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 »
Sunday Readings: 2 Maccabees 7.1-2, 9-14; 2 Thessalonians 2.16-3.5; Luke 20.27-38 For U. S, citizens debate fatigue has nearly exhausted us during this election year. Jesus, however, continues debating in Sunday’s Gospel. This Sunday the topic is resurrection. Jesus goes each day to the Temple courts and interacts with the religious and political groups of
Gospel Reflection for November 6, 2016, 32nd Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
People react to grief in different ways. Some people distance themselves and internalize their grief. Others may express their grief and adapt quickly to their loss. The loss of a loved one can shake up any family and environment. The song “Unsteady” is an expression of this shake up, what we feel when solid ground
Music and the Gospel: “Unsteady,” X Ambassadors, 32nd Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
The song “The Sound of Silence” is about people being unable to bridge the gaps between them and communicate or understand one another. Often times, we take one look at someone and think we know all about them based on where they are from, how they speak, how they dress, even their skin color. These
Music and the Gospel: “Sound of Silence,” Disturbed, 31st Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
“All who make little of themselves will be lifted up, but all who make much of themselves will be brought down (Luke 18.14).” It can be difficult to work hard achieving a goal or be part of a team only to find out we’ve been “benched.” Our pride and sense of self-righteousness can make us
Music and the Gospel: “All I Need,” Cape Cub, 30th Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
Scripture Readings: Wisdom 11.22–12.2; 2 Thessalonians 1.11–2.2; Luke 19.1-10 “When he reached the sycamore tree, Jesus looked up and said, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry down, I must stay at your house today.’” – Luke 19.5 The tax collector Zacchaeus climbs a tree to see Jesus. He is a seeker. When Jesus notices him in the tree, he
Gospel Reflection for October 23, 2016, 30th Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »