Sunday Scripture Readings: Isaiah 40.1-5, 9-11; Titus 2.11-14, 3.4-7; Luke 3.15-16, 21-22 “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Luke 3.16) After the exile in Babylon many people return to the land of Israel, rebuild their city and temple, and revive their worship. Then Greek and Roman conquerors arrive, threatening the temple […]
Gospel Reflection for January 10, 2016, Baptism of the Lord Read More »
Few Catholics remember their Baptisms because our parents had us baptized as babies. Jesus’ baptism gives us time to think about what being baptized means. In the song “Adventure of a Lifetime,” Coldplay sings out lyrics that express the change Baptism awakens in those who choose consciously to follow Jesus and his teachings. Where will
Music and the Gospel: “Adventure of a Lifetime,” Coldplay; Baptism of the Lord Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 60.1-6; Ephesians 3.2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2.1-12 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We observe his star at its rising and have come to pay him h0mage.” (Matthew 2.2) The three kings stand for all of us who do not share the Jewish identity of Jesus and his first followers. Jesus
Gospel Reflection for January 3, 2016, Epiphany Read More »
Christmas Gospel Readings: Luke 2.1-14; Holy Family Readings: 1 Samuel 1.20-22,24-28; 1 John 3.1-2,21-24; Luke 2.41-52 “Mary gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the in.” (Luke 2.7) The child who is God’s joy for the
Gospel Reflection for December 25 & 27, 2015, Christmas/Holy Family Read More »
Sunday Readings: Micah 5.1-4; Hebrews 10.5-10; Luke 1.39-45 “Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Blessed are you among women and blessed is the child of your womb.’” (Luke 1.41-42) The encounter between Mary and her kinswoman Elizabeth is spiritually electric. Each woman has responded to God alone.
Gospel Reflection for December 20, 2015, 4th Sunday of Advent Read More »
With the holidays come family, friends, food, and presents. Also with the holidays can come stress, materialism, and fatigue. It can be really difficult to step back and remember what’s really important: being grateful for what we have. We don’t have to be stressed out and tired, trying to find the perfect gift and spending
Music and the Gospel: “That’s Christmas To Me,” Pentatonix; 4th Sunday of Advent Read More »
Sunday Readings: Zephaniah 3.14-18; Philippians 4.4-7; Luke 3.10-18 “Crowds of people came to hear John the Baptist and seek the baptism of repentance he proclaimed. They asked ‘What shall we do?’ In reply John said, ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’” (Luke 3.10-11)
Gospel Reflection for December 13, 2015, 3rd Sunday of Advent Read More »
This week’s Spirit begins with a girl feeling how unfair life always is: she didn’t have enough toys as a child, not enough new clothes now. Everyone else has more than she does. Then she helps her brother out at a food kitchen in a poorer neighborhood and realizes that her hardships are minimal compared
Music and the Gospel: “Sound and Color,” Alabama Shakes; 3rd Sunday of Advent Read More »