Jesus called the twelve, began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts. Mark 6.7-8 The simple but demanding ethical standards Jesus gives his disciples challenge them […]
Gospel Reflection for July 15th, 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus came back to his hometown and began to teach. Jesus could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. He was amazed at their unbelief. Mark 6.5-6 Jesus’ preaching and healing arouse concern among members of his own family and criticism among
Gospel Reflection for July 8, 2012, 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
The synagogue leader Jairus asked Jesus to heal his ailing daughter. On the way to the sick child, a hemorrhaging woman touched Jesus’ cloak. Her faith healed her. By the time Jesus arrived at Jairus’ home, people were mourning because the girl was dead. Jesus took the girl by the hand and said to her,
A Gospel Reflection for July 1, 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
A guest post from Ellie Rocher When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were
Elizabeth gave birth to a son and announced his name was John. Since that was not a family name, people questioned her decision. They asked her husband, Zechariah, who has been mute since he failed to believe God’s promise of a son. “Zechariah asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ They
Gospel Reflection for June 24, Birth of St. John the Baptist Read More »
Jesus said, “With what can we compare the reign of God, or what image will help to present it? It is like a mustard seed, which when planted in the soil, is the smallest of all seeds on earth; yet once it is sown, springs up to become the largest of shrubs with branches big
Gospel Reflection for June 17, 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” Luke 14.25 The outpouring of Jesus’ life in his suffering and death is the cup he blesses at the Passover meal, the cup he pledges
Gospel Reflection for June 10, 2012, Body and Blood of Christ Read More »
A guest post from Claire Bischoff This Sunday is Trinity Sunday, which is celebrated the first Sunday after Pentecost. It is an unusual feast, as it is one of the few feasts of the church year that celebrates a reality or doctrine rather than an important person or event in the history of the Church. Trinity Sunday
Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…” Matthew 28.19 Christians follow Jesus’ example in naming God in intimate, relational terms. As baptized Christians, we follow Jesus in calling God Father; we claim kinship with God,
Gospel Reflection for June 3, 2012, Trinity Sunday Read More »
Jesus said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them. If you retain the sins of any they are retained. John 20.21-23 In this gospel, the whole community of believers receives peace and the power to forgive. If the community graciously shares the peace and forgiveness Jesus bestows
Gospel Reflection for May 27, 2012, Pentecost Sunday Read More »