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 »
Sunday Readings: Genesis 9.8-15; 1 Peter 3.18-22; Mark 1.12-15 “Immediately after the baptism the Spirit drove Jesus into the desert.” – Mark 1.15 The whole of Mark’s gospel unfolds what awakens in Jesus after living in harmony with God and all creation in the desert. “God’s reign has come near,” Jesus announces. God is near,
Gospel Reflection for February 18, 2018, 1st Sunday of Lent Read More »
Some relationships bring out the best in us; they teach us compassion and forgiveness. Other relationships challenge our values and perceptions of who we are and what we want. Gavin James’ song “Hearts on Fire” is about relationships and the challenges that occur when we’re pulled in different directions. Key lines: Strangers in my head
Music and the Gospel: “Hearts on Fire,” Gavin James 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. These can be challenging times that affect how we see ourselves and our
Music and the Gospel: “Burn So Bright,” Bella Thorne Read More »
Scripture Readings: Leviticus 13.1-2, 44-46; 1 Corinthians 10.31-11.1; Mark 1.40-45 “A leper came to Jesus, imploring him urgently and kneeling as he spoke, ‘If you choose, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him. ‘I do choose. Be made clean.’” – Mark 1.40-41 In Jesus’ time
Gospel Reflection for February 11, 2018, 6th Sunday Ordinary Time 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 “Rockabye” is about how people who love give us strength. Key Lyrics: She tells him “ooh love”
Music and the Gospel: “Rockabye,” Clean Bandit ft. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie Read More »
Scripture Readings: Job 7.1-4,6-7; 1 Corinthians 9.16-19,22-23; Mark 1.29-39 “On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. Jesus came, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her and she
Gospel Reflection for February 4, 2018, 5th Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »