When John the Baptist heard in prison about the works Christ did, he sent a message by his disciples to ask, “Tell us, are you the one to come?” Matthew 11.2-3 In his ministry Jesus is not hacking dead branches off the family tree of Israel nor winnowing hypocrites from among repentant sinners as John […]
Gospel Reflection for December 15th: Third Sunday of Advent Read More »
In Sunday’s gospel, the followers of John the Baptist want to know if Jesus is the one John has told them about. Jesus praises John for how he has lived and preached. John was true to who he was and able to respond to God’s call in his life. “Burn” is a song about how
Current Music and the Gospel: SPIRIT Xtra for December 15 Read More »
John the Baptist speaks about Jesus, saying, “I baptize with water for the sake of reform, but the one who will follow me is more powerful than I. I am not even fit to carry his sandals. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3.11 Fierce and holy like the prophet
Gospel Reflection for December 8, 2013, Second Sunday of Advent Read More »
John the Baptist challenges the Pharisees and Sadducees to live lives that match the words they speak in this Sunday’s gospel. People in our world obsess with image. To live true to what we believe and who we really want to be is hard. The song “Red Hands” describes the challenge of being honest with
Current Music and the Gospel: December 8 SPIRIT Xtra Read More »
This coming Sunday we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King, a relatively new feast in the two century-long history of the Catholic church. It was instituted in 1925 through the encyclical Quas Primas by Pope Pius XI, who believed that respect for Christ and Christ’s Church was waning due to the rise of secularism.
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Jesus said, “You must be prepared. The Son of Man is coming at a time you do not know.” Matthew 23.44 Advent is time of remembering God’s fidelity and God’s desires for relationship with God’s people. We are pregnant with the Spirit and in labor to bring God’s kingdom to birth among us. Now is
Gospel Reflection for December 1st, 1st Sunday of Advent Read More »
Advent begins the liturgical year in the Roman Catholic Church. A new year is a time of change, and in the gospel this Sunday, Jesus warns his followers to prepare for great changes. We can reflect on the past year and challenge ourselves for the year to come. “Radioactive” is a song about a time
Current Music and the Gospel: SPIRIT Xtra December 1st Read More »
Jesus was crucified between two criminals. One belittled Jesus while the second criminal believed. The second criminal said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus responded, “I assure you this day you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23.42-43 Jesus is no ordinary king. He reigns from the cross, not a
Gospel Reflection for November 24, Feast of Christ the King Read More »
As we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King, we remember that Jesus’ power is not riches, fame, or political power but the power of love and forgiveness. Our culture celebrates glamorous royals and celebrity gossips, but as Christians we know that these things will not last forever. The song “Royals” is about the rejection
Current Music & the Gospel: Spirit XTRA November 24 Read More »