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. Support Imagine: A Guide to Jesuit Prayer by getting a digital subscription to America Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Support Imagine by getting a digital subscription to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  00:00 - Welcome and meditation instructions 02:45 - Breathing exercise and opening prayer 05:15 - Meditation begins Support Imagine by getting a digital subscription to America Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. "Imagine" is made possible by our digital subscribers. To sign up, visit AmericaMagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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? Support the production of "Imagine" by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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? Support the production of "Imagine" by subscribing to America Magazine! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine is proud to share the latest podcast in the America Media family: Hark! The stories behind our favorite Christmas carols. Subscribe to the entire Hark! podcast series online, on apple podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. O Come, All Ye Faithful is a rousing, controversial and some might even say, miraculous Christmas carol! And it’s believed to have a subversive Jacobite rallying call hidden in the text. To peal back the layers of history in this song, Host Maggi Van Dorn is joined by Rev. Andrew Cameron-Mowat S.J., a Jesuit priest at St. Ignatius, Stamford Hill (London), and an accomplished organist and music director. We also hear from Dr. Kim Harris, Assistant Professor of African-American Thought and Practice at Loyola Marymount University, along with a former Choir of King’s College organ scholar, Parker Ramsey. Special thanks to the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge and the Ignatian Schola  for allowing us to play parts of their recordings of Adeste Fideles/O Come, All Ye Faithful.  To support the production of “Hark!” and to access other great Advent reflections from America Magazine staff, please subscribe at americamagazine.org/subscribe.  Related articles: Black spirituals meet the liturgy: Why I composed a Mass for Black Catholics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices