Scripture Readings: Exodus 17.3-7; Romans 5.1-2, 5-8; John 4.5-42 “Many Samaritans from that village believed in Jesus on the strength of the woman’s testimony.” – John 4.39 The Samaritan woman meets Jesus at Jacob’s well. He asks for a drink. In their conversation the woman from Samaria moves from misunderstanding to seeking living water, coming […]
Gospel Reflection for March 19, 2017, 3rd Sunday of Lent Read More »
This week’s Spirit discusses relationships, dating, and What it means to be in a healthy relationship? The high school years are prime time for making friends and dating. Most of us spend those years within a wide circle of friends and, as we get older, we start to pair off into more exclusive relationships. When
Music and the Gospel: “Love,” Lana Del Rey, 3rd Sunday of Lent Read More »
Scripture Readings: Genesis 2.1-4; 2 Timothy 1.8-10; Matthew 17.1-9 “This is my beloved Son, on whom my favor rests. Listen to him.” – Matthew 17.5 Matthew’s account of the Jesus’ transfiguration is the preeminent story of transformation, a crossroads event. Just a few verses earlier Jesus tells his followers for the first time that he
Gospel Reflection for March 12, 2017, 2nd Sunday of Lent Read More »
This week’s Spirit tackles our ideas of self-image and beauty. High school can be a difficult time. A lot of personal and social changes are taking place; we’re constantly trying to fit in and fit an image of who we think we should be and who people will accept. Trying to live up to these
Music and the Gospel: “Scars To Your Beautiful,” Alessia Cara, 2nd Sunday of Lent Read More »
School, work, extra curricular activities—all come with expectations: that we get good grades, do a good job, and perform at the top of our game. But what do we do when the pressure builds up and challenges the expectations we have of ourselves? Something Just Like This reminds us that we don’t have to be
Scripture Readings: Genesis 2.7-9; 3.1-7; Romans 5.12-19; Matthew 4.1-11 “Away with you, Satan. Scripture says, ‘You shall worship the Holy One your God; only God shall you adore.’” – Matthew 4.10 Each year the temptation story from one of the synoptic gospels is the gospel for the 1st Sunday of Lent. The devil in the
Gospel Reflection for March 5, 2017, 1st Sunday of Lent Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 49.1-5; 1 Corinthians 4.1-5; Matthew 6.24-24 “Which of you by worrying can add a moment to his or her lifespan? As for clothes, why be concerned? Learn a lesson from the way the wild flowers grow. They don’t work; they don’t spin. Yet I assure you, not even Solomon in all his
Gospel Reflection for February 26, 2017, 8th Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
In the day-to-day shuffle, we cyberbeings often forget to unplug and recognize the beauty in the world around us. Sometimes that beauty takes a little work to uncover, whether it’s cleaning up a road ditch or a deserted piece of land. This week’s Spirit reminds us that we live in communion with Earth and that
Music and the Gospel: “The Garden,” Kari Jobe Read More »
Turning the other cheek when someone hits you is an act of nonviolence, of stopping violence rather than taking it to another level. Whether a bully by choice or a child soldier by force, fighting leads to more fighting, violence feeds violence. Jesus challenges us to stop the payback cycles, “to love our enemies, pray
Music and the Gospel: “Rise,” Katy Perry Read More »
Scripture Readings: Leviticus 19.1-2, 17-18; 1 Corinthians 3.16-23; Matthew 5.38-48 “You have heard it said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy,’ but I say to your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for God makes the sun to rise
Gospel Reflection for February 19, 2017, 7th Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »