School is a time of figuring out who we are and who we want to be. It can be a challenging time. It can become a place where we learn what values we truly appreciate and who is ultimately important to us. Sometimes the choices and decisions we make don’t make us popular. Spirit focuses […]
Music and the Gospel: “Renegades,” X Ambassadors Read More »
The beatitudes remind us God blesses everyone and excludes no one, not the poor, the meek, the persecuted. We have the gifts to live Jesus’ message to love everyone. We have the tools to help our friends, family neighbors, and people everywhere fight social injustice, share courage, recognize blessings, and keep light in the world.
Music and the Gospel: “Stand By You,” Rachel Platten; All Saints Read More »
Sunday Readings: Revelation 7.2-4, 9-14; 1 John 3.1-3; Matthew 5.1-12 “Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of God is theirs.” (Matthew 5.3) When people identify the central message of Christianity, they will say loving God and neighbor or following the ten commandments. Rarely does anyone’s first response refer to the beatitudes. The thou-shalts
Gospel Reflection for November 1, 2015, All Saints Day Read More »
Sunday Readings: Jeremiah 31.7-9; Hebrews 5.1-6; Mark 10.46-52 Bartimaeus threw of his cloak, jumped up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Teacher, I want to see again”. (Mark 10.50-51) Even before Jesus heals his blindness, Bartimaeus throws away his cloak, in which he probably
Gospel Reflection for October 25, 2015, 30th Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
It’s easy to see some sort of trauma all around us: in the news, on the playground, in the home. It’s also easy to look to God and wonder why bad things happen. Matthew West’s song “Do Something” is a call to action. It urges us to look directly at our world and take in
Music and the Gospel: “Do Something,” Matthew West Read More »
Today is World Food Day 2015! This day marks the founding of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. This year’s theme is: “Social Protection and Agriculture: Breaking the Cycle of Rural Poverty”. Join in solidarity against hunger, especially among the poorest people. Visit the websites of the Food and Agricultural Organization, Heifer
World Food Day 2015 Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 53.10-11; Hebrews 3.14-16; Mark 10.35-45 “Can you drink the cup that I drink?” (Mark 10.38) “We can,” James and John respond to Jesus’ question in Sunday’s gospel. The irony of their brash response is that they do the opposite. They forsake Jesus when he gets arrested and flee with all of Jesus’
Gospel Reflection for October 18, 2015, 29th Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »