Sunday Readings: Deuteronomy 18.15-20; 1 Corinthians 7.32-35; Mark 1.28 “What is this? A new teaching–with authority!” – Mark 1.27 An unholy spirit cries out in the synagogue where Jesus preaches in Sunday’s gospel. Jesus rebukes the unclean spirit, a word that also means to silence, muzzle, tie shut. The unclean spirit will not be Jesus’ […]
Gospel Reflection for January 28, 2018, 4th Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus begins his ministry with these words: “This is the time of fulfillment. The reign of God draws near. Change your attitude and believe in the Gospel.” Jesus serves as the ultimate role model in how we should treat ourselves and each other; he challenges unjust laws and perspectives; he teaches us the importance of
Music and the Gospel: “Brand New Eyes,” Bea Miller Read More »
Sunday Readings: Jonah 3.1-5, 10; 1 Corinthians 7.29-31; Mark 1.14-20 “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of people.” – Mark 1.17 The gospel writer Mark includes few details in the spare story of Jesus calling four fishermen to follow him. Jesus’ call is direct; their responses, quick and decisive. They do not
Gospel Reflection for January 21, 2018, 3rd Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
Heifer International is an organization that makes its mission to eradicate poverty and hunger in the world, a mission like Jesus’ own. It is featured in Spirit this week. Heifer educates people about the lives of people who need help with the basics to thrive. The learning center invites young people to experience a “day
Music and the Gospel: “Tapestry,” Liv Dawson, 2nd Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
Scripture Readings: 1 Samuel 3.3-10, 19; 1 Corinthians 6.13-15, 17-20; John 1.35-42 “Come and see.” – John 1.29 “Come and see,” Jesus says when Andrew wants to learn about him in Sunday’s gospel. “Come and see” is a call to encounter. Come, talk, stay, meet face to face, interact, discover who I am and what
Gospel Reflection for January 14, 2018, 2nd Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
Our global world fills our minds with challenging thoughts to complement and compete with our own worldviews. The song “New Religion” is about what can guide us as we travel our own paths. What inspires us to be our better selves? What calls us beyond our individual selves into friendship and community? We may be
Music and the Gospel: “New Religion,” The Heydaze Read More »
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 60.1-6; Ephesians 3.2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2.1-12 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage.” – Matthew 2.2 Epiphany celebrate the manifestation of Jesus to Gentile seekers. Learned Gentiles discover through their study of the heavens a new star
Gospel Reflection for January 7, 2018, Epiphany Read More »
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 9.1-6; Titus 2.11-14; Luke 2.1-20 “Mary gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” – Luke 2.7 Jesus’ birth story in Luke’s gospel anticipates Jesus’ whole life and emphasizes his mission to
Gospel Reflection for December 25th, Christmas Read More »
Sunday Readings: 2 Samuel 7.1-5, 8-12, 14-16; Romans 26.25-27; Luke 1.26-38 “Nothing is impossible with God.” – Luke 1.37 In Mary, the Most High overshadows and dwells in a human person, intensifying God’s presence among us. The same God who created all that is makes the impossible come to be in Mary, who is young
Gospel Reflection for December 24, 2017, 4th Sunday of Advent Read More »
We sometimes feel God’s presence in our life in surprising ways. Sometimes we can find God by taking a simple walk and connecting with the world around us. Other times, God’s presence arises in times of personal pain and darkness, times when we wonder “why me?” This week’s SPIRIT makes us aware that taking a
Music and the Gospel: “Arms Open,” The Script, 4th Sunday of Advent Read More »