This week SPIRIT focuses on open-mindedness and communication, on discovering what we can find in common with people who hold different beliefs, come from different cultures, and have life experiences unlike our own. We live in a global world with social media and the Internet at our fingertips. We need to learn how to build […]
Music and the Gospel: “Everyday Life,” Coldplay – 3rd Sunday of Advent Read More »
Loving God, wake us up to how important Jesus’ birth is to who we are and will become. Wake us up to your presence in our lives and in creation. Give us grateful hearts and the strength to do your work on this earth. Amen
Advent Prayer of the Day Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 35.1-6,10; James 5.7-10; Matthew 11.2-11 When John the Baptist heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent a message by his disciples to ask, “Tell us, are you the one to come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus answered them, “Go tell John what you hear and see: the
Gospel Reflection for December 11, 2022 – 3rd Sunday of Advent Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 11.1-10; Romans 15.4-9; Matthew 3.1-12 John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, the reign of God is at hand.” It was of John that the prophet Isaiah had spoken. “A herald’s voice in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Holy One, make straight God’s paths’” (Matthew
Gospel Reflection for December 4, 2022 – 2nd Sunday of Advent Read More »
The holidays pull us in many directions. Sometimes we don’t recognize the people most important to us—those who love us, shelter us, feed us—until something forces us to slow down. Waiting can give us time to remember what and who we count on and how fortunate we really are. Chris Janson’s song “Good Vibes” is
Music and the Gospel: “Good Vibes,” Chris Janson – 2nd Sunday of Advent Read More »
Sunday Readings: 1 Isaiah 2.1-5 Romans 13.11-14 Matthew 24.37-44 Be sure of this: If the owner of the house knew when the thief was coming he or she would keep a watchful eye and not allow the house to be broken into. You must be prepared in the same way. The Son of Man is
Gospel Reflection for November 27, 2022 – 1st Sunday of Advent Read More »
Sunday Readings: 2 Samuel 5.1-3 Colossians 1.12-20 Luke 23.35-43 One of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus and said, “Aren’t you the messiah? Then save yourself and us.” The other criminal, rebuking him, said, “Don’t you even fear God? You are under the same sentence of death yourself. We deserve it, after all. We are paying
Gospel Reflection for November 20, 2022 – Feast of Christ the King Read More »
This week’s SPIRIT theme is about taking responsibility for the consequences that can result when we make hurtful decisions and break our promises. Sometimes we make risky decisions. I don’t need to study for a test. I stay out a little later than I tell my parents. One drink at a party won’t hurt anything. Then I
Music and the Gospel: “Let You Down,” NF Read More »
Sunday Readings: Malachi 3.19-20, 2 Thessalonians 3.7-12, Luke 21.5-19 Some people were talking about the temple and how it was adorned with precious stones and gifts dedicated to God. Jesus said, “These things you are talking about—the day will come when not one stone will be left on another, all will be torn down. People asked, “When
Gospel Reflection for November 13, 2022 – 33rd Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
Sunday Readings: 2 Maccabees 7.1-2,9-14; 2 Thessalonians 2.16-3.5; Luke 20.27-38 Moses in the passage about the bush showed that the dead rise again when he called Yahweh the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. God is not God of the dead but of the living. All are alive to
Gospel Reflection for November 6, 2022 – 32nd Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »