Sunday Readings: Acts 10.34,37-43; Colossians 3.1-4 (Easter Vigil: Mark 16.1-7); John 20.1-9 (10-18) “I have seen the Lord,” Mary Magdalene announces to the community of Jesus’ disciples when she returns from encountering her Teacher on Easter morning (John 20.18). Jesus sends her as the apostle to the apostles to tell them, “I am going to […]
Gospel Reflection for April 5, 2015, Easter Sunday Read More »
Throughout our lives we have moments of feeling distant from God and times of feeling God’s embrace in fullness. When I feel connected to God, I see God’s wonder and beauty all around me and within me. I see the flowers. I appreciate the gifts of my day. Even waiting in traffic is more bearable.
Music and the Gospel: “Bright,” Echosmith; Easter Sunday Read More »
Sunday Readings: Mark 11.1-10; Isaiah 50.4-7; Philippians 2.6-11; Mark 14.1-15.47 “When it was evening, Jesus came with the twelve…. While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it, he broke it and gave it to them, and said, ‘Take; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup and after
Gospel Reflection for March 29, 2015, Palm Sunday Read More »
Did you catch the small, but central, detail in the gospel from Mark for Palm Sunday? Jesus, the Son of God, is riding into Jerusalem…on a donkey! This was utterly scandalous. After all, if someone were to be considered a “king,” they would be escorted by soldiers and riding royally on a fine steed through
Music and the Gospel: “Scandal of Grace,” Hillsong United; Passion/Palm Sunday Read More »
Sunday Readings: Jeremiah 31.31-34; Hebrews 5.7-9; John 12.22-33 “The hour has come in which the Son of Man will be glorified. Amen, amen, I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it will be bear much fruit.” (John 12.23-24) In John’s
Gospel Reflection for March 22, 2015, 5th Sunday of Lent Read More »
It may seem like just yesterday we received ashes on our foreheads. Now we are nearing the end of Lent. We hear Jesus utters the words: “I am troubled now. Yet what should I say, save me from this hour?” Even in this moment of inner turmoil, Jesus understands his clarity of purpose; he prays
Music and the Gospel: ” Beyond Me,” TobyMac; 5th Sunday of Lent Read More »
Sunday Readings: 2 Chronicles 36.14-16, 19-23; Ephesians 2.4-10; John 3.14-21 “For God so loved the world that God gave God’s only begotten Son that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have life forever.” (John 3.16) Jesus’ mission is not to condemn the world but to save it. He calls us who
Gospel Reflection for March 15, 2015, 4th Sunday of Lent Read More »
One of the most recognizable verses from the Bible is central to Sunday’s gospel. “For God so loved the world that God gave the only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (John 3.16). After this hope-filled declaration, the gospel contrasts light and darkness. The song
Music and the Gospel: “Greater,” MercyMe; 4th Sunday of Lent Read More »
When we hear about the life and ministry of Jesus, we hear that he healed sick people, spent time with children, and exuded love and mercy toward his disciples. Perhaps that is why the gospel for the third Sunday of Lent is jarring. After all, it shows Jesus denouncing what is unjust and throwing out
Music and the Gospel: “Messengers” Lecrae feat. For King & Country; 3rd Sunday of Lent Read More »