The Syrian refugee crisis and migrant stories at our own borders have pushed immigration issues into our news and politics. Poverty, displacement, and lack of opportunity push people to seek better ways to provide for themselves and their families. Refugees and immigrants are often isolated for long periods of time from the people they love. […]
Music and the Gospel: “Oasis,” A Great Big World Read More »
Sunday Readings: Isaiah 62.1-5; 1 Corinthians 12.4-11; John 2.1-11 “His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever Jesus tells you.’ Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding 20 or 30 gallons. Jesus said to them, ‘Fill the jars with water.’” (John 2.5-7) The wedding setting in
Gospel Reflection for January 17, 2016, 2nd Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
In high school people start to branch out from their groups of friends and often pair up. It’s a time to develop a sense of who you are and who you are with a significant other. Spirit discusses relationships this week, what it takes to create a strong and healthy relationship, and (eventually) a strong
Music and the Gospel: “Better Place,” Rachel Platten Read More »
Sunday Scripture Readings: Isaiah 40.1-5, 9-11; Titus 2.11-14, 3.4-7; Luke 3.15-16, 21-22 “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Luke 3.16) After the exile in Babylon many people return to the land of Israel, rebuild their city and temple, and revive their worship. Then Greek and Roman conquerors arrive, threatening the temple
Gospel Reflection for January 10, 2016, Baptism of the Lord Read More »
Few Catholics remember their Baptisms because our parents had us baptized as babies. Jesus’ baptism gives us time to think about what being baptized means. In the song “Adventure of a Lifetime,” Coldplay sings out lyrics that express the change Baptism awakens in those who choose consciously to follow Jesus and his teachings. Where will
Music and the Gospel: “Adventure of a Lifetime,” Coldplay; Baptism of the Lord 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 observe his star at its rising and have come to pay him h0mage.” (Matthew 2.2) The three kings stand for all of us who do not share the Jewish identity of Jesus and his first followers. Jesus
Gospel Reflection for January 3, 2016, Epiphany Read More »
Christmas Gospel Readings: Luke 2.1-14; Holy Family Readings: 1 Samuel 1.20-22,24-28; 1 John 3.1-2,21-24; Luke 2.41-52 “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 in.” (Luke 2.7) The child who is God’s joy for the
Gospel Reflection for December 25 & 27, 2015, Christmas/Holy Family Read More »
Sunday Readings: Micah 5.1-4; Hebrews 10.5-10; Luke 1.39-45 “Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Blessed are you among women and blessed is the child of your womb.’” (Luke 1.41-42) The encounter between Mary and her kinswoman Elizabeth is spiritually electric. Each woman has responded to God alone.
Gospel Reflection for December 20, 2015, 4th Sunday of Advent Read More »
With the holidays come family, friends, food, and presents. Also with the holidays can come stress, materialism, and fatigue. It can be really difficult to step back and remember what’s really important: being grateful for what we have. We don’t have to be stressed out and tired, trying to find the perfect gift and spending
Music and the Gospel: “That’s Christmas To Me,” Pentatonix; 4th Sunday of Advent Read More »