The Providence Podcast

Sometimes following God doesn't feel peaceful or certain. Sometimes it feels like taking the next step without knowing where the road will lead. In this Summer Sabbath episode, revisit a contemplative conversation with three Sisters of Divine Providence as we pray with Joseph's story in Matthew's Gospel. Together we reflect on trust, discernment, dreams, and the quiet courage to act even when we c...

Jesus calls us the salt of the earth and the light of the world—but what if you've never quite believed those words were meant for you? In this Summer Sabbath Series episode, we revisit Matthew 5:13–16 and reflect on what it means to be salt and light in a world that often dims people's dignity. Together, we'll explore how God's invitation isn't simply to shine, but to recogniz...

We have some new content for you! In this episode of the Providence Podcast, Sister Leslie is joined by two younger Providence Associates to reflect on a challenging Gospel passage from Matthew. Jesus' words about being "worthy" can stir up questions about whether we're enough, whether we're doing enough, or whether we measure up. But what if this Gospel isn't really abou...

Summer gives us a chance to slow down and listen again. In this Summer Sabbath Series episode, we revisit a reflection on Isaiah's surprising claim that being God's servant is "too little." Together, we'll explore what it means to move beyond simply doing God's work and into a deeper relationship with God. As you listen, consider where God might be inviting you into more—...

As part of our Summer Sabbath Series, we're revisiting a conversation that asks a timeless question: What are you truly hungry for? Originally recorded during Lent, this reflection explores spiritual hunger, simplicity, trust, and the ways God meets us in every season of life. Join Sister Leslie, Sister Judy, and Sister Alice as they explore the Gospel account of Jesus in the desert and the te...

As we move into summer, we’re revisiting a few conversations from this past year that still feel especially meaningful. This is our Summer Sabbath Series—a space to return to what matters, to breathe a little, and to listen again with fresh ears. Reflecting back on this episode, it’s important to remember again that we are God’s beloved. When we let God’s love sink in, it brings peace, courage, an...

What does it mean to follow a God who accompanies rather than condemns? In this Trinity Sunday reflection, we explore one of the Gospel’s most familiar passages — “For God so loved the world…” — and wrestle with the tension between God’s love and the ways Christians sometimes respond to the world with judgment, fear, and exclusion instead of compassion. Together, we reflect on accompaniment, commu...

In this Pentecost conversation from the Providence Podcast, Leslie and Sister Alice reflect on fear, courage, peace, and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our everyday lives. Together they explore what it means to “walk forward afraid”—to keep moving even when uncertainty and fear are still present. Drawing from the Pentecost Gospel of John, they reflect on how Jesus offers peace to the disciples...

The Feast of the Ascension can feel like a story of goodbye — Jesus disappearing into the clouds while the disciples stand staring into the sky. But maybe the Ascension is really a story about transition. In this episode, we reflect on what it means for the disciples to move from followers to leaders, and how that same movement unfolds in our own lives, communities, and church today. How do we ste...

What is the reason for your hope—especially when life feels uncertain, heavy, or just plain hard? In this episode, we explore the difference between optimism and true hope. Drawing from Catholic teaching, lived experience, and insights from Brené Brown, this reflection invites us to reconsider what hope really is—not a fleeting feeling, but a gift from God and a practice we grow into over time. Ev...

Feeling like you don’t belong? This Gospel reflection on John 14 reminds us: in God, there is room for you. In this Christian podcast episode, we reflect on Jesus’ words: “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.” What if that promise isn’t just about heaven—but about your life right now? If you’ve ever felt left out, unsure of your place, or struggled to belong—even within yourself—th...

Are there shortcuts to the spiritual life—or are we all just hoping for an easier way? In a world full of “life hacks” and quick fixes, it’s tempting to think we can speed up our journey of faith. But what if real spiritual growth doesn’t work like that? In this episode, we explore why you can’t “hack” holiness—and why that might actually be good news. Looking at the life of Peter, one of the most...

Have you ever felt close to God one day… and distant the next? Why does your heart sometimes burn with faith—and other times feel slow, distracted, or numb? In this reflection on the Road to Emmaus, we explore what it means to recognize God’s presence in everyday life. The disciples walked with Christ without realizing it, even as their hearts burned within them. Their story speaks to our own spir...

On this Second Sunday of Easter, we'll reflect on Doubting Thomas and discover how we can have doubt and faith at the same time. Our honest meditation will explore how uncertainty, anxiety, and questioning can become openings for God’s grace, inviting us into a slow, transformative encounter with the risen Christ. Glad you're here. by Sister Leslie Keener, CDP Sign up to receive our weekly...

In this Easter podcast episode, we reflect on the Resurrection account from Matthew’s Gospel, focusing on the women at the tomb who were “fearful, yet overjoyed.” What does it mean to trust God and move forward in love, even when we’re afraid? Through personal stories and spiritual insight, we explore courage, discipleship, and how the Risen Christ meets us on the way and calls us to “go and tell....

A Holy Week reflection on Jesus’ cry from the cross and the power of lament. As we enter the Passion, we’re invited to bring our whole selves before God—raw, honest, and real—trusting that even in suffering, God is near. by Sister Leslie Keener, CDP Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www. GodSpaceCommunity.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Subs...

You don’t have to avoid your grief to have faith. God meets you in it. Lent invites us to face what we often try to avoid—grief, loss, and uncertainty. In the Gospel story of the raising of Lazarus, we see that even those closest to Jesus experience sorrow, anger, and doubt. “If only…” is a refrain we know all too well. In this reflection, we explore what it means to move through grief instead of...

We live in a world full of images—perfect photos, curated posts, and the constant pressure to keep up appearances. But Scripture reminds us of something deeper: people see the appearance, but God looks into the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). In this reflection, we explore how easy it is to get caught up in appearances—our own and other people’s—and how that can disconnect us from what’s really happening w...

Have you ever wondered, “Is God even here?” Come along in this reflection as we talk about spiritual dryness, disappointment, and the quiet seasons when God feels silent. Inspired by the Israelites in Exodus and Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman in the Gospel of John, we explore the movement from complaining to contemplation — learning to take a “long, loving look at the real.” What if our...

On this 2nd Sunday of Lent, we hear God’s words to Abram in Genesis: “Go forth.” Leave what is familiar. Step into the unknown. Trust the promise. Abram makes it look simple. But if we’re honest, following God’s call rarely feels easy. In this episode, we reflect on the tension between comfort and calling — the fear that comes with leaving what we know, and the grace that meets us when we do. From...

On the First Sunday of Lent, Sister Leslie is joined by Sisters Judy and Alice for a thoughtful Lenten reflection on the Gospel of Matthew and the Temptation of Jesus in the desert. Together, they explore spiritual hunger, power, fasting, and what it means to be led by the Spirit — even into challenging places. Is Lent about giving something up, or is it an invitation to tenderness, trust, and dee...

Afraid of making the wrong choice? Whether decisions feelbig or small, fear can make us freeze—or rush into the first option that feels safe. In this reflection, we explore how God walks with us through every decision, offering practical guidance and reassurance that most choices can bechanged, no mistake is beyond redemption, and God’s wisdom is compassionate and life-giving. by Sister Leslie Kee...

Jesus calls us the salt of the earth and the light of the world — words meant to affirm our goodness and invite us to shine. But what if shining doesn’t come easily, or doesn’t feel safe for everyone? In this episode, we reflect on salt and light as a shared, communal calling , and on our responsibility to recognize, protect, and uplift the light in one another. by Sister Leslie Keener, CDP Sign u...

Many of us are feeling spiritually worn down. The world feels heavy, the news is relentless, and even prayer can feel distracted, dry, or out of reach. In this reflection on the Sunday readings, we sit honestly with that exhaustion and return to a simple but challenging invitation from Scripture: Seek God. What does it mean to seek God when our bandwidth is low and discouragement runs high? Drawin...

In a time when division feels louder than ever, this reflection asks whether unity is really about thinking alike — or about choosing love, listening, and shared purpose. Drawing from Scripture, community life, and the realities of our political moment, we'll reflect together on what it means to belong to Christ — and to each other. A thoughtful conversation about disagreement, courage, and th...