Jesus emphasizes humility in Sunday’s gospel. He holds the sinner who asks God for forgiveness more justified than the Pharisee who wants God to appreciate how pious he is. The song, “You and Me (But Mostly Me)” is a tongue in cheek look at two young missionaries setting out with one taking the lead and […]
Current Music and the Gospel: Spirit Xtra for October 27 Read More »
Jesus asks, “All who make little of themselves will be lifted up, but all who make much of themselves will be brought down.” Luke 18.14 In this Sunday’s gospel Jesus tells the story of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee supposes the very prayer that distanced him from the tax collector brings him
Gospel Reflection for October 27, 2013, 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus tells the parable of the unjust judge who gives in to a widow who persists in seeking her rights. Jesus asks, “Will God not do justice to those chosen ones who call out day and night? Will God delay justice for them?” Luke 18.7 In Luke’s time widows have little place in society but
Gospel Reflection for October 20, 2013, 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
In this Sunday’s gospel, Jesus tells his disciples about a widow who refuses to give up until she receives the justice she deserves. Jesus’ story shows us that God will not abandon us in our struggles. For all of us, persisting through the challenges we face is not easy, but it is almost always worth
Current Music and the Gospel: SPIRIT Xtra for October 20 Read More »
On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus encountered ten people with leprosy who asked for his healing. He sent them on and they then recognized they had been cured. One returned to thank Jesus. Jesus said, “Weren’t ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Did none return to give glory to God but this man who
Gospel Reflection for October 13, 2013, 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
“Lego House” by Ed Sheeran The miracle of Jesus healing ten people with leprosy in Sunday’s gospel gives us an example of God’s love for all people and in a special way for those whom society rejects. The one man who returns to thank Jesus also teaches us an important lesson: we must participate in
Current Music and the Gospel: SPIRIT Xtra for October 13 Read More »
Jesus told the apostles, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this sycamore tree, 1Be uprooted and planted in the sea,1 and it would obey you.” Luke 17.6 Jesus’ saying about faith insists that faith can command a sycamore to be uprooted from the ground and replanted in
Gospel Reflection for October 6, 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus tells the story of a poor beggar name Lazarus and a rich man. Both died and their roles reverse. The rich man suffers while Lazarus rests in the arms of Abraham. The rich man asks Abraham to send Lazarus to bring him some water. Abraham replied, “Remember how well you lived when you were
Gospel Reflection for September 29, 2013, 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
“Brave” by Sara Bareilles Music Xtra for October 6, 2013: The disciples want Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus tells them that faith the size of a mustard seed can uproot trees and transplant them in the sea. Even a little faith can have huge results. Faith in your ability to do the right thing
Current Music & The Gospel: SPIRIT XTRA for October 6 Read More »
Jesus said, “No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. Neither can you serve both God and wealth.” Luke 16.13 In the parable that forms Sunday’s gospel (Luke 16.1-13), Jesus surprisingly holds up an embezzler
Gospel Reflection for September 22, 2013, 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »