Send us a text Losing a mother is an odyssey of the heart that reshapes our world in profound ways. Today, we share with you a constellation of prayers from across faith traditions, offering solace. We traverse the Christian faith, with its embrace of God's grace, to the serene acceptance of life's impermanence found in Taoist wisdom. Next, we extend our hands to the comforting words of the Aztecs, the Cherokee's blessings, and the Jewish articulation of communal sorrow. We also witness the Budd...
May 10, 2024•14 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Send us a text Today we delve into the heart's deepest sorrows, discovering how to emerge with a spirit refined by the trials we endure. From anger to bewilderment, together we seek the serene guidance of the divine, finding solace in the promise of a future free of the weight of our present pain. Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Google Podcasts, Apple, Amazon Music, Spotify, or follow us on the Facebook pages of Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Los Altos, California, or Calvary Cemetery in San...
May 03, 2024•9 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Send us a text As we traverse the landscape of loss, the contours of grief are as familiar as they are daunting. We hope to lead you toward the light of faith that pierces the darkness because of the cyclical nature of mourning. Like the travelers on the road to Emmaus, we too can find unexpected companionship in Christ's presence, though He may at first seem a stranger alongside our weary path. Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Google Podcasts, Apple, Amazon Music, Spotify, or follow us o...
Apr 26, 2024•12 min•Season 3Ep. 16
Send us a text This episode is a pilgrimage through the landscape of sorrow, where we consider the ways in which grief transforms us, drawing us into a deeper communion with God's expansive heart; where the idea of resurrection poses profound questions about the eternal embrace of divine love. Join us as we consider the transformative power of grief and the enduring promise that resurrection offers solace and strength to our bereaved hearts. Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Google Podcast...
Apr 19, 2024•12 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Send us a text Embarking on a journey through memory's garden, we embrace the profound impact of spiritual legacies left by those we've loved and lost. This intimate encounter with a prayerful melody exemplifies the powerful resonance of personal faith in the midst of grief. Realize the significance of being eternally treasured by God. Discover the indelible mark of faith and love that endures beyond the veil. Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Google Podcasts, Apple, Amazon Music, Spotify,...
Apr 12, 2024•11 min•Season 3Ep. 14
Send us a text Journey with me as we uncover the transformative teachings of Easter; how they can illuminate our paths and provide solace, casting a new light on our everyday struggles. Discover the boundless love that transcends the veil of mortality, and how it can lead us to a horizon brimming with hope, grace, and divine Love. Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Google Podcasts, Apple, Amazon Music, Spotify, or follow us on the Facebook pages of Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Los Altos, Cali...
Apr 05, 2024•7 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Send us a text As we confront the profound loss and disorientation following the crucifixion, we take a deeply introspective turn, inviting you to walk beside those who mourned at the foot of the cross. We witness Mary's ocean of grief for her son, while Peter's guilt for denying Jesus is laid bare, each narrative a raw and unfiltered account of human vulnerability and resilience. Mary Magdalene's despair resonates with anyone who has faced the void left by a loved one's passing, and Nicodemus's...
Mar 29, 2024•13 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Send us a text This week's conversation takes us to the cusp of Holy Week, where we find solace in Jesus's ultimate prayer and his teachings that have profoundly shaped lives across centuries. As we weave through the narrative of sacrifice and boundless love, we highlight the significance of these principles in the fabric of families, communities, and empires. This episode is an offering of solace, a recognition of the inscription of love eternally etched upon our hearts, and an affirmation of t...
Mar 22, 2024•11 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Send us a text This week's discussion paves the way for understanding and comfort as we navigate the path of loss and bereavement. The profound wisdom of Jesuit theologian Karl Rahner, explores the continuum of our souls and the indelible connection we maintain with those who have passed on. Through the lens of faith, we contemplate the transformative power of death, seeking solace in the thought that our loved ones are not lost to us but are instead "transfigured into light, into power, into lo...
Mar 15, 2024•9 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Send us a text An unexpected encounter with a homeless man during Lent became a canvas for exploring the depths of grief and the promise of redemption. This episode of Solace lays bare the soul's journey through sorrow and the search for divine love. With Lent as our backdrop, we unravel the threads of self-punishment and the profound realization that we are eternally cherished by God. Jan Richardson's "Beloved is Where We Begin," offers a beacon of hope that assures us we are not alone in our d...
