Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27 Sunday’s short gospel passage comes near the end of John’s gospel, chapter 10. Jesus knows us. This passage promises his followers will never perish. No one can snatch us from Jesus’ hand or his Father’s hand. These consoling promises […]
Gospel Reflection for April 21, 2013, 4th Sunday of Easter Read More »
Gospel Reflection for April 21, 4th Sunday of Easter: Jesus refers to himself as a shepherd in Sunday’s gospel, describing his loving care for his followers. Jesus’ promise is that his love and protection will reach even beyond death. “Home” is about how love like Jesus’ can help us feel safe and protected, even when
Current Music and the Gospel: “Home,” Phillip Phillips Read More »
Sunday’s Easter scene preserves a snapshot of the original Christian community, small and intimate. It includes the eleven, Jesus’ mother, Mary Magdalene, and other people who have followed Jesus. They have accompanied Jesus to Jerusalem and witnessed him heal and teach. This Easter community has no pastor, committees, governance, or finance reports – yet. The
Easter Community: an excerpt from Sunday By Sunday Read More »
By Claire Bischoff Quick! Think of one thing that you know about Mary Magdalene. Unfortunately, one of the things many people think that they know about Mary Magdalene is that she was a prostitute. As it turns out, this is a case of mistaken identity that goes back to the early church, when Mary of
Mary Magdalene—Apostle to the Apostles Read More »
A third time Jesus asks, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you love me?” So Peter said to him: “Lord, you know everything. You know well that I love you.” Jesus answered, “Feed my sheep.” John 21.17 The three repetitions remind
Gospel Reflection for April 15, 3rd Sunday of Easter Read More »
Gospel Reflection for April 14, 3rd Sunday of Easter: Jesus’ death leaves his friends sad and confused about what to do next. Many of them may have felt abandoned. When Jesus returns to his friends in this Sunday’s gospel, he shows them that he is still with them and will still care for them. Key
Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and Jesus appeared to her. Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!” John 20:18 Mary Magdalene hears a man she supposed to be the gardener speak her name. Like the sheep who know the shepherd’s voice in John 10, she recognizes Jesus’
Gospel Reflection for March 31, Easter Sunday Read More »
http://youtu.be/OHkvan-NFnM Gospel Reflection for March 31/April 7, Easter Sunday/2nd Sunday of Easter: For Jesus’ friends the time after his death and resurrection is a confusing and frightening time. Jesus’ tomb is empty. His disciples do not understand God has raised Jesus from the dead; they do not expect his resurrection and return to them. In
Current Music and the Gospel: “A Thousand Years,” Christina Perri Read More »
“Father into your hands I commend my spirit.” After Jesus said this, he died. Luke 23.46 How can a man who is crucified be God’s messiah who comes to save people and bring them new life? Jesus, who dies the death of a criminal, isn’t even powerful enough to save himself. The first Christian preachers
Gospel Reflection for March 24, Palm/Passion Sunday Read More »
http://youtu.be/cUoZN4cpfmM Gospel Reflection for March 24, Palm/Passion Sunday: Reflecting on the suffering and death of Jesus can be very difficult, especially when we remember that Jesus suffered and died out of love for others. Even when he was alone and felt abandoned, Jesus continued to bring forgiveness to those around him. The song “Learn Me
Current Music and the Gospel: “Learn Me Right,” Birdy with Mumford and Sons Read More »