We sometimes feel God’s presence in our life in surprising ways. Sometimes we can find God by taking a simple walk and connecting with the world around us. Other times, God’s presence arises in times of personal pain and darkness, times when we wonder “why me?” This week’s SPIRIT makes us aware that taking a […]
Music and the Gospel: “Arms Open,” The Script, 4th Sunday of Advent Read More »
Grace VanderWaal challenges us to see more in ourselves and our lives than we recognize in our day to day actions. When we recognize and cultivate our talents, we can find ways to lead and work for good. In doing this, we follow John the Baptist, who “gave witness to the light.” When we share
Music and the Gospel: “So Much More Than This,” Grace VanderWaal, 3rd Sunday of Advent Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 61.1-2,10-11; 1 Thessalonians 5.16-24; John 1.6-8, 19-28 “A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.” – John 1.6-7 John’s gospel begins with 18 verses about the preexistent Word who becomes flesh in Jesus. These verses include
Gospel Reflection for December 17, 2017, 3rd Sunday of Advent Read More »
Family traditions and rituals give us strength, teach us the meanings behind the things we celebrate, and connect us with our extended family and others around us. The song “That’s Christmas to Me” is not just a list of the things we value about the feast day but a reminder of the traditions we love
Music and the Gospel: “That’s Christmas To Me,” Pentatonix Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 40.1-5,9-11; 2 Peter 3.8-14; Mark 1.1-8 “One more powerful than I will come after me.” – Matthew 1.7 Advent prepares us o celebrate the incarnation–God becoming one of us. Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us, the one Israel’s prophet Isaiah promised God would send. By loving us as one of us, Jesus
Gospel Reflection for December 10, 2017, 2nd Sunday of Advent Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 63.16-17,19; 64.2-7; 1 Corinthians 1.3-9; Mark 13.33-37 “Stay awake, for you do not know when the owner of the house will come.” – Matthew 13.35 Advent begins a new Church year with a gospel about the end of all things. Instead of a date for the end, Jesus gives us a
Gospel Reflection for December 3, 2017, 1st Sunday of Advent Read More »
This week’s Spirit is about waking up to what is happening in the world around us. It is easy to put off unpleasant issues and can be challenging to convince others of a problem we see. Maggie Rogers’ song “Alaska” is about taking a challenging path alone, sometimes without the people we love, and moving
Music and the Gospel: “Alaska,” 1st Sunday of Advent Read More »
Sunday Readings: Ezekiel 34.11-12,15-17; 1 Corinthians 15.20-26,28; Matthew 25.31-46 “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you or see you thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we you were a stranger and welcome you or naked and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit
Gospel Reflection for November 26, 2017, Feast of Christ the King Read More »
The last Sunday of the liturgical year celebrates Jesus as Christ the King, who promises to judge us on whether we do the works of mercy. Catholic social teaching challenges us to these same actions. We can all take part in helping those who need food, clothing, water, shelter whether it’s donating resources or helping
Sunday’s gospel is about investing in our talents. SPIRIT encourages us to look at our talents and gifts and to use them. Who benefits from our gifts, who beside ourselves? Do we use our gifts to enrich our spirit, team, and community? The song “Champion” is about how champions are forged out of their experiences
Music and the Gospel: “Champion,” Fall Out Boy, 33rd Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »