In SPIRIT this week discusses ways the Holy Spirit moves in us. Sometimes we can connect during quiet contemplation. Other times we can connect by risking a new friendship or by pushing ourselves to rise above a challenge and reach the finish line. Sia’s song “The Greatest” is all about connecting with a force greater […]
Music and the Gospel: “The Greatest,” Sia Read More »
People have made pilgrimages for centuries to sacred places. When we shed the walls of our daily life and take only what we can carry, we take away distractions and open ourselves up to God’s presence all around us in Earth, in one another, within ourselves. We can reflect what faith means to us and
Music and the Gospel: “Holy Ground,” Banners, Epiphany Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 60.1-6; Ephesians 3.2-3, 5-6; Matthew 2.1-12 “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage.” – Matthew 2.2 The magi follow a star. They search for God in the visible, natural world. Creation is the first source of revelation.
Gospel Reflection for January 8, 2017, Epiphany Read More »
Sunday Readings: Numbers 6.2-27; Galatians 4.4-7; Luke 2.16-21 “Mary pondered all these words in her heart.” – Luke 2.19 Sunday’s gospel about the shepherds visit to Mary’s child and offers only a single sentence about her. That sentence turns on the word pondered, in Greek the word if symballein. Ballein means to throw. Literally the
Gospel Reflection for January 1, 2017, Mary, Mother of God Read More »
Christmas Readings: Isaiah 9.1-6; Titus 2.11-14; Luke 2.1-20 “While Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have to child. Mary gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn.” – Luke
Gospel Reflection for December 25, 2016, Christmas Read More »
When The Shelters’ sing out about rebel hearts, they are describing the theme of this week’s Spirit. This theme is about caring for others, being a caregiver and showing compassion for those around you. Whether you care for an elderly person, a child, or someone with a disability, People have remarkable ways of living that
Music and the Gospel: “Rebel Heart,” The Shelters, 4th Sunday Advent Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 7.10-14; Romans 1.1-7; Matthew 1.18-24 “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother was engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her husband, an upright man unwilling to expose her to
Gospel Reflection for December 18, 2016, 4th Sunday Advent Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 35.1-6,10; James 5.7-10; Matthew 11.2-11 John the Baptist sends messengers to ask Jesus, “Are you the one to come or should we expect someone else?” Jesus answers, “Tell John what you hear and see: the blind can see; the lame can walk; lepers are cured; the deaf hear; the dead are raised
Gospel Reflection for December 11, 2016, 3rd Sunday Advent Read More »
This week’s Spirit focuses on open-mindedness and communication, on discovering what we have 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 bridges
Music and the Gospel: “Million Reasons,” Lady Gaga, 3rd Sunday Advent Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 11.1-10; Romans 15.4-9; Matthew 3.1-12 Two family trees figure in Sunday’s readings: the children of Abraham and Sarah hear God’s call, go to a new land, and await a child who will be the first of descendants as countless as the stars. Faith in God’s promise is their DNA. The descendants of
Gospel Reflection for December 4, 2016, 2nd Sunday of Advent Read More »