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 »
“Whoever among you wants to be first must serve the needs of all. The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve.” This Sunday’s Spirit focuses on service. By sustaining the Empty Bowls project and donating the proceeds to Heifer International (which then provides a means for helping people become more
Music and the Gospel: “Set The World On Fire,” Britt Nicole Read More »
Following the teachings of Jesus isn’t always easy. Sometimes it means standing alone, even against our own culture and community. This week’s Spirit discusses the life of St. Kateri Takakwitha. Kateri’s life with her Mohawk tribe taught her courage, composure, even a sense of fearlessness, when it came to following her own path, even though
Music and the Gospel: “Courage,” Villagers Read More »