Sunday Readings: Isaiah 35.1-6,10; James 5.7-10; Matthew 11.2-11 John the Baptist sends messengers to ask Jesus, “Are you the one to come or should we expect someone else?” Jesus answers, “Tell John what you hear and see: the blind can see; the lame can walk; lepers are cured; the deaf hear; the dead are raised […]
Gospel Reflection for December 11, 2016, 3rd Sunday Advent Read More »
This week’s Spirit focuses on open-mindedness and communication, on discovering what we have in common with people who hold different beliefs, come from different cultures, and have life experiences unlike our own. We live in a global world with social media and the internet at our fingertips. We need to learn how to build bridges
Music and the Gospel: “Million Reasons,” Lady Gaga, 3rd Sunday Advent Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 11.1-10; Romans 15.4-9; Matthew 3.1-12 Two family trees figure in Sunday’s readings: the children of Abraham and Sarah hear God’s call, go to a new land, and await a child who will be the first of descendants as countless as the stars. Faith in God’s promise is their DNA. The descendants of
Gospel Reflection for December 4, 2016, 2nd Sunday of Advent Read More »
The holidays pull us in many directions. Sometimes we don’t recognize the people most important to us who love us, shelter us, feed us until something forces us to slow down. Waiting can give us time to remember what and who we count on and how fortunate we really are. Tim McGraw’s song “Humble and
Music and the Gospel: “Humble and Kind,” Tim McGraw, 2nd Sunday of Advent Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 2.1-5, Romans 13.11-14, Matthew 24.37-44 Thanksgiving gatherings are troubling many folks after the election. The gospel that begins the church year wakes us up to love one another. The gospel is about Jesus’ coming again, an event that seems far off, but the gospel uses the flood in the time of Noah
Gospel Reflection for November 27, 2016, 1st Sunday Advent Read More »
Anger is a powerful emotion. Sometimes it turns a negative situation into a positive. It can give us strength to push through a difficult or painful situation. On the other hand, anger and resentment can lead us to lash out and say or do things we don’t mean, inflicting our own pain on someone else.
Music and the Gospel: “Fire,” Barns Courtney, 1st Sunday of Advent Read More »
Sunday Readings: 2 Samuel 5.1-3; Colossians 1.12-20; Luke 23.35-43 “Jesus is the face of God’s mercy,” Pope Francis writes in announcing the Jubilee Year of Mercy that ends this Sunday. “These words might well sum up the mystery of Christian faith. Mercy has become living and visible in Jesus of Nazareth, reaching its culmination in
Gospel Reflection for November 20, 2016, Christ the King Read More »
Sometimes we make risky decisions. I don’t need to study for a test. I stay out a little later than I tell my parents. I decide that one drink at a party won’t hurt anything. Then I get busted and have two explain myself to those I respect and care about. Or, on the other
Music and the Gospel: “Beamish Boy,” Daunt, Christ the King Read More »
Sunday Readings: Malachi 3.19-20; 2 Thessalonians 3.7-12; Luke 21.5-19 “By patient endurance you will save your lives.” – Luke 21.19 In the face of war (Syria, Afghanistan), earthquakes (Oklahoma after fracking), and plagues (Zika virus)–all the regular stuff of breaking news, Jesus recommends patient endurance. Persevere. Jesus has taught us how to live every day.
Gospel Reflection for November 13, 2016, 33rd Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
This week’s SPIRIT theme is about choices and circumstances. Troye Sivan sings a song that plays the “what if” game, just like one of the characters in this week’s story. She wonders what would have happened if she hadn’t rubbed the cross on her visor; however, her friends point out that God is always with
Music and the Gospel: “Youth,” Troye Sivan, 33rd Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »