Sunday Readings: Acts 5.12-16; Revelation 1.9-11, 12-13, 17-19; John 20.19-31 Jesus breathed on his disciples and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.” (John 20.22-23) Bible scholar Sandra Schneiders observes that the Greek word translated as retained above or sometimes bound […]
Gospel Reflection for April 3, 2016, 2nd Sunday of Easter Read More »
When Alessia Cara sings out to let your face “shine, shine, shine,” she celebrates the grace that every individual brings to our lives and communities. SPIRIT celebrates the Starry Night Prom that students at De La Salle High School host for people who are disabled. They welcome more than a thousand people. The prom has
Music and the Gospel: “Wild Things,” Alessia Cara, 2nd Sunday of Easter Read More »
When someone we love dies, it can seem like the end of the world. This week’s Spirit deals with loss. It also deals with resurrection. The stories in this issue tell us that while someone may not physically be with us any longer, they live in our hearts and minds. The song “One Call Away”
Music and the Gospel: “One Call Away,” Charlie Puth, Easter Read More »
Sunday Readings: Acts 10.34, 37-43; Colossians 3.1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5.6-8; John 20.1-9 (10-18) Mary Magdelene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord.” (John 20.18) The act of raising Jesus from the dead reveals who God is — the one who gives life. By accepting death, Jesus reveals that God’s power
Gospel Reflection for March 27, 2016, Easter Sunday Read More »
Sunday Readings: Luke 19.28-40; Isaiah 50.4-7; Philippians 2.6-11; Luke 22.14-23.56 “Surely this was an innocent man.” (Luke 23.47) Luke’s passion account emphasizes Jesus’ innocence. When the crowd, the chief priests, and temple guard come to arrest Jesus, he says, “Am I a criminal that you come out after me armed with swords and clubs? When
Gospel Reflection for March 20, 2016, Passion/Palm Sunday Read More »
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhjt-y2XcVY Holy Week is a time to reflect on the last days of Jesus’ life — his last supper with his friends, his trial, crucifixion, and death. Throughout his ministry, Jesus teaches humility, compassion, and forgiveness. In his final actions he lives out his message in wholehearted love for us. The song “You’re All I
Music and the Gospel: “You’re All I Need,” Foxes, Passion/Palm Sunday Read More »
What’s more Catholic than fish dinners? Did you know the fish is an ancient Christian symbol? The word for fish in Greek is ichtus, pronounced ick-toose. The word fish in Greek letters look like: The first Christians, who were sometimes persecuted for their faith in Jesus, made an acrostic out of this word. In an
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 43.16-21; Philippians 3.8-14; John 8.1-11 “Woman, where are they all? Has no one condemned you?” (John 8.10) Only John’s gospel tells the story of the hypocrites who use a woman they catch in adultery to trap Jesus. He can reject the law of Moses that requires stoning or break the Roman law
Gospel Reflection for March 13, 2016, 5th Sunday of Lent Read More »
All relationships start out on a foundation of trust. We have a right to feel safe and secure. If we don’t, the relationship becomes toxic. Breaking trust changes not only how we view ourselves and others, but it can also leave permanent scars. Sometimes we have people we can turn to, people who will support
Music and the Gospel: “Elastic Heart,” Sia, 5th Sunday of Lent Read More »
Throughout our lives we make many decisions. Some are no-brainers. Some difficult and scary, even painful and heartbreaking. Spirit follows the inner workings of one young woman’s thought process as she weighs her options, her conscience, and the advice of those around her to make the best choice possible for all involved. Adele’s song expresses
Music and the Gospel: “Remedy,” Adele, 4th Sunday of Lent Read More »