God so loves the world that God’s Son becomes one of us. This is Sunday’s gospel message. Jesus’ mission reveals God’s love as he reaches out to all the people he encounters. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you’ve done, or what you’re going through. The song “God, Your Mama, and Me” reminds us […]
The first readings on Sunday’s during Lent feature great moments in Israel’s history, this week the giving of the ten commandments. SPIRIT explores what the commandments ask of us in our relationship with God and with our families, friends, neighbors, and even people we dislike. The commandments expect us to respect all people because ALL
Music and the Gospel: “Girls Like Us,” Zoe Wees – 3rd Sunday of Lent Read More »
We all experience times when we lose self-confidence and berate ourselves for not being smart enough or good looking enough, for not fitting into what social media, advertising, even our own peers, tell us is the “popular” way to look and act. Experiences like these can make us shrink into ourselves, preventing us from sharing
Music and the Gospel: “I Love Me,” Demi Lovato Read More »
Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law and everyone who crowds his doorway; then he goes on to another village to proclaim the good news of God’s nearness. This is the same Jesus who loves and stands by us. The song “You Walk With Me” is about how God and the people who love give us strength. Key
“You Walk With Me,” Housefires, ft. Kirby Kaple – 5th Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus begins his ministry with these words: “This is the time of fulfilment. The reign of God draws near. Change your attitude and believe in the Gospel.” Jesus serves as the ultimate role model in how we should treat ourselves and each other; he challenges unjust laws and perspectives; he teaches us the importance of
Music and the Gospel: “Brand New Eyes,” by Bea Miller Read More »
“Find your people, do your thing, and be true to yourself in the world — these are the best things. It is worth being lonely while you are searching.” The song “Free” by Sault challenges us to see more in ourselves and our lives than we recognize in our day to day actions. When we
Music and the Gospel: “Free,” Sault – 3rd Sunday of Advent Read More »
This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of All Saints. This means that “…we are one with all believers.” In other words, God blesses everyone, including those we don’t agree with, people of different cultures and beliefs, the poor, and the persecuted. We have the ability to create a culture of compassion and empathy, and the
Music and the Gospel: “Stand By You,” Rachel Platten – Feast of All Saints Read More »
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus teaches us the way to love God is to love one another. It doesn’t matter who we love, what religion we adhere to, what color our skin is, where we are on the economic scale. What matters the most is that we treat each other with respect, fairness, and
Music and the Gospel: “You Need To Calm Down,” Taylor Swift – 27th Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
Not all the people in our communities and nation have the same access to education, healthcare, and justice. This week’s SPIRIT spotlights Appalachia and the effects of mountaintop mining. The song “Truth to Power” was written from the viewpoint of Mother Earth, how she sees us and how our actions affect each other and the
Music and the Gospel: “Truth To Power,” OneRepublic Read More »
Jesus’ encounters ten lepers in Sunday’s gospel. Lepers experienced people shunning them. The lepers in the gospel call to Jesus, ask him for compassion, and Jesus grants it. The voices in “Beautiful People” feel second class to those with more money and things. The need for superficial things can blind some people to the beauty and
Music and the Gospel: “Beautiful People,” by Ed Sheeran, ft. Khalid Read More »