“I want to write a longer piece about those bishops who seek to keep some from the table of Christ, but for now I will say this: it is not your table (nor mine). Bishops, priests, etc. are neither the hosts nor the bouncers nor the ones who wrote the guest list. The Eucharist is
Bishops and Communion Read More »
In high school many people come together to form their own social groups. These groups, or cliques, often have expectations about how to dress and act and who to include as a friend. Sometimes we have to sort out who we really are and who we like regardless of what other people expect. The song
Music and the Gospel: “Who Says,” Selena Gomez & The Scene Read More »
Easter celebrates Jesus’ resurrection from the dead and new life. The word resurrection means awakening. Easter calls us to pay attention to holy moments, both in and outside church, and reflect on their meaning. The song “Your Grace Finds Me” is about a renewed sense of awakening and the realization that God’s grace is everywhere. Key lines: It’s
Music and the Gospel: ” Your Grace Finds Me,” Matt Redman Read More »
This week’s SPIRIT is about making room for new dreams. Accepting changes in our plans or setbacks in our hopes isn’t easy. But keeping broken windows open brings in sunlight, new possibilities, and growth. Coldplay’s song “Head Full of Dreams” invites watching for the change we want to be. Key lines: And say it’s true
Music and the Gospel: “Head Full of Dreams,” Coldplay – 5th Sunday of Lent Read More »
God so loves the world that God’s Son becomes one of us. This is Sunday’s gospel message. Jesus’ mission reveals God’s love as he reaches out to all the people he encounters. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you’ve done, or what you’re going through. The song “God, Your Mama, and Me” reminds us
The first readings on Sunday’s during Lent feature great moments in Israel’s history, this week the giving of the ten commandments. SPIRIT explores what the commandments ask of us in our relationship with God and with our families, friends, neighbors, and even people we dislike. The commandments expect us to respect all people because ALL
Music and the Gospel: “Girls Like Us,” Zoe Wees – 3rd Sunday of Lent Read More »
We all experience times when we lose self-confidence and berate ourselves for not being smart enough or good looking enough, for not fitting into what social media, advertising, even our own peers, tell us is the “popular” way to look and act. Experiences like these can make us shrink into ourselves, preventing us from sharing
Music and the Gospel: “I Love Me,” Demi Lovato Read More »
Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law and everyone who crowds his doorway; then he goes on to another village to proclaim the good news of God’s nearness. This is the same Jesus who loves and stands by us. The song “You Walk With Me” is about how God and the people who love give us strength. Key
“You Walk With Me,” Housefires, ft. Kirby Kaple – 5th Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus begins his ministry with these words: “This is the time of fulfilment. The reign of God draws near. Change your attitude and believe in the Gospel.” Jesus serves as the ultimate role model in how we should treat ourselves and each other; he challenges unjust laws and perspectives; he teaches us the importance of
Music and the Gospel: “Brand New Eyes,” by Bea Miller Read More »
“Find your people, do your thing, and be true to yourself in the world — these are the best things. It is worth being lonely while you are searching.” The song “Free” by Sault challenges us to see more in ourselves and our lives than we recognize in our day to day actions. When we
Music and the Gospel: “Free,” Sault – 3rd Sunday of Advent Read More »