Marina's Book
Reflections
Grief in the Easter Season
A few weeks ago, partway through the Easter Octave, my stepfather unexpectedly passed away. The news of his passing initially felt like an impossible interruption of joy, contrary to...
Reflections
Resurrection
In the Resurrection accounts, Jesus’ friends often need time in order to recognize him. Mary Magdalene initially thinks he is the gardener as she sits near the tomb, mourning....
Discernment
Harden Not Our Hearts
An antiphon that we often hear in Lent says, “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15 and Psalm 95:8). This line teaches me a...
Reflections
Loving Our Enemies
To be a Christian means to love one’s enemy. Jesus’ words and his actions alike testify to this idea. Jesus says, “Love your enemies and pray for those who...
Reflections
New Year’s Daydreaming
What if instead of starting with New Year’s resolutions, we began with New Year’s daydreaming?
January is a time when I eagerly peruse the newly arrived seed catalogues for ideas...
Reflections
God Has Hope in Us
Advent is a season of hope and expectant waiting. Yet we are faced with many global crises such as climate change, war, poverty, and racism. I find that in...