Scripture Readings: Mark 11.1-10, Isaiah 50.4-7, Philippians 2.6-11, Mark 14.1-15.47 Again the high priest asked Jesus, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus said, “I am.” – Mark 14.61-62 A woman breaks open an alabaster jar of costly ointment and pours it on Jesus’ head. Israel anointed its kings for office […]
Gospel Reflection for March 25, 2018, Passion/Palm Sunday Read More »
Some experiences can shake our faith. Something goes wrong, or we watch someone we love suffer pain. During these times, it can be a challenge to feel God’s presence. We may ask ourselves “why does God allow suffering?” The song “Look After You” is a reminder that even when we feel most alone, God is
Music and the Gospel: “Look After You,” Aron Wright, Palm/Passion Sunday Read More »
Scripture Readings: Jeremiah 31.31-34, Hebrews 5.7-9, John 12.20-33 “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it will bear much fruit.” – John 12.24 The grain of wheat metaphor in John’s gospel uses the transforming process we call growth
Gospel Reflection for March 18, 2018, 5th Sunday of Lent Read More »
This week’s SPIRIT is about letting go of something to make room for something better. Letting go of dreams or accepting changes in our plans isn’t easy. But making room opens us up to new possibilities and growth. Arty’s song “Supposed to Be” suggests all our experiences take us right where we’re supposed to be.
Music and the Gospel: “Supposed To Be,” Arty, 5th Sunday of Lent Read More »
Sunday Readings: 2 Chronicles 36.14-16, 19-23; Ephesians 2.4-10; John 3.14-21 “God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but so the world might be saved through him.” – John 3.17 Jesus’ mission is not to condemn the world but to save it. He calls us who believe in him to
Gospel Reflection for March 11, 2018, 4th Sunday Ordinary Time 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 “You Are Loved” reminds us all that
Music and the Gospel: “You are Loved,” Stars Go Dim, 4th Sunday of Lent Read More »
Scripture Readings: Exodus 20.1-17; 1 Corinthians 1.22-25; John 2.13-25 “Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” – John 2.6 Jesus seeks to reclaim the temple as a place of prayer rather than commerce. His short explanation is a great Tweet: “Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” His disruptive actions of dumping out money and
Gospel Reflection for March 4, 2018, 3rd Sunday for Lent Read More »
Lent scripture readings include 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 are equal in the
Music and the Gospel: “Superwoman,” Alicia Keys, 3rd Sunday of Lent Read More »
Scripture Readings: Genesis 22.1-2, 8, 10-13, 15-18; Romans 8.31-34; Mark 9.2-10 “This is my son, my beloved. Listen to him.” – Mark 9.7 Each year the Church reflects on Jesus’ transfiguration on the 2nd Sunday of Lent. The vision challenges us to look toward Easter, to envision our hopes and prayers for transformation and renewal
Gospel Reflection for February 25, 2018, 2nd Sunday of Lent Read More »
Jesus reveals who he is more fully Peter, James, and John in the transfiguration gospel this Sunday. The vision anticipating Jesus’ resurrection scares, confuses, and amazes the three disciples. Fear can cause us to hide our true selves from those around us. It can keep us from recognizing who someone else really is; it can
Music and the Gospel: “Do Right,” Glades, 2nd Sunday of Lent Read More »