Jesus said, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44 Jesus rejects conventional wisdom and accepted cultural values. He offers a prophetic alternative to payback; he wants us to make neighbors even of enemies. He pushes the law beyond simply keeping the rules and being obedient. […]
Gospel Reflection for February 23, 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Recently I boarded a puddle jumper at 10:30 p.m. for the last leg of a trip to Lexington, KY. I would not get in until midnight and knew I had an eight hour day of teaching beginning at 8 a.m. the following morning. Not long after I slumped into my seat, hoping at least to
Speaking the Truth Read More »
Jesus taught his disciples about the law saying, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill them.” Matthew 5:17 Jesus is a wise man, a teacher, and wisdom figure. Jesus interprets the law of Moses in unconventional ways. He contrasts
Gospel Reflection for February 16, 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus challenges his disciples in Sunday’s gospel to follow God’s laws not only in external ways but also in their hearts and actions. He recommends not faking worship, but leaving our gifts at the altar and dealing with anger toward someone. Jesus asks us to live God’s laws in our hearts, to act and speak
Current Music & The Gospel: “Love Don’t Die,” The Fray Read More »
It was just over two years ago that my sister invited me to a fundraiser for the KGSA Foundation, a non-profit organization based in the Twin Cities whose mission is to engage globally by providing resources and advocacy to support the needs of local communities. Knowing my interest in education and empowerment for young women,
Let Your Light Shine Read More »
Jesus said, “No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bushel basket. The place for a lamp is on a stand where it gives light to all in the house.” Matthew 5:15 Jesus compares his disciples to light. People made lamps in Jesus’ day from clay. Household lamps were small enough for those
Gospel Reflection for February 9, 2014, 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus asks his followers to share their gifts with the world: to be salt for the earth and to let their lights shine. However, sharing who we are isn’t always easy even with friends. Katy Perry’s “Roar” is a song about the courage it takes to share our gifts. Key Lines: I got the eye
Current Music & The Gospel: “Roar,” Katy Perry Read More »
An old man, Simeon, received and blessed Jesus when Mary and Joseph presented him at the temple. “Lord, you can let your servant go in peace; you have fulfilled your word. My eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared before all the nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory
Gospel Reflection for February 2, 2014, Feast of the Presentation Read More »
Reflection for February 2nd, Feast of the Presentation: Two elders, Simeon and Anna, anticipate how important Jesus is when his parents bring him to the temple to dedicate him to God. He will be a light to the world and the glory of his own people. Likewise, all of us are created in the image
Music & The Gospel: “Wake Up Everybody,” John Legend and The Roots Read More »
Jesus said to the fishermen, “Come follow me. I want you to gather people in your nets.” Matthew 4.19 Christians today may wonder why the four fishermen so unhesitatingly follow a man who comes walking along the lake shore and invites them to, “Follow me.” Matthew is writing about the call of Peter, Andrew,
Gospel Reflection for January 26, Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »