Reflections on the Journey
A.M.D.G.
“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it’s time to pause and reflect.”
Articles & Publications
Year in Reflection: The Jesuit Post’s 10 Most Read of 2021
Review of the 10 most-read TJP articles of 2021. Mike Martinez SJ’s article on the “Year of St. Joseph” came in at #6. | December 31, 2021
The Dress Code of the Heart for Catholic Mass
Mike Martínez SJ responds to a controversial discussion on “How to Dress for Mass”. Modesty begins in the heart. | October 6, 2021
What’s the Point? Let’s ‘Examen’ the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
We have often heard about Jesus in books, art and sermons, but how well do we actually know him? Maybe that’s the whole point of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a devotion celebrated during the entire month of June. Here’s an Examen with the Sacred Heart of Christ. | June 14, 2021
The Year of St. Joseph: Five Essential Lessons for Humanity
During the Year of Saint Joseph, what does this silent saint have to teach our hurting and divided world? Michael Martinez SJ reflects on five of his important lessons for us today. | March 19, 2021
Ignatian Hip-Hop: “Radical Prayer”
Have you ever prayed with rap music? Michael Martinez, SJ released a new album, “Worship Real”. The album’s fourth track, “Radical Prayer,” explores the question of how a deeper prayer life can lead us to live our Christian calling more radically. | March 12, 2021
Discerning the Culture: Movies and TV Shows (Part I)
In a time where screens, digital streaming services and social media consumption seem to be the “daily bread”, is there a way to ensure we are discovering God in all of it? This new series gives some practical tips to discern God’s voice in the culture. This edition is part one of how to discern God’s voice in movies and TV shows. | October 23, 2020
Our Good Friday ‘Wake Up Call’
On this Good Friday, Jesuit rapper, Michael Martinez S.J. produced a music video in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and accompanied with some points for prayer. | April 10, 2020
My Three Jesuit Vows: Living with Radically ‘Open Hands’
Why would anyone ever choose to become poor, chaste and obedient? Michael Martínez, S.J. reflects on the day of his profession of vows and the power of living with Jesus’ ‘open hands.’ | August 28, 2019
Ignatian “Summer-Soul” Workout Plan: Part 2
Time for round two! Coach St. Ignatius of Loyola gives us five more spiritual exercise tips to continue getting that soul “Kingdom-ready”! | July 19, 2019
Ignatian “Summer Soul” Workout Plan: Part 1
It’s summer time! Time to commit to that elusive “summer bod,” but what about that “summer soul”? Coach St. Ignatius of Loyola gives us five spiritual exercise tips to get that soul pumpin’ for the greater glory of God. | June 21, 2019
Jesuit rapper Michael A. Martinez, S.J. releases new “Mask Off God” music video and unmasks the hidden sacredness behind Future’s original song. | April 20, 2018
Taking a ‘Long, Loving Look’ at Kendrick Lamar’s Disturbingly ‘Humble’ Hip-Hop
Michael Martinez, S.J. thinks you’ll be surprised by how much Kendrick Lamar has to teach you about being prophetic in his controversial “Humble” music video. | April 14, 2017
Poetry
Introductory Rites
The first of a series of fourteen sonnets on the Catholic Mass published by America Media | April 06, 2018
”Open Hands” Poem
by Michael A. Martínez, S.J.
Before I go to sleep at night,
I examine my hands,
I make sure they are empty —
for this means I have given it all in my day.
Before I wake up in the morning,
I examine my hands,
I make sure they are empty —
For this means I am ready to receive it all in my day.
When I follow Christ, I examine my hands,
I make sure they are empty and bear his wounds —
For now giving and receiving have become one.
