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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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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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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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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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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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. 

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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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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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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?

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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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