AMDG: A Jesuit Podcast

Though the Church invites us to move from the forty days of Lent into the season of Easter, in this era of pandemic, lock downs and quarantines, many of us may feel as though Lent marches on. Today's guests, authors Brendan McManus, SJ, and Jim Deeds, provide some spiritual solace for us in this time, inspired by their aptly named book, "Finding God in the Mess." Formed in the Troubles of Northern Ireland's brutal conflict, these two men apply Ignatian spirituality to hard, challenging moments. They invite us to do the same. Brendan McManus SJ, an Irish Jesuit priest, works in the area of spirituality and spiritual accompaniment in Belfast. Author of a number of books including Redemption Road: Grieving on the Camino, Finding God in the Mess: Meditations for Mindful Living and Deeper into the Mess: Praying through Tough Times, he is a keen walker, having undertaken a number of pilgrimages. Jim Deeds is engaged in pastoral ministry in Down and Connor diocese, working in helping parishes to develop their vision and potential. A husband and father, Jim has co-authored Finding God in the Mess: Meditations for Mindful Living and Deeper into the Mess: Praying through Tough Times Learn more about their book: https://www.loyolapress.com/sitecore/commerce/products/loyola-press-shop/books/finding-god-in-the-mess And participate in a digital Ignatian retreat for this time of pandemic: Jesuits.org/into-the-cave.

"It is finished." In this penultimate reflection on the 7 Last Words of Jesus, Fr. Tim reflects on death -- and ultimately, why death invites us to hope.

As we face today's pandemic, what we can learn from the 14th Century's Bubonic Plague? Plenty, according to Kean University medieval historian Chris Bellitto. Parallels abound, from the scapegoating of certain communities in both eras to the impact of wealth inequality on who can "socially distance." On the more hopeful side, reflecting on the innumerable faith leaders who gave their lives ministering to the sick in the Middle Ages, Bellitto talks about the huge opportunities religious communities have today to respond to the crisis with compassion and creativity. Chris is a dynamic, funny, accessible teacher who makes history come alive. You'll be fascinated by his perspective. Chris' most recent book is "Ageless Wisdom: Lifetime Lessons from the Bible": http://www.paulistpress.com/Products/4990-2/ageless-wisdom.aspx Learn more about Chris here: https://sites.google.com/a/kean.edu/christopher-m-bellitto-ph-d/

"I thirst." Amid the current global pandemic, we might find these words of Jesus on our own lips. For what do we thirst in this moment?

Since the time of Ignatius, the Jesuits have been on mission. The legacies of Jesuit missionaries like Francis Xavier and Matteo Ricci inspire generation after generation of Jesuits to journey to the margins, to accompany the excluded and to work for a more just, peaceful world. Today’s Jesuits are no different. In this final part of our three-part series, the Jesuit Mission in Jordan, Eric Clayton explores the history of Baghdad College, and the enduring legacy of its Jesuits in Jordan. Learn more about the Jesuits in Jordan by visiting jesuits.org/jordan.

"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Amid the current global pandemic, we might find these words of Jesus on our own lips. Rather than shake our fists in despair, let us find solace in uniting our words with Christ's.

Fr. Michael Rozier, SJ, is a public health professor at St. Louis University. He talked with host Mike Jordan Laskey about approaching the coronavirus as a health professional and priest, Catholic social justice teachings that apply to responses to the pandemic, and the fascinating history of Catholic healthcare.

Fr. Jim Martin, SJ, reflects on how we can draw on the tradition of Ignatian spirituality to respond to the coronavirus pandemic with faith, hope and love.

"Woman, this is your son" . . . "This is your mother." This is the third of the 7 Last Words of Jesus, and the third in our Lenten audio reflections. Fr. Tim O'Brien, SJ, a Jesuit of the Maryland Province, leads us in meditating on how we see the cross in our everyday lives.

About two weeks ago, before Italy's national lockdown, Fr. Paddy Gilger, SJ, traveled to Milan -- epicenter of Europe's coronavirus outbreak to this point. He's still there. Host Mike Jordan Laskey talks to Paddy about the mood in the city plus how as Christians we can respond to fear with compassion and hope.