Jesus said, “There is no greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15.13 Love is a verb. Jesus isn’t talking about having friends but about being a friend. Liberation theologians have a term for laying down one’s life—acompoñar. It doesn’t mean martyrdom, though that my happen. It means accompanying […]
Gospel Reflection for May 13, 2012, 6th Sunday of Easter Read More »
Jesus said, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15.5 The image of the vine communicates the risen Jesus’ sustaining love for the Christian community. Disciples tap into the common vein of life
Gospel Reflection for May 6, 2012, 5th Sunday of Easter Read More »
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. Good shepherds lay down their lives for the sheep.” John 10.11 As John’s chapter 10 begins, Jesus talk in an elaborate figure of speech about sheep and shepherds. Sheep know their shepherd’s voice; they won’t follow a stranger or a thief. A shepherd leads a flock in and
Gospel Reflection for April 29, Fourth Sunday of Easter Read More »
http://youtu.be/SStNlPO17pY “Spectrum,” Florence + The Machine, Ceremonials, Universal Island Records Gospel Reflection: Jesus’ disciples feel afraid and unsure until he returns to them and they experience him risen and bringing them peace. Through his loyalty and love, Jesus helps his disciples to understand who he truly is. “Spectrum” shows us how love can change the
“Spectrum,” SPIRIT Xtra for April 22, 2012 Read More »
Jesus said, “Thus it was written and so it happened that the messiah is to suffer and rise from the dead on the third day. In his name, repentance and forgiveness of sins are to be preached to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. Luke 24.46-48 In this story
A Gospel Reflection for April 22, Third Sunday of Easter Read More »
Jesus breathed on his disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven them, if you hold them bound, they are held bound.” John 20.21-23 Jesus breathes the new life of the Spirit upon his disciples, just as in the beginning God breathed the spirit of life into the
A Gospel Reflection for April 15th, 2nd Sunday of Easter Read More »
“When We Stand Together,” Nickelback, Here and Now, The All Blacks B.V. Gospel Reflection: After Jesus dies, he does not leave his friends afraid and alone. Instead, he returns to them to reassure them and prepare them to go out together and spread the good news. “When We Stand Together” by Nickelback is about the
“When We Stand Together,” SPIRIT Xtra for April 15, 2012 Read More »
“Dead Hearts,” Stars, The Five Ghosts & The Seance, Vagrant Records Gospel Reflection: No way are Jesus’ disciples expecting Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. His friends struggle with amazement, doubt, faith, and grief. We experience struggles in the mystery of our relationship with friends. “Dead Hearts” by the band Stars examines the struggle to believe
“Dead Hearts,” SPIRIT Xtra for April 8, 2012 Read More »
Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Mark 11.9 Holy Week begins by celebrating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem with palms and songs that express honor and praise. In the Palm Sunday gospel and in the “Holy, Holy, Holy” at every Eucharist, Christians identify Jesus as the one who comes
Gospel Reflection for April 1st, Palm/Passion Sunday Read More »
“Paradise,” Coldplay, Mylo Xyloto, EMI Records Limited Gospel Reflection: On this Sunday, we remember the suffering and death of Jesus. As we reflect on his suffering, we also call to mind the suffering we see in the world around us. “Paradise” by Coldplay reminds us of the suffering of those who have no safe place
“Paradise,” SPIRIT Xtra for April 1, 2012 Read More »