A leper came to Jesus, imploring him urgently and kneeling as he spoke, “If you will, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched the man. Jesus said, “I will. Be made clean.” Mark 1.40-42 Lepers in Jesus’ time and until our century lived their lives apart from […]
Gospel Reflection for February 12, 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Gospel Reflection: In this Sunday’s gospel, Jesus heals the sick and frees people possessed by demons, bringing them out of loneliness and back into their communities. Foster the People’s song “Waste” is about reaching out to someone who is isolated and giving the person hope, just as Jesus reached out to the people he encountered
“Waste,” SPIRIT Xtra for February 5, 2012 Read More »
Simon said, “Jesus, my mother-in-law is sick in bed with a fever.” Jesus went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her immediately, and she began to serve them. Mark 1.30-31 Simon Peter’s mother-in-law responds to Jesus’ act of raising her up by serving him. She becomes a
A Gospel Reflection for February 5, 2012, 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
January 27, 2012 by Claire Bischoff This week’s Gospel (Mark 1:21-28) describes Jesus commanding “an unholy spirit” to come out of a man. The people who observe this act wonder at the authority Jesus possesses, exclaiming that even the unholy spirits obey his word. Many people in the technological and scientific world of today might
“Unholy Spirits” and the Power of Prayer Read More »
“Rise to Me,” The Decemberists, The King Is Dead, Capitol Records Gospel Reflection: Not only does Jesus speak with authority in Sunday’s gospel, his actions match his words as he casts out a demon. Even when it would have been easier to ignore the possessed man, Jesus stands his ground and sets him free. “Rise
“Rise To Me,” SPIRIT Xtra for January 29, 2012 Read More »
There was a man in the synagogue with an unclean spirit. He cried out, “What do you want from us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are―the Holy One of God! Jesus rebuked him saying, “Be silent. Go out of the man.” At that the unclean spirit convulsed
A Gospel Reflection for January 29, 2012, 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
“You Are a Tourist,” Death Cab for Cutie, Codes and Keys, Atlantic Recording Gospel Reflection: When Jesus begins to call his followers, their lives take a radically different turn. They leave their fishing nets behind. In “You Are a Tourist” the band Death Cab for Cutie describes how following our hearts can lead us into
“You Are a Tourist” – SPIRIT Xtra for January 22, 2012 Read More »
As Jesus was walking along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew, casting a fish net in the sea. They fished for a living. Jesus called to them, “Come after me. I will make you fishers of people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed Jesus. Mark 1.16-18 Gospel writer Mark
Gospel Reflection for January 22, 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Facebook, Google and a multitude of Global Positioning Systems make it almost impossible for people to be anonymous today. Websites and articles at our fingertips can prove or disprove almost every mystery we encounter. We share information with people we don’t even know. Maybe that is why the story of the Magi is so enthralling.
“Cup of Sorrow,” Amos Lee, Mission Bell, Blue Note Records Gospel Reflection: Just as Jesus invites disciples in Sunday’s gospel to come to his house and hang out, so also Jesus invites us to “come and see” who he is. How we respond matters. “Cup of Sorrow” is a song about responding to the invitation,
“Cup of Sorrow,” SPIRIT Xtra for January 15 Read More »