//podcastplus.net/feed/podcast~8b1f193e5fd2e28c38f631e57622f2d8d2536329a6bc73807fbe05a08809f585 This podcast is sponsored by SOULPLUSGRACE serving the San José area, offering grief support and grief journeying with spirituality.  I hope to help you travel through grief with God at your side. "I am a trained Spiritual Director for those who seek to complete the 19th Annotation of St. Igantius’ spiritual exercises OR seek spiritual direction while grieving.  I have also worked as a hospital/cemetery chaplain and grief doula. I believe all paths lead to God and that all traditions are due respect and honour. I take my sacred inspiration from all of my patients and companions–past, present and future; the Dalai Lama, James Tissot, St. John of the Cross, the Buddha, Saint Teresa of Ávila, and, of course, Íñigo who became known as St. Ignatius. I utilize art, poetry, music, aromatherapy, yoga, lectio divina, prayer and meditation in my self-work and work with others. I believe in creating a sacred space for listening; even in the most incongruous of surroundings."BACKGROUNDJesuit Retreat Center, Los Altos, CA -- Pierre Favre Program, 3 year training to give the Spiritual Exercises of Saint IgnatiusCentro de Espiritualidad de Loyola, Spain -- The Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola -- 30 Day Silent Retreat/Center for Loss & Life Transition – Comprehensive Bereavement Skills Training (30 hrs) Ft. Collins, COCalifornia State University Institute for Palliative Care--Palliative Care Chaplaincy Specialty Cert. (90 hrs)Sequoia Hospital, Redwood City, CA -- Clinical Pastoral Education19th Annotation with Fumiaki Tosu, San Jose, CA, Spiritual Exercises of St. IgnatiusSanta Clara University, Santa Clara, CA M.A. – Pastoral MinistriesCONTACT ME:  candeelucas@soulplusgrace.com with questions to be answered in future episodes. Mon, 05 Oct 2026 01:55:38 +0000 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1932279/episodes/17888145-love-conquers-grief.mp3 Send us a text Today we explore a traditional Rosh Hashanah reading from 1 Samuel about Jonathan's loyal friendship with King David, and; extracts powerful lessons for those on a grief journey. The biblical story demonstrates how love transcends hatred, and ultimately has the healing power to mend our deepest wounds. Especially grief. • Examination of the biblical story of Jonathan protecting King David from King Saul • Love is greater than hate, physical harm, and can heal all wounds • Love, especially God's love, can accompany us through our grief journey • True and faithful love for God rewards us both in this life and beyond If you have questions about spiritual direction while grieving, or grief support or grief groups in your community, my contact information is in the show notes. SPIRITUAL DIRECTION WHILE GRIEVING IS AVAILABLE Art:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/vasonaArts?ref=seller-platform-mcnav and  https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/candee-luc... Fri, 26 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1932279/episodes/17888145-love-conquers-grief.mp3 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1932279/episodes/17862643-letting-go-grief-and-attachment.mp3 Send us a text Today we explore how our attachments to physical objects transform during grief. Loss requires us to reconsider what we hold onto and why, as we weave grief into the fabric of our lives rather than trying to overcome it. • Grief isn't something to "get over" but something we integrate into our lives • Moving to a new home revealed how many things I was willing to let go • St. Ignatius teaches about "disordered attachments" that keep us from being closer to God • Examining our attachments can help us move forward in grief SPIRITUAL DIRECTION WHILE GRIEVING IS AVAILABLE Art:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/vasonaArts?ref=seller-platform-mcnav and  https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/candee-lucas https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F2SFH4Z6 Music and sound effects today by:    via Pixabay Fri, 19 Sep 2025 23:00:00 +0000 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1932279/episodes/17862643-letting-go-grief-and-attachment.mp3 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1932279/episodes/17790848-breaking-the-silence-of-grief.mp3 Send us a text When we're grieving, our culture of rugged individualism often tells us to face losses alone, but healing requires the presence of others. This episode explores why seeking support during grief isn't weakness but essential wisdom for moving forward. • Grief and loss are inevitable in life but nearly impossible to manage alone • Many avoid seeking help due to fear of appearing weak, being vulnerable, or being judged • Past experiences with grief can provide strength for facing present losses • Journal writing helps put grief on paper and bring emotions into focus • Taking the risk of being vulnerable is frightening but essential for healing • Establishing your rights as a grieving person includes permission to express emotions your way • Sharing tough questions with trusted companions helps process loss • Feeling anger is natural, but talking about it helps break its grasp • You have the right to be happy and to laugh even while grieving • S... Fri, 12 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1932279/episodes/17790848-breaking-the-silence-of-grief.mp3 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1932279/episodes/17790555-spiritual-lifelines-god-s-companionship.mp3 Send us a text Today we explore how to walk with God during grief when prayer feels impossible and faith seems distant. Grief creates natural spiritual questions as we navigate the physical, emotional, and psychological shifts that come with significant loss. • Picture God on your side rather than as the cause of suffering • God's compassionate presence walks with us through our pain • Trust God's nearness even when feelings suggest otherwise • Call on good memories to help navigate present darkness • Find at least one thing each day to be grateful for • Pray your pain by expressing real feelings to God • Try alternative prayer forms like walking, music, or open hands • Look for God in unexpected ways like nature or acts of kindness • Make time for solitude where invisible healing occurs • Be patient with yourself as healing takes time • Find support through others' stories of loss and resilience • Remember God keeps vigil over you as a lov... Fri, 05 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1932279/episodes/17790555-spiritual-lifelines-god-s-companionship.mp3 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1932279/episodes/17753857-joy-in-mourning.mp3 Send us a text Today explore the delicate subject of experiencing happiness in the midst of grief, examining how these seemingly contradictory emotions can coexist.  • Life continues moving forward regardless of our personal grief, which can feel jarring and isolating • Happiness can emerge unexpectedly during grief through events like births, engagements, or achievements • Biblical passages often describe joy and sorrow as concurrent experiences rather than opposing emotions • Pain and joy are grounded in different realities - we can't stop pain from coming, but we can keep joy from disappearing You can reach me at: candeelucas@soulplusgrace.com . SPIRITUAL DIRECTION WHILE GRIEVING IS AVAILABLE Art:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/vasonaArts?ref=seller-platform-mcnav and  https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/candee-lucas https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F2SFH4Z6 Music and sound effects today by:    via Pixabay Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1932279/episodes/17753857-joy-in-mourning.mp3 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1932279/episodes/17699752-notes-from-a-grief-journal.mp3 Send us a text Journaling serves as both a memorial and milestone marker on our grief journeys, allowing us to process complex emotions and track our healing progress over time.  Journal entries spanning several years document my experiences with various losses and the spiritual dimensions of grief. • Grief journaling helps memorialize our journey and provides perspective on how far we've come • Personal journal entries reveal the complex, non-linear nature of grief processing • Spiritual themes weave throughout the journaling process, showing how faith can anchor us • Metaphorical language helps express grief emotions that defy straightforward description • The journey through grief includes moments of both profound despair and glimpses of comfort • Writing creates a safe space to express emotions that might otherwise remain bottled up A new episode drops every Friday morning on Spotify, Amazon, and Apple. If you have questions about grieving or spiritual direction, my co... Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1932279/episodes/17699752-notes-from-a-grief-journal.mp3 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1932279/episodes/17626864-a-medieval-prayer-manual-speaking-to-modern-grief.mp3 Send us a text Grief creates a profound rupture in our lives, affecting us spiritually, psychologically, emotionally, and physically. The 14th century spiritual classic "The Cloud of Unknowing" offers wisdom for navigating the darkness of grief through contemplative prayer. • Focuses on prayer as an act of will and love rather than intellect • Offers practical guidance for being fully present in prayer during difficult times • Emphasizes that even short, simple prayers are sufficient for connecting with God • Encourages embracing "the proper awe of the Lord" as foundation for wisdom • Provides comfort in knowing that souls aligned with God "are immediately heard" • Parallels between the "unknowing" in contemplative practice and grief journeys Consider what helps you approach prayer with a willing attitude during your grief journey.   You can reach me at: candeelucas@soulplusgrace.com . SPIRITUAL DIRECTION WHILE GRIEVING IS AVAILABLE Art:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/v... Fri, 15 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1932279/episodes/17626864-a-medieval-prayer-manual-speaking-to-modern-grief.mp3 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1932279/episodes/17626686-silence-in-the-storm.mp3 Send us a text We explore Karl Rahner's profound spiritual insights from "Encounters with Silence," focusing on finding God within the ordinary routines of daily life. Rahner, a Jesuit priest and influential 20th century theologian who helped shape Vatican II, offers wisdom particularly relevant to those experiencing grief. • Karl Rahner entered the Society of Jesus in 1922 and was ordained in 1932 • Rahner's vision provided theological support for openness and dialogue between Christians • His spirituality acknowledges the challenge of finding God amidst life's "empty noise" and "meaningless fury" • Rahner personally experienced grief through the loss of relatives and friends • He suggests the only path to God must lead "through the very middle of ordinary life" • The interior person can find rest and activity unified in the same experience • Divine love transforms routine activities into a "homecoming" to God "https://www.amazon.com/Encounters-Silence... Fri, 08 Aug 2025 15:00:00 +0000 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1932279/episodes/17626686-silence-in-the-storm.mp3 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1932279/episodes/17594234-st-ignatius-wisdom-through-grief.mp3 Send us a text Experience how St. Ignatius of Loyola would counsel someone experiencing fresh grief through spiritual wisdom, emotional sensitivity, and practical guidance based on his teachings and spirituality. These approaches help navigate grief by fostering deeper connection with God, finding meaning in suffering, and cultivating hope even in our darkest moments. • Acknowledge pain and invite God's presence - bringing raw emotions to prayer • Engage in discernment to navigate difficult emotions - distinguish between consolation and desolation • Find meaning in suffering - connect grief to Christ's suffering while trusting in the promises of resurrection • Cultivate gratitude and hope - recalling moments of love with the deceased • Seek community support - avoiding isolation and finding ways to honor your loved one • Trust God's providence - surrendering grief while taking one step at a time You can find me on Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple. You can... Fri, 01 Aug 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1932279/episodes/17594234-st-ignatius-wisdom-through-grief.mp3 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1932279/episodes/17562546-finding-light-in-darkness-a-conversation-with-st-ignatius-on-grief.mp3 Send us a text Candee Lucas, a grief chaplain and spiritual director trained by the Jesuits at Santa Clara University, presents an imaginative interview with St. Ignatius of Loyola exploring spiritual approaches to grief and loss. The 500-year-old saint offers compassionate guidance for those experiencing profound sorrow after losing a loved one. • Recognizing "desolation" - when grief makes us feel distant from God - and continuing simple prayer practices • Using the Ignatian Examen to notice small glimpses of God's presence even in times of deep sorrow • Viewing suffering as a path to growing closer to Christ, who also experienced human pain • Finding meaningful ways to honor lost loved ones through volunteer work, charity, or personal rituals • Practicing gratitude for memories and the continuing bonds of love that extend beyond death • Praying the Suscipe to surrender grief while maintaining connection to both loved ones and God • Looking for "consolations" - small sig... Fri, 25 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +0000 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1932279/episodes/17562546-finding-light-in-darkness-a-conversation-with-st-ignatius-on-grief.mp3