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 […]
Music and the Gospel: “When We’re Together,” Idina Menzel & Kristen Bell Read More »
Sunday Readings: Zephaniah 3.14-18; Philippians 4.4-7; Luke 3.10-18 The crowd asks John the Baptist, “What should we do?” Let people with two coats give to people who have none. People who have lots of food should do the same.” – Luke 3.10-11 Crowds are listening to John the Baptist scold his hearers because they come seeking baptism,
Gospel Reflection for December 16, 2018, 3rd Sunday of Advent Read More »
In 2006, a small, one-room schoolhouse was the center of a major tragedy. A lone gunman entered the school and killed five students, injured five more, and forever changed the lives of many others. Tragedies such as this happen too often. What is sometimes surprising are the number of voices that call out for compassion,
Music and the Gospel: “Love Wins,” Carrie Underwood, 2nd Sunday of Advent Read More »
Sunday Readings: Baruch 5.1-9; Philippians 1.4-6, 8-11; Luke 3.1-6 “A herald’s voice in the desert cries out: ‘Make ready a road for God. Clear a straight path for God. Every valley shall be filled; every mountain and hill shall be leveled.’” – Luke 3.4-5 John the Baptist heralds the turning point in history by which much of the
Gospel Reflection for December 9, 2018, 2nd Sunday of Advent Read More »
This week’s SPIRIT is about walking a mile in another person’s shoes. Every year, the students of St. Paul High School walk 26 miles to raise money for a local soup kitchen. They walk through different communities and meet new people, wealthy and poor. Their journey also gives the students time to reflect and change their perspectives on how the less
Music and the Gospel: “Rescue,” Lauren Daigle, 1st Sunday of Advent Read More »
Gospel Reflection for December 2, 2018, 1st Sunday of Advent Sunday Readings: Jeremiah 33.14-16; 1 Thessalonians 3.12-4.2; Luke 21.25-28, 34-36 “Stay watchful, praying for strength to escape what will happen and to stand before the Son of Man.” – Luke 21.36 Advent begins the Church year with a gospel that fairly froths with frightful images. The gospel
Gospel Reflection for December 2, 2018, 1st Sunday of Advent Read More »
Sunday Readings: Daniel 7.13-14, Revelation 1.5-8, John 18.33-37 Pilate said to Jesus, “So then you are a king?” Jesus answered, “It is you what say I am a king. The reason I was born, the reason why I came into the world, is to testify to the truth.” – John 18.36-37 In his exchange with Pilate, Jesus
Gospel Reflection for November 25, 2018, Feast of Christ the King Read More »
This week’s SPIRIT explores the message and values of Pope Francis. He believes in creating a compassionate and merciful world, one that embraces social justice initiatives regarding climate change and poverty. He is also listening to the voices of young people as they share their concerns for their communities and the world at large. The song “Cover
Music and the Gospel: “Cover the Earth,” Kari Jobe, ft. Cody Carnes Read More »
Sunday Readings: Daniel 12.1-3; Hebrews 10.11-14,18; Mark 13.24-32 “The heavens and the earth will pass away but my words will not.” – Mark 13.31 Sunday’s gospel contains two answers to the question of when Jesus will come again. One answer is very soon, in this generation, and the second is no one knows. We live during
Gospel Reflection for November 18, 2018, 33rd Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
Most of us use social media to express ourselves, keep up with family and friends, and see what’s going on in the wider world. However, some people use social media to spread ideas and opinions that are hurtful to others. A comment that starts off as a joke can be picked up and taken out
Music and the Gospel: “Growing Pains,” Alessia Cara Read More »