The HBO show “Newsroom” speculates what a cable news program would look like if it neglected the sensational. It provides a critique of what happens when we allow our emotions and selective perceptions to dictate what we see. If we strip away the sensational and reflect deep on our reactions, we might see things a little more clearly and act with awareness.

We yearn for community particularly when we don’t have it. We see ourselves as separate, but we are part of a whole. Emerson writes that the “wise silence” that connects us can be accessed at any given moment.

After Jesus died on the cross, Mary Magdalene was concerned about his proper burial. Just before the Sabbath, she goes with Joseph of Arimathea to anoint him. She and other women were with him at his crucifixion and burial, remaining steadfast in their faith and love. What would you do?

Christians recognize Good Friday as the day Christ was crucified. Although the story of the crucifixion is well known, we might not know Isaiah’s prophecy of the Suffering Servant. If you can imagine Jesus in this role, this passage is pretty powerful.

Hadewijch was a mystic in the Middle Ages who wrote to fellow women in her community. Here she describes the soul.

Ignatian contemplation has us enter into stories in scripture, using our imagination as part of prayer. Through practice, we see what message God wants us to hear. This passage is read on Palm Sunday—when Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane.

It can be disconcerting to see those who choose a path of greed and deceit arise to power, perverting the Word of God to suit their selfish ways. The Book of Proverbs reminds us that those who choose the upright path will ultimately prevail, because God prevails.

We might crave community and belonging, but do our groups help us and nurture our growth? Thomas Keating tells us to be mindful of the groups to which we conform, especially if the groups serve chiefly those in power.

Our discontent can be a portal of inquiry. Krishnamurti says that when we are satisfied, our minds become fixed. Discontent causes us to question, and it can help us evolve.

We look to our mentors and influencers as perfect, but we don’t know the painful road they have traveled. Hesse tells us not to cling to others who give advice. Instead, follow your own path.