Turning the other cheek when someone hits you is an act of nonviolence, of stopping violence rather than taking it to another level. Whether a bully by choice or a child soldier by force, fighting leads to more fighting, violence feeds violence. Jesus challenges us to stop the payback cycles, “to love our enemies, pray […]
Music and the Gospel: “Rise,” Katy Perry Read More »
Scripture Readings: Leviticus 19.1-2, 17-18; 1 Corinthians 3.16-23; Matthew 5.38-48 “You have heard it said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy,’ but I say to your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for God makes the sun to rise
Gospel Reflection for February 19, 2017, 7th Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
In high school, moments when we feel on the outside looking in happen a lot. Everyone wants to be popular; everyone wants to be included. Often we feel socially tested, judged about everything from the people we hang out with to the very clothes we wear. It’s also a time when we determine what and
Music and the Gospel: “I Am,” Jojo Read More »
Sunday Readings: Sirach 15.15-20; 1 Corinthians 2.6-10; Matthew 5.17-37 “So when you offer your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.” –
Gospel Reflection for February 12, 2017, 6th Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
This week’s SPIRIT talks about what influences us, especially how what and who we love influence our decisions. SPIRIT also invites us to look at the consequences of our decisions, whether they be small-scale or large scale, and how we can work to minimize any negative impacts our decisions may have. The song “Magic” extends
Music and the Gospel: “Magic,” Thomas Gold, ft. Jillian Edwards Read More »
Scripture Readings: Isaiah 58.7-10; 1 Corinthians 2.1-5; Matthew 5.13-16 “You are the salt of the earth….You are the light of the world.” – Matthew 5.13-14 Salt became a precious commodity because it allowed fish and meat to be dried and cured to last a long time. By comparing his disciples to salt, Jesus encourages them
Gospel Reflection for February 5, 2017, 5th Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
Scripture Readings: Zephaniah 2.3;3.12-13; 1 Corinthians 1.26-31; Matthew 5.1-12 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5.3 Who does God bless? The obvious answer is people with a security guard at their gates and a home for every season. Jesus has a different take. He insists God
Gospel Reflection for January 29, 2017, 4th Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
Dr. Martin Luther King wrote that “…any law that degrades human personality is unjust.” The news constantly confronts us with oppression based on race, gender, beliefs in our society and world. It’s important to recognize oppression and to initiate peaceful changes that ensure that everyone has equal rights to resources and education. Andra Day’s song
Music and the Gospel: “Rise Up,” Andra Day Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 8.23-9.3; 1 Corinthians 1.10-13, 17; Matthew 4.12-23 Jesus said “Come, follow me. I want you to gather people into your nets.” – Matthew 4.19 As his first action in his public ministry, Jesus calls four fishermen to accompany and follow him. From the beginning Jesus gathers companions. In fact, it is for
Gospel Reflection for January 22, 2017, 3rd Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
It isn’t easy to see the poverty in our own backyards if we are not living in it. People living without what they need don’t want us to see what is happening. Most of us want to help if we do see others, especially young people our own age, in tough situations. We serve God
Music and the Gospel: “In The Name Of Love,” Martin Garrix and Bebe Rexha Read More »