Mar 08, 2024•9 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Send us a text Have you ever wondered how your faith can become your refuge amidst the overwhelming waves of grief? Through the lens of Jesus' own abandonment, we find a mirror for our loneliness in loss, and consider the temptation of "magical thinking" that Joan Didion so poignantly described. It's a journey to remember the transformative nature of faith and the ever-present embrace of God's love. Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Google Podcasts, Apple, Amazon Music, Spotify, or follow ...
Mar 01, 2024•13 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Send us a text As we wander through the desert of our sorrows during Lent, how do we find our way to the oasis of peace? Together, let's carry our grief as a testament to love's enduring flame, staying present with Jesus in the wilderness. Self-compassion is our compass in this terrain; it's through our collective narratives and steadfast faith that solace is found. Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Google Podcasts, Apple, Amazon Music, Spotify, or follow us on the Facebook pages of Gate o...
Feb 28, 2024•9 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Send us a text As we traverse the silent deserts of Lent, our souls often stumble upon the rough terrain of grief. Together, we confront mortality and seek the solace that faith provides, sharing a prayer that interweaves our need for comfort with the cyclical nature of life reflected in Ecclesiastes. Embarking on this spiritual expedition requires stillness, an open heart, and a listening ear to the whispers of the eternal love that surrounds us amidst the tumult. This episode is an invitation ...
Feb 16, 2024•12 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Send us a text This week, we’ll walk through the echoes of Isaiah 12, finding reassurance in the Lord's triumphant love that remains our beacon, even in the darkest moments of despair. As we wander the labyrinth of bereavement, we will consider the importance of looking not just ahead, but also turning our gaze backwards, where a tapestry woven from memories with our departed, the touchstones of our shared history, and the bedrock of our faith await us. We will embrace the idea that the love we ...
Feb 09, 2024•13 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Send us a text When the unimaginable happens and a life is snatched away before its time, the wake of grief is deep and wide. This special episode touches on the tender subject of loss, particularly the profound sorrow that comes with the passing of the young. It's a journey through the ache of unfulfilled dreams and the silent echoes of milestones that will never be reached, seeking comfort in the embrace God. This conversation is a circle of healing that extends to anyone navigating the turbul...
Jan 29, 2024•14 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Send us a text In this episode, we address the heart-rending loss of a spouse, providing solace through prayers, reflections, and the calming words of Psalm 23. We encourage you to trust in God's plan, and to hold onto the hope of reuniting. This is much more than a podcast; it's a sanctuary for your soul in times of sorrow. As we honor our losses, cherish the memories of our loved ones, and acknowledge God's presence in our hearts, together we will heal, one step at a time. Be sure to subscribe...
Jan 26, 2024•13 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Send us a text Do you often find yourself yearning for a deeper connection with the Divine, especially in periods of grief? This episode takes you to the silent void of your mind, where a spiritual listening awaits, a place not anticipating a specific message, but a space open to receiving the transformative word of God. In the midst of our grief, we often find comfort and solace in the dark, patiently awaiting divine intervention. It's in this quietude that we feel the lingering love of those w...
Jan 19, 2024•9 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Send us a text Have you ever been caught in the throes of grief, only to find that love and spirituality seem to be missing from the conversation? That's a gap we intend to bridge in this episode, as I, Candi Lucas, reflect on a podcast that left me yearning for a deeper exploration of the role of love in healing from grief. Drawing from the teachings of Jesus on love, we'll delve into death anxiety and how to find solace in God's presence amidst loss. Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Goo...
Jan 12, 2024•13 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Send us a text Today, we're taking a deep and reflective journey down a river to explore this profound comparison, as we examine the ebbs and flows of sorrow. This episode contains prayer from Peter Mayer, offering a comforting perspective on grief and God's omnipresence during such times. Embark on this spiritual journey with us, Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Google Podcasts, Apple, Amazon Music, Spotify, or follow us on the Facebook pages of Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Los Altos, Cali...
Jan 05, 2024•10 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Send us a text Feeling the ache of a lost Father or Grandfather? Want to find solace and connection in the midst of your grief? This episode provides an exploration into the comforting power of religious prayers from around the globe. We've unearthed the profound strength, hope, and peace that prayers from religious traditions such as Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism can provide you during these times of sorrow. These guiding lights offer not just solace, but also a sense of ...
Dec 29, 2023•11 min•Season 2Ep. 54
Send us a text I n today's episode we finish our exploration this year of what it means to experience grief in a time of anticipation of joy. With thanks to the writers who gave us the Psalms and the letters of St. Paul. As the holiday season unfolds, do you find your heart torn between joy and grief? Drawing from the poignant tale of Mary's joy and loss of Jesus, we're reminded of the promise of his reawakening during this holy season. Together, we shed light on the profound symbolism of the ad...
Dec 22, 2023•14 min•Season 2Ep. 53
Send us a text I n today's episode we continue to explore what it means to experience grief in a time of anticipation of joy. With thanks to the Prophet Isaiah. In the midst of the holiday season, we explore this unique intermingling of sorrow and anticipation, enlightening our journey from darkness to light. We delve into the significance of the Advent wreath as a symbol of our journey, prompting an interesting question: What miracle are we waiting for in our grief? Be sure to subscribe to this...
Dec 15, 2023•12 min•Season 2Ep. 52
Send us a text Advent is a time marked by anticipation and hope, but for those in the grip of grief, it can be a season of sorrow. So, allow yourself the space to grieve, to lament, and trust in the healing presence of God. In this season of waiting and anticipation, let's find hope in the promise of restoration God offers. Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Google Podcasts, Apple, Amazon Music, Spotify, or follow us on the Facebook pages of Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Los Altos, California,...
Dec 08, 2023•14 min•Season 2Ep. 51
Send us a text In today's episode we explore what it means to experience grief in a time of anticipation of joy. With thanks for an article by Hayley Wachdorf. Did you ever feel a profound sense of loneliness and sorrow amid the festive cheer of Advent? You're not alone. Many of us grapple with the paradox of Advent – a time of waiting, filled with both joy and grief. The world around us is ablaze with the glow of celebration, while the heart within struggles with loss and pain. But remember, th...
Dec 01, 2023•8 min•Season 2Ep. 50
Send us a text What would you do for the one you love? Would you stand before a stranger, plead for a miracle, and let faith guide your path? That's the journey we embark on today, through the eyes of Justa. The story of Justa and her daughter Bernice is a testament to perseverance and the immeasurable power of a mother's love. Despite being outsiders, their faith in Jesus's abilities never wavered, reminding us of the healing power of love and the importance of holding onto faith. Uncover the d...
Nov 24, 2023•13 min•Season 2Ep. 49
Send us a text Today we talk about the Holy Spirit and how the early church described the Holy Spirit as breath, as wind, using both the Hebrew and the Greek words for breath. So we can calm as we grieve and know that this is the Holy Spirit accompanying us, is with us, is noticing us, breathe in and breathe out. The journey through grief can often feel like a lonely one, but you're not alone. Whether you're longing for spiritual direction, struggling with surrender, or simply seeking a comforti...
Nov 17, 2023•8 min•Season 2Ep. 48
Send us a text Drawing strength from the teachings of Jean-Pierre Caussade, SJ, a French Catholic Jesuit writer. His wisdom on the sacrament of the present moment, a state of self-abandonment to the needs of the current moment, can provide a profound sense of peace during challenging times. The journey through grief can often feel like a lonely one, but you're not alone. Whether you're longing for spiritual direction, struggling with surrender, or simply seeking a comforting voice, this episode ...
Nov 10, 2023•11 min•Season 2Ep. 47
Send us a text SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't seen it or finished it--some subplots are revealed and discussed. This week's episode is inspired by the popular series 'Ted Lasso', and shines a light on unaddressed grief and the profound implications it can have on a person's life. We explore how silence can breed more solitude, why sharing our stories is so crucial, and the power of just being there for someone in their grief. Be sure to subscribe to this podcast on Google Podcasts, Apple, Amazon ...
Nov 03, 2023•11 min•Season 2Ep. 46
Send us a text Have you ever wondered how to navigate the treacherous waters of grief with grace and faith? Today, we acknowledge our anger and seek solace in the protective shield of God's love. As we walk through this valley of shadows, we remind ourselves that divine love heals and reassures us of His presence in our pain. And amidst all this darkness, we echo a gentle reminder - be kind to yourself. In this journey of a thousand steps, remember, you are not alone. So, join us in this episode...
Oct 27, 2023•10 min•Season 2Ep. 45
Send us a text Today we honor those who've tragically lost their lives to hate and violence, expressing our heartfelt solidarity with a centuries-old Jewish ritual of comfort, Kaddish. This episode is a tribute to the resilience and fortitude of the Jewish community worldwide and a profound reflection on our collective yearning for peace. Join us on this journey of healing, fueled by faith, prayer, and a mutual desire for reconciliation. "Saying Kaddish: How to Comfort the Dying, Bury the Dead, ...
Oct 20, 2023•17 min•Season 2Ep. 44
