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 »
Making mistakes is a part of growing up. Sometimes we forget that our actions can have consequences, that they can affect not only ourselves but also those around us. Not studying for a test may result in a low grade, staying up too late may lead to oversleeping in the morning, inattentive driving can lead
Music and the Gospel: “Gold Dust,” Banners, 3rd Sunday of Lent Read More »
We cope with emotions, especially painful ones, in different ways. Difficult times can throw off our sense of self and purpose. Some people can’t get past the challenge, while others seem to embrace it, adjust, and move on. Painful experiences can actually be a time of growth; we get an idea of what we are
Music and the Gospel: “Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself,” Jess Glynne, 2nd Sunday of Lent Read More »
Santigold says that her song “Chasing Shadows” is about being “caught in the web we spin around ourselves…as quickly as we reach our goals, our gaze shifts to those still looming…we judge ourselves harshly for not being further ont he path” (Pitchfork). High school is a stressful time. Our own expectations and the expectations of
Music and the Gospel: “Chasing Shadows,” Santigold, 1st Sunday of Lent Read More »
This week’s Spirit tells us the story of Father Tolton, the first African-American priest. It also touches on a time in American history when slavery existed and racism flourished. Unfortunately, despite the outlawing of slavery as well as the civil rights movement of the ’60s, recent events have shown that racism is still part of
Music and the Gospel: “Amerika,” Wintersleep Read More »
Not everyone has two (or even one) loving parents, access to a better education, or a comfortable home. It’s important to see other people with eyes of compassion. it’s important to be a message of hope and encouragement even when people face very rough times. We’re all climbing our own personal mountains. It never hurts
Music and the Gospel: “Mountain At My Gates,” Foals Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »