Hello friends,

In case you missed yesterday's email, I have been sick for the last week and a half, which means that you did not imagine it if, sometime during your week, you thought to yourself, "Have I not gotten a new episode of 'Stories' this week?"

I hope the richness of this week's reflection from the TNJ Archives makes up for the loss and helps you enter into a richer preparation for the coming Pentecost.

Peace and All Good,

LATEST EPISODE

Easter to Pentecost: Discover the Power of Mutual Presence in the Eucharist

'Stories and Other Things Holy' Episode 30:

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REFLECTION:

Presence Is Never One-Sided

Joshua Minden

Dear Friends,

Over the past week and a half—laid up with illness—I’ve been reminded in a surprisingly profound way of how intertwined our vulnerabilities and our connections truly are. In our latest episode, Terry’s retelling of Cesar Chávez’s encounter with his grandson crystallized for me an essential truth: presence is never one-sided. Just as those farmworkers pressed in close to Chávez and he leaned in, declaring “It’s mutual,” God continually leans toward us even when we feel distant, unheard, or unwell.

This mutual presence doesn’t demand perfection; it thrives in our very imperfections. In moments when our bodies falter or our spirits tire, the Holy Spirit offers rest and renewal, inviting us to lean into relationship rather than performance. As we move from Easter’s awe into Pentecost’s promise—the birthday of the Church—we’re called to practice presence as both gift and discipline. It means showing up for our own hearts, offering space for God’s voice amid distractions, and extending that attentiveness to others whose stories intersect ours.

My prayer for you this week is that, in every weakness and every waiting season, you’d sense that God’s presence is as eager to meet you as you are to receive it. May that realization shift your posture from passive observance to active engagement—ready to feast at the table of grace and to share that grace abundantly with every person you encounter.

Gracercise #1

Heartbeat Listening

• Sit comfortably and place one hand over your heart.

• Breathe slowly and focus on the rhythm of your heartbeat—your life’s own liturgy.

• Whisper to God: “I’m here. I hear you. It’s mutual.” Notice any thoughts or emotions that surface, trusting they’re part of this shared moment.

Gracercise #2

Mutual Presence Journal

• Divide a page in two columns. Label one “God’s Presence” and the other “My Response.”

• Over the next 24 hours, jot down at least three moments when you felt God drawing near (a word, a song, a conversation).

• In the adjacent column, write how you responded or could respond in gratitude or action.

Gracercise #3

Surprise Me, Lord

• Choose a simple, daily routine—pouring coffee, washing dishes, walking to work—as your “table.”

• Before you begin, silently dedicate that moment to God: “This is for You.”

• As you proceed, offer up one petition or thanksgiving in your heart, remembering that every act can become an encounter with the Divine.

Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson

Principal Storyteller

Dr. Terry Nelson-Johnson is a dynamic storyteller and theologian whose engaging narrative weaves together the rich tapestry of Jesus’ story with our own life journeys. With a passion for narrative theology, poetry, and humor, he invites us to embrace the mystery of grace and spirit. As the mind behind Soul Play and a guiding voice in retreats and faith formation, Terry’s reflections inspire us to see the sacred in every story and every day.

Joshua Minden

Producer & Host

Joshua Minden is the host and technical force behind 'Stories and Other Things Holy.' With a rich background in youth ministry and Franciscan spirituality, he uses the art of storytelling to spark transformation, healing, and community connection. As founder of Amplify and a skilled communicator, Joshua creates spaces where faith, hope, and shared humanity come alive through every episode.