John the Baptist said, “I have baptized you in water; the one who is coming will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.” Mark 1.8 John the Baptist preaches repentance and has people who repent wash in water to symbolize their resolve to turn toward God. Bathing washes away the sweat, dirt, and smell of past […]
Gospel Reflection for December 4th, 2nd Sunday in Advent Read More »
“Wake Up,” Arcade Fire, Funeral, Merge Records Gospel Reflection: Jesus warns his disciples to stay awake and aware for his return. This takes reflection and action keeping us doing what needs to be done. Arcade Fire’s “Wake Up” is a song about loving life aware, changing and growing, instead of “falling asleep.” Key Lines: Somethin’
“Wake Up,” SPIRIT Xtra for November 27, 2011 Read More »
Watch! Stay awake! You do not know when the appointed time will come. Mark 13.33 Like us, Jesus’ disciples in Sunday’s gospel want to know what the future will bring. In Mark 13 they ask Jesus when the end will happen. Jesus answers that no one knows when the end will be, not the day,
Gospel Reflection for November 27th, First Sunday of Advent Read More »
“Sing,” My Chemical Romance, Sing – The Deluxe Single, Reprise Records Gospel Reflection: In this Sunday’s gospel Jesus reveals that we will find him when we care for those in need, the ones he calls “the least of these.” He challenges us to live out our faith through helping others. “Sing” encourages us to use
“Sing” – SPIRIT Xtra for November 20, Feast of Christ the King Read More »
The just ask, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you or see you thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you were a stranger and welcome you or naked and give you clothing? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?” “I assure you,
Gospel Reflection for November 20, Feast of Christ the King Read More »
A guest post by Claire Bischoff in reflection of this week’s Gospel Matthew 25:14-30 What do you think are the world’s great hungers? What brings you deep gladness? At my high school, one day each year was set aside for “Vocations Day,” when priests, nuns, and brothers came to talk to our religion classes about their lives.
“Save the World,” Swedish House Mafia, Save the World, EMI Records Gospel Reflection: Sunday’s gospel challenges us to use our gifts and talents. Our gifts are not just for our own good but should enrich our communities. “Save the World” is a song about celebrating these gifts in community. Key Lines: Turn up the love
“Save the World” – SPIRIT Xtra for November 13, 2011 Read More »
Jesus said, “To those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing; even what they have will be taken away.” Matthew 25.29 The moral of this Sunday’s parable seems counter-intuitive to the Gospel messages to which we are most accustomed. What happened to “the last
Gospel Reflection for November 13th, 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
http://youtu.be/Jc_UIUW38ak “Sandcastles,” Kate Voegele, Gravity Happens, Communikate, Inc. Gospel Reflection: Sunday’s gospel shows us the wisdom of being prepared not only for the return of Jesus but for our day-to-day responsibilities as well. “Sandcastles” is a song about the struggle to make wise choices for one’s life. Key Lines: I got these wornout red boots
“Sandcastles” – SPIRIT Xtra for November 6, 2011 Read More »
How do you define violence? What violence are you exposed to in your community? Guest Post from Claire Bishoff in reflection of Matthew 22:34-40 Until very recently, I did not think much about violence. I was confident that my only exposure to it came through the occasional act of violence I saw in a movie
Violence and Human Dignity Read More »