It may seem like just yesterday we received ashes on our foreheads. Now we are nearing the end of Lent. We hear Jesus utters the words: “I am troubled now. Yet what should I say, save me from this hour?” Even in this moment of inner turmoil, Jesus understands his clarity of purpose; he prays […]
Music and the Gospel: ” Beyond Me,” TobyMac; 5th Sunday of Lent Read More »
Sunday Readings: 2 Chronicles 36.14-16, 19-23; Ephesians 2.4-10; John 3.14-21 “For God so loved the world that God gave God’s only begotten Son that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have life forever.” (John 3.16) Jesus’ mission is not to condemn the world but to save it. He calls us who
Gospel Reflection for March 15, 2015, 4th Sunday of Lent Read More »
One of the most recognizable verses from the Bible is central to Sunday’s gospel. “For God so loved the world that God gave the only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (John 3.16). After this hope-filled declaration, the gospel contrasts light and darkness. The song
Music and the Gospel: “Greater,” MercyMe; 4th Sunday of Lent Read More »
When we hear about the life and ministry of Jesus, we hear that he healed sick people, spent time with children, and exuded love and mercy toward his disciples. Perhaps that is why the gospel for the third Sunday of Lent is jarring. After all, it shows Jesus denouncing what is unjust and throwing out
Music and the Gospel: “Messengers” Lecrae feat. For King & Country; 3rd Sunday of Lent Read More »
Sunday Readings: Exodus 20.1-17; 1 Corinthians 1.22-25; John 2.13-25 “Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace.” (John 2.16) Jesus’ cleansing the temple calls us to clean our houses this Lent — to examine our hearts. Our fast-paced, productive lives can erode our relationships with God, make us feel like cogs in the wheels of commerce
Gospel Reflection for March 8, 2015, 3rd Sunday of Lent Read More »
Imagine you are alongside Peter, James, and John. When you enter into the Gospel reading for this Sunday, you are about to follow Jesus up the mountain. What does it mean to you to witness Jesus transfigured, brilliant, dazzling? In this time of Lent, we can sometimes be so consumed by somber, penitential reverence that
Music and the Gospel: “Heart Like You,” Love & The Outcome; 2nd Sunday of Lent Read More »
Sunday Readings: Genesis 22.1-2, 9, 10-13, 15-18; Romans 8.31-34; Mark 9.2-10 “Suddenly looking around, Peter, James, and John no longer saw anyone with them — only Jesus.” (Mark 9.8) The Orthodox Church sees in the transfiguration what the whole of Christian life is about — transformation into Christ. Prayer leads to transforming communion with God.
Gospel Reflection for March 1, 2015, 2nd Sunday of Lent Read More »
Sunday Readings: Genesis 9.8-15; 1 Peter 3.18-22; Mark 1.12-15 “Immediately after his baptism the Spirit drove Jesus into the desert.” (Mark 1.12) Every Lent we tend to own up to our self-destructive habits and recommit to become more kind, loving, and prayerful, to say nothing of healthier. What if it is our affections that pull
Gospel Reflection for February 22, 2015, 1st Sunday of Lent Read More »
Lent is a time to reflect on our lives — what habits do I have, how am I acting within my relationships, and where am I spending my time? Then we ask, are these habits, relationships and use of time putting me in closer relationship with my dear neighbors and with God, or are they
Music and the Gospel: “Hands of Man,” Django Django; 1st Sunday of Lent Read More »
Sunday Readings: Leviticus 13.1-2, 44-46; 1 Corinthians 10.31-11.1; Mark 1.40-45 A leper cam to Jesus begging him and kneeling. The leper said to Jesus, “If you choose you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said, “I do choose. Be made clean!” (Mark 1.40-45) Like the
Gospel Reflection for February 15, 2015, 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time Read More »