John the Baptist challenges the Pharisees and Sadducees to live lives that match the words they speak in this Sunday’s gospel. People in our world obsess with image. To live true to what we believe and who we really want to be is hard. The song “Red Hands” describes the challenge of being honest with […]
Current Music and the Gospel: December 8 SPIRIT Xtra Read More »
Advent begins the liturgical year in the Roman Catholic Church. A new year is a time of change, and in the gospel this Sunday, Jesus warns his followers to prepare for great changes. We can reflect on the past year and challenge ourselves for the year to come. “Radioactive” is a song about a time
Current Music and the Gospel: SPIRIT Xtra December 1st Read More »
As we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King, we remember that Jesus’ power is not riches, fame, or political power but the power of love and forgiveness. Our culture celebrates glamorous royals and celebrity gossips, but as Christians we know that these things will not last forever. The song “Royals” is about the rejection
Current Music & the Gospel: Spirit XTRA November 24 Read More »
http://youtu.be/DaIZhKkgteA In Sunday’s gospel Jesus reminds his disciples that their trust in him will help them find their way through any catastrophe. Jesus’ promise of love and protection reassures the disciples, who often feel frightened and confused. The song “Hopeless Wanderer” is a reminder that even through our most difficult times, we can trust that
Current Music and the Gospel: SPIRIT Xtra for November 17 Read More »
Jesus teaches the Sadducees that all are alive in God, which assures us those we love who have gone before us are safe. The song “Safe and Sound” celebrates a relationship that can stay strong through mystery and even beyond death. Key Lines: I could show you love / In a tidal wave of mystery
Current Music and the Gospel: SPIRIT Xtra for November 10 Read More »
When Jesus befriends Zacchaeus, he doesn’t care about the reactions from other people. In this Sunday’s gospel both Zacchaeus and Jesus show qualities of true friends – not caring about appearances or other people’s opinions, taking care of each other, and reaching out when in need. The song “Gone, Gone, Gone” is about the way
Current Music and the Gospel: SPIRIT Xtra for November 3 Read More »
Jesus emphasizes humility in Sunday’s gospel. He holds the sinner who asks God for forgiveness more justified than the Pharisee who wants God to appreciate how pious he is. The song, “You and Me (But Mostly Me)” is a tongue in cheek look at two young missionaries setting out with one taking the lead and
Current Music and the Gospel: Spirit Xtra for October 27 Read More »
In this Sunday’s gospel, Jesus tells his disciples about a widow who refuses to give up until she receives the justice she deserves. Jesus’ story shows us that God will not abandon us in our struggles. For all of us, persisting through the challenges we face is not easy, but it is almost always worth
Current Music and the Gospel: SPIRIT Xtra for October 20 Read More »
“Lego House” by Ed Sheeran The miracle of Jesus healing ten people with leprosy in Sunday’s gospel gives us an example of God’s love for all people and in a special way for those whom society rejects. The one man who returns to thank Jesus also teaches us an important lesson: we must participate in
Current Music and the Gospel: SPIRIT Xtra for October 13 Read More »
“Brave” by Sara Bareilles Music Xtra for October 6, 2013: The disciples want Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus tells them that faith the size of a mustard seed can uproot trees and transplant them in the sea. Even a little faith can have huge results. Faith in your ability to do the right thing
Current Music & The Gospel: SPIRIT XTRA for October 6 Read More »