As we know from our experience, there are all kinds of prayers and reasons for praying. Sometimes we pray because we are in need of God’s help, as I did when I was concerned about my son’s safety. Sometimes we pray because we are grateful for a gift received or for a day in which […]
Sunday By Sunday excerpt for July 28: Prayer Read More »
Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” Luke 11.9 Jesus calls us in Sunday’s gospel to persevere in prayer. God is more gracious than a friend who reluctantly gets up in the night to help us. But God’s
Gospel Reflection for July 28, 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
The story of the Good Samaritan leads Jesus to pose the question, “Which of these is your neighbor?” The lawyer responded, “The one who treated him with compassion.” Jesus said, “Then go and do the same.” Luke 10.36-37 The parable stands at the heart of Jesus’ message of salvation. In effect, Jesus tells the lawyer
Gospel Reflection for July 14, 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
This weekend, the people of the United States go to parks, play and swim, eat hot dogs, and watch red, white and blue fireworks cascade, explode, and spill down dark night skies. The Fourth of July celebrates the signing of this nation’s Declaration of Independence from England and George III in 1776. We come to
Independence Day: A reflection by Joan Mitchell, CSJ Read More »
Jesus said to the 72 appointed missionaries, “Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what they set before you and cure the sick there. Say to them: ‘The reign of God has come near.’” Luke 10.8-9 Jesus advises the missionaries no walking staff, no traveling bag, no sandals, and no visiting
Gospel Reflection for July 7, 2013, 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus said, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and keeps looking back is fit for the reign of God.” Luke 9.62 In Sunday’s gospel two people ask to join Jesus’ company as they walk along, and Jesus invites a third to follow him. The exchanges between Jesus and these three instruct us
Gospel Reflection for June 30, 2013, 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus said, “So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven because she has shown great love. The one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” Jesus spoke to the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” Luke 7.47-48 The anonymous woman who bathes Jesus’ feet with her tears, wipes them with her hair, and anoints
Gospel Reflection for June 16, 2013, 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus saw a widow crying as the body of her only son was being carried out. Luke 7.14-15 Jesus came forward and touched the coffin, and the bearers halted. “Young man, I tell you, arise,” said Jesus. The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Unlike many suppliants in
Gospel Reflection for June 9, 2013, 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
“Remember all music was once new music.” That’s the sign-off for a public radio music broadcast that features current compositions and performances. Sounds that wrap us in melody and memory today may have once jarred listeners. The same theme applies to revelation. All revelation was once new revelation, that is, if with our Judeo Christian
Revelation is dialogue: An excerpt from Sunday By Sunday for Trinity Sunday Read More »
Jesus said to his disciples, “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, this One will guide you along the way of all truth.” John 16.12 Jesus recognizes he has more to say than his friends can hear or bear. He cannot ready his
Gospel Reflection for May 26, 2013, Trinity Sunday Read More »