In 2014, I created a poem called "Open Hands" as a synthesis of the 30-day Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. It was not until 2016 that I set it to music. The video tracks various hands in the course of a day as they engage in various activities, all for the greater glory of God. | December 10, 2016
Poem: Sacred Heart of Jesus, Help Me Live (Not Just Read) the Scriptures
Why is it so much easier to read the Scriptures rather than live them? Michael Martínez SJ’s poem asks for the fire of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to inflame our own hearts into prophetic action. | June 25, 2021
Poem on Temptation and Victory: “Nailed and Unnailed Hands”
Feeling overwhelmed by your temptations? Michael Martinez SJ shares a personal poem and reflection that can help us process this internal tension between temptation and victory in our daily lives. | March 26, 2021
Reflections, Speeches & Lectures
Podcasts and Radio Shows
¿Cuál es el propósito verdadero de La Cuaresma?
Radio Paz 830 AM | February 24, 2020
¿Qué es el “Agradecimiento Cristiano”?
Radio Paz 830 AM | November 27, 2019
El Poder del Silencio
Radio Paz 830 AM | June 10, 2019
‘Because Belen’ Podcast: Episode 3
Severin Chambers and Br. Mike Martínez ‘09 discuss Hip-Hop, Racial Justice and their experience of Jesuit Education.
Belen Jesuit | October 16, 2020
Discernment of Spirits Series for College Students and Young Adults
UCatholic Virtual Retreat for Holy Week
Charlas y Publicaciones en Español
Desde la perspectiva de América Latina y el Caribe, “Llamados a la santidad”. En el marco de la celebración del Año Ignaciano, todos los jesuitas y miembros de nuestro Cuerpo Apostólico nos unimos en oración. Esta oración ha sido preparada por el Centro Interprovincial de Formação (CIF) Santo Inácio de Loyola en Brasil. | May 18, 2022
![Biblia: Poder de la Palabra Hoy [Pt. 1] (Caridad Joven)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d6007abe65946651aa07ba/1680321143270-SMM0RJUQT244D6J4Q0FV/Screenshot+2023-04-01+at+12.52.01+AM.png)
![Biblia: Poder de la Palabra Hoy [Pt. 2] (Caridade Joven)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/57d6007abe65946651aa07ba/1681434296091-AGNIUDIS8LVE7VHRDCGN/Screenshot+2023-04-13+at+10.04.38+PM.png)
“ONE-BODY-SPIRIT-MIND” Instagram: Café con Brother Mike Martínez
Entrevista con Michael Martínez S.J. sobre su videoclip, la carta a los artistas de Juan Pablo II y las protestas en EE.UU.
La Carta a Filemón: Poquísimas Palabras, Un Atrevidísimo Pedido
La fe en Jesús trasciende las diferencias de clase, así lo transmite San Pablo en su misiva a Filemón. Mike Martínez SJ comenta esta “joya escondida” de las cartas Paulinas. | Novembro 2022
Ojos digitales para descubrir El Reino de Dios
Comparto mi experiencia con cinco proyectos audiovisuales distintos en estos últimos tres años de estudio en Loyola University Chicago. Cada día reconozco más que la creatividad es uno de los dones que Dios nos regala para experimentar el reino de Dios entre nosotros. | Marzo 2018
Palestras e Publicações em Português
Poema: Meu Deus, não te quero mais
Como passamos de “querer” a Deus para “precisar” de Deus? | 29 de março, 2023
Poema: Jesus, meu despertador
A “conversão” que pede Jesus é algo como acordar nas manhas: cotidiano, sem publicidade e que me faz sair de mim mesmo. | 13 de abril, 2022
Poema: Dor Sorridente
No castelo de São Francisco Xavier em Navarra, Espanha existe um crucifixo chamado "O Cristo sorridente" do século XV. Que passa em mim quando dou-me conta que a dor e o sorriso são dois lados da mesma moeda? Minha dor sorri para mim. | 14 de setembro, 2021
Poema: Mãos abertas
O poema ajuda-nos pedir a graça de ter as mãos vazias necessárias para receber todos os presentes de Deus e as mãos abertas para doar esses presentes a todos com que nos encontremos no caminho. Esta é a meta dos Exercícios Espirituais – a liberdade de e a liberdade para. | 4 de junho, 2021
Temas de Espiritualidade, Teologia e Justiça
Retiros Espirituais
Retiro Quaresmal 2023
As seis apresentações do Retiro Quaresmal 2023 feitas no Centro Loyola-BH desde o 24 de fevereiro até o 31 de março estão disponibilizadas para vocês. A.M.D.G.
RETIRO QUARESMAL 2022
As seis apresentações do Retiro Quaresmal 2022 feitas no Centro Loyola-BH desde o 4 de março até o 8 de abril estão disponibilizadas para vocês. A.M.D.G.
News Articles
Building the Kingdom: Special Assembly 2020
A special assembly was held on December 17 to bid farewell to Brother Michael Martínez, S.J., '09 after serving the Belen Jesuit community for 2 ½ years.
Belen Jesuit | December 17, 2020
Jesuit Scholastic melds rap and faith in Holy Cross webinar
Michael Martínez, S.J. shared his insights with more than 140 College of the Holy Cross students and guests Tuesday night in a webinar titled “Wake-Up Call: Night of Hip-Hop, Faith and Justice.”
Worcester, MA | November 18, 2020
“University of Chicago’s Outstanding Educator Award”: Recognizing Excellence in Education
We are excited to announce that Br. Mike Martinez, S.J. ‘09, and Carlos Maza have been selected for the University of Chicago’s Outstanding Educator Award.
Belen Jesuit | October 2, 2020
Fighting COVID-19 through Rap
Miami Jesuit produces video about pandemic and other plagues.
Miami, FL | June 18, 2020
Class of 2020 Banner: The ‘MMXX Essentials’ Playlist
The following explanation of the Senior Banner was presented by Nicholas Oyarzun ‘20 and Sebastian Alonso ‘20 during the Offertory of the Class of 2020 Baccalaureate Mass on June 15, 2020, at Our Lady of Guadalupe. Francisco Paredes ‘20 approached the altar with the Senior Banner alongside the gifts of bread and wine.
Belen Jesuit | June 18, 2020
Young people sing, praise, and worship at Mercy Night
The young and young at heart from around the archdiocese gathered at St. Thomas University January 31 to listen to some rousing praise and worship before concluding the evening with the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Adoration. The occasion was the annual Mercy Night put on by the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
Miami Gardens | February 5, 2020
Hip-Hop Ministry: Jesuit Scholastic Raps at Fordham
On Oct. 25, Martínez returned to his alma mater, Fordham University, to share how he blends hip-hop with Ignatian spirituality.
Bronx, NY | October 29, 2019
Class of 2019 Banner: An iPad of Memories and Possibilities
During the Baccalaureate Mass on May 15, the Class of 2019 presented its class banner to the Belen community.
Belen Jesuit | May 28, 2019
TEDx: “Don't just listen -- do it”
Known as TEDx, a community-based version of the inspirational organization, the program allied 18 Aquinas students with six professional TED speakers.
St. Thomas Aquinas High School | June 10, 2019
World Youth Day 2019 Panamá
This speech was delivered by Jesuit Scholastic Michael Martinez,'09 to the entire student body, faculty, and staff on January 17, 2019 at a morning assembly in the Garrido Family Plaza.
Belen Jesuit | January 17, 2019
New Ministers for Campus Ministry
The Campus Ministry team for the 2018-2019 academic year will feature a new lineup.
Belen Jesuit | September 6, 2018
Building a Bridge in the Dominican Republic
In just nine days, 51 students from Belen Jesuit along with the people of Batey built a 135-foot bridge in Piedra Blanca, Dominican Republic.
Belen Jesuit | July 13, 2016
Alumnus makes first vows to the Jesuits
Belen alumnus made his first vows to the Society of Jesus at a schoolwide Mass August 28, 2015.
Archdiocese of Miami | September 2, 2015
Interviews & TV Spots
Rapping Seminarian Writes Song to Inspire Students Amid Pandemic
“The Jesuit Rapper” speaks about how he got creative with a fresh approach to engage with students amid the pandemic.
NBC6 In the Mix | Miami, FL
Seminarian uses rap to tackle coronavirus, global concerns
A seminarian and faculty member at a South Florida school took a creative approach to engaging with students about challenging issues during this time of uncertainty, including the coronavirus pandemic.
WSVN 7News | Miami, FL
Personal Meditations
