Currently, immigration is a major part of our news headlines and politics. Poverty, violence, war, displacement, no work—all can force people to move. These conditions separate many refugees and immigrants from families and friends for long periods of time. They have to navigate cultures, laws, and languages that they don’t know. They start anew in […]
Music and the Gospel: “You Belong,” Francesca Battistelli Read More »
Sunday Readings: Nehemiah 8.2-4, 5-6, 8-10; 1 Corinthians 12.12-30. Luke 1.1-4; 4.14-21 Jesus came to Nazareth, where he had been raised. He went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day as he usually did and stood up to read. The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. Unrolling the scroll, Jesus found the place where
Gospel Reflection for January 23, 2022 – 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Relationships with others become more complex as we mature. Some friendships end, some deepen. We develop crushes, pair up, break up, figure out how to make relationships work. This week’s SPIRIT discusses what it means to have healthy, strong relationships and, eventually, marriage. The song “Love Someone” is about what it means to open your
Music and the Gospel: “Love Someone,” Lukas Graham Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 42.1-4, 6-7; Titus 2.11-14, 3.4-7; Luke 3.15-16, 21-22 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven opened, and the Holy Spirit descended like a dove. And a voice came from heaven. “You are my Son, my Beloved; with you I am well
Gospel Reflection for January 9, 2022 – Baptism of the Lord Read More »
Sunday Readings: 1 Samuel 1.20-22, 24-28, 1 John 3.1-2,21-24; Luke 2.41-52 After three days Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them, and asking them questions. All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. His parents saw him, they were astonished. Mary said, “Son, why have
Gospel Reflection for December 26 – Holy Family Read More »
Sunday Readings: Micah 5.1-4; Hebrews 10.5-10; Luke 1.39-45 Mary set out in haste into the hill country to a town in Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth, her kinswoman. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby stirred within her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out in
Gospel Reflection for December 19, 2021, 4th Sunday of Advent Read More »
Christmas is a time of gift-giving, merry-making, family, and friends. It’s also a time frazzled nerves, fatigue, and stress. In all the rushing back and forth, it can be difficult to remember that Christmas is ultimately a time when we recognize all what we already have and the people in our life. We don’t have
Sunday Readings: Zephaniah 3.14-18; Philippians 4.4-7; Luke 3.10-18 Crowds of people came to hear John the Baptist and seek the baptism of repentance he proclaimed. Crowds asked, “John, what should we do?” John answered: “Let people with two coats give to people who have none. People who have lots of food should do the same.” Tax
Gospel Reflection for December 12, 2021 – 3rd Sunday of Advent Read More »
This week’s Spirit begins with a girl feeling how unfair life always is: she didn’t have enough toys as a child, not enough new clothes now. Everyone else has more than she does. Then she helps her brother out at a food kitchen in a poorer neighborhood and realizes that her hardships are minimal compared
Music and the Gospel: “Sound and Color,” Alabama Shakes – 3rd Sunday of Advent Read More »
Sunday Readings: Baruch 5.1-9; Philippians 1.4-6, 8-11; Luke 3.1-6 John the Baptist went about the whole region around the Jordan River preaching. “Turn away from your sins and be baptized. If you repent, God will forgive you.” When people heard John, they remembered what was written in the book of the prophet Isaiah. “A herald’s voice in
Gospel Reflection for December 5, 2021 – 2nd Sunday of Advent Read More »