Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. Good shepherds lay down their lives for the sheep.” John 10.11 As John’s chapter 10 begins, Jesus talk in an elaborate figure of speech about sheep and shepherds. Sheep know their shepherd’s voice; they won’t follow a stranger or a thief. A shepherd leads a flock in and […]
Gospel Reflection for April 29, Fourth Sunday of Easter Read More »
http://youtu.be/SStNlPO17pY “Spectrum,” Florence + The Machine, Ceremonials, Universal Island Records Gospel Reflection: Jesus’ disciples feel afraid and unsure until he returns to them and they experience him risen and bringing them peace. Through his loyalty and love, Jesus helps his disciples to understand who he truly is. “Spectrum” shows us how love can change the
“Spectrum,” SPIRIT Xtra for April 22, 2012 Read More »
Jesus said, “Thus it was written and so it happened that the messiah is to suffer and rise from the dead on the third day. In his name, repentance and forgiveness of sins are to be preached to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. Luke 24.46-48 In this story
A Gospel Reflection for April 22, Third Sunday of Easter Read More »
Jesus breathed on his disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive people’s sins, they are forgiven them, if you hold them bound, they are held bound.” John 20.21-23 Jesus breathes the new life of the Spirit upon his disciples, just as in the beginning God breathed the spirit of life into the
A Gospel Reflection for April 15th, 2nd Sunday of Easter Read More »
“When We Stand Together,” Nickelback, Here and Now, The All Blacks B.V. Gospel Reflection: After Jesus dies, he does not leave his friends afraid and alone. Instead, he returns to them to reassure them and prepare them to go out together and spread the good news. “When We Stand Together” by Nickelback is about the
“When We Stand Together,” SPIRIT Xtra for April 15, 2012 Read More »
“Dead Hearts,” Stars, The Five Ghosts & The Seance, Vagrant Records Gospel Reflection: No way are Jesus’ disciples expecting Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. His friends struggle with amazement, doubt, faith, and grief. We experience struggles in the mystery of our relationship with friends. “Dead Hearts” by the band Stars examines the struggle to believe
“Dead Hearts,” SPIRIT Xtra for April 8, 2012 Read More »
Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Mark 11.9 Holy Week begins by celebrating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem with palms and songs that express honor and praise. In the Palm Sunday gospel and in the “Holy, Holy, Holy” at every Eucharist, Christians identify Jesus as the one who comes
Gospel Reflection for April 1st, Palm/Passion Sunday Read More »
“Paradise,” Coldplay, Mylo Xyloto, EMI Records Limited Gospel Reflection: On this Sunday, we remember the suffering and death of Jesus. As we reflect on his suffering, we also call to mind the suffering we see in the world around us. “Paradise” by Coldplay reminds us of the suffering of those who have no safe place
“Paradise,” SPIRIT Xtra for April 1, 2012 Read More »
Jesus said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it will bear much fruit. Those who love their lives will lose them. Those who hate their lives in this world will keep them to life eternal.” John 12.24-25
A Gospel Reflection for March 25, 5th Sunday of Lent Read More »
“Skyskraper,” Demi Lovato, Unbroken, Hollywood Records Gospel Reflection: Jesus says in Sunday’s gospel that a grain of wheat must die to bear fruit, meaning that sometimes something must be lost in order to make room for something good to happen. Even in the face of tragedy or struggle, God has the power to bring about
“Skyscraper,” SPIRIT Xtra for March 25th, 2012 Read More »