we will focus on just a few moments between his trial with Pilate and his death on the cross.

Scripture:

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Imagine S1.E7 - The Last Supper May 31, 2020

Welcome to Imagine: A Guide to Jesuit Prayer from America Media, a Jesuit Ministry.

This podcast will guide you through a form of prayer called Ignatian Contemplation, in which you use your imagination to see and interact with various scenes from Scripture.

In this episode, we'll join Jesus and the disciples at the Last Supper.

Today's episode is based on the followed scripture passages:

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Imagine S1.E6 - Jesus Enters Jerusalem May 31, 2020

Welcome to Imagine: A Guide to Jesuit Prayer from America Media, a Jesuit Ministry.

This podcast will guide you through a form of prayer called Ignatian Contemplation, in which you use your imagination to see and interact with various scenes from Scripture.

In this episode, we witness Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem, where a crowd greets him by laying cloaks and palm branches before him.

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Imagine S1.E5 - Jesus Raises Lazarus May 31, 2020

Welcome to Imagine: A Guide to Jesuit Prayer from America Media, a Jesuit Ministry.

This podcast will guide you through a form of prayer called Ignatian Contemplation, in which you use your imagination to see and interact with various scenes from Scripture.

In this episode, we witness Jesus raising his friend Lazarus from the dead.

This account comes from John 11: 1-44

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Imagine S1.E4 - Walking on Water May 31, 2020

Welcome to Imagine: A Guide to Jesuit Prayer from America Media, a Jesuit Ministry.

This podcast will guide you through a form of prayer called Ignatian Contemplation, in which you use your imagination to see and interact with various scenes from Scripture.

In this episode, we witness Jesus walking on water. Today's episode will focus on the version of this story found in the Gospel of Matthew, in which Peter walks to Jesus on the water.

Jesus walking on water can be found in these passages:

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Imagine S1.E3 - Feeding the Multitude May 31, 2020

Welcome to Imagine: A Guide to Jesuit Prayer from America Media, a Jesuit Ministry.

This podcast will guide you through a form of prayer called Ignatian Contemplation, in which you use your imagination to see and interact with various scenes from Scripture.

In this episode, we will focus on the story of Jesus feeding the 5000 with 5 loaves and 2 fish, which can be found in all 4 Gospel accounts.

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Imagine S1.E2 - The Call of the Disciples May 31, 2020

Welcome to Imagine: A Guide to Jesuit Prayer from America Media, a Jesuit Ministry.

In this podcast, we'll guide you through a form of prayer called Ignatian Contemplation, in which you use your imagination to see and interact with various scenes from Scripture.

In this episode, we witness Jesus calling his first disciples, specifically, the story of Peter and the miraculous catch of fish.

The following passage can help you reflect further on this episode: Luke 5: 1-11

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Imagine S1.E1 - The Baptism of Jesus May 31, 2020

Welcome to Imagine: A Guide to Jesuit Prayer from America Media, a Jesuit Ministry.

In this podcast, I’ll guide you through a form of prayer called Ignatian Contemplation, in which you use your imagination to see and interact with various scenes from Scripture.

In this episode, we join Jesus at the Jordan river, where we'll witness John the Baptist speaking to the crowd and baptizing Jesus.

The following passages can help you reflect further on the baptism of Jesus:

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Introducing: Imagine - What is Ignatian Contemplation? May 20, 2020

America Media is excited to introduce a new podcast called IMAGINE: A Guide to Jesuit Prayer. In this series, we will introduce you to a form of prayer called Ignatian Contemplation, in which you use your imagination to interact with various scenes from Scripture. In this preview, we'll talk about Ignatian Contemplation and what you can expect from this series.

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