AMDG: A Jesuit Podcast

Last month, the journalist and Pope Francis biographer Austen Ivereigh sent a detailed list of themes and questions to the Holy Father about the COVID-19 pandemic. Austen figured he wouldn’t hear back. Luckily for us, he was 100% wrong about that. Not only did Pope Francis respond to Austen’s questions, but he sent a long, extremely thoughtful audio recording. His responses make up perhaps the most in-depth interview the Holy Father has ever directed toward the English-speaking world. Austen Ivereigh is today's guest. He talks with host Mike Jordan Laskey about the interview’s backstory, the Holy Father’s most striking answers, plus how Pope Francis’ response to the pandemic has reflected the central values that have characterized his pontificate since the beginning. Read the interview here: https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/time-great-uncertainty Austen's piece on Pope Francis' remarkable Urbi et Orbi address: https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/pope-plague Keep up with Austen on Twitter: https://twitter.com/austeni Subscribe to AMDG wherever you listen to podcasts.

Earth Day 2020 is Wednesday, April 22. Though it will be different this year, as so many shelter at home amidst a global pandemic, our Gospel call to care for creation remains the same. This brief meditation will help you listen to creation and reflect on how you might take part in climate action no matter where you are. Reflection written and read by Eric Clayton

It's coronavirus counter-programming time! Back in early March, before the craziness hit North America, Fr. Tim Kesicki, SJ, president of the Jesuit Conference, sat down with host Mike Jordan Laskey in person (!) for a breezy chat about things like Fr. Tim's favorite dumb accomplishment and what law he'd enact if he was king of his own make-believe country. Also, a funny story about the time he chatted with Pope Francis.

"Father, into your hands I commend my spirit." This is the final in our series on the Seven Last Words of Jesus with Fr. Tim O'Brien, SJ.

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.