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 »
Jesus said, “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 bear much fruit. Those who love their lives will lose them. Those who hate their lives in this world will keep them to life eternal.” John 12.24-25
A Gospel Reflection for March 25, 5th Sunday of Lent Read More »
“Skyskraper,” Demi Lovato, Unbroken, Hollywood Records Gospel Reflection: Jesus says in Sunday’s gospel that a grain of wheat must die to bear fruit, meaning that sometimes something must be lost in order to make room for something good to happen. Even in the face of tragedy or struggle, God has the power to bring about
“Skyscraper,” SPIRIT Xtra for March 25th, 2012 Read More »
“Crazy Girl,” Eli Young Band, Life At Best, Republic Nashville Records Gospel Reflection: Sunday’s gospel focuses on the message of God’s powerful and all-encompassing love through Jesus. Like God’s love, the song “Crazy Girl” is about a love that can’t be hampered by human imperfections. Key Lines: Crazy girl, don’t you know that I love
“Crazy Girl,” SPIRIT Xtra for March 18th, 4th Sunday of Lent Read More »
Jesus said to Nicodemus, “God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but so the world might be saved through him.” John 3.17 Jesus’ mission is not to condemn the world but to save it. He calls us who believe in him to do likewise. Like Nicodemus, we find this
Gospel Reflection for March 18th, 4th Sunday in Lent Read More »
A Guest post from Ellie Roscher Really think for a moment about the Jesus you have been taught about since you were a kid. Think back to the puffy books depicting Jesus sitting in plush fields with sheep or the Sunday school versions of the Gospel stories translated for smaller children accompanied by Jesus with
Get Angry for Women Read More »