Jesus said, “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” Luke 12.49 The fire Jesus wishes were already kindled points to this challenge of Jews and Gentiles in Christ working together to reconcile divisions. Fire is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. Early in Luke’s gospel John […]
Gospel Reflection for August 18, 2013, 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus said, “From those to whom much has been given, much will be required; from those to whom much is committed, how much greater the demand!” Luke 12.48 Luke admonishes those who are leaders in the Christian community, those who have been entrusted with the care of “the little ones.” Their faith is to be
Gospel Reflection for August 11, 2013, 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus said, “Take care. Avoid greed in all its forms. For one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” Luke 12.15 In his gospel Luke urges us to see ourselves within a web of social relations, to stand in solidarity with those in need rather than alone like the rich fool. Like God,
Gospel Reflection for August 4, 2013, 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” Luke 11.9 Jesus calls us in Sunday’s gospel to persevere in prayer. God is more gracious than a friend who reluctantly gets up in the night to help us. But God’s
Gospel Reflection for July 28, 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
The story of the Good Samaritan leads Jesus to pose the question, “Which of these is your neighbor?” The lawyer responded, “The one who treated him with compassion.” Jesus said, “Then go and do the same.” Luke 10.36-37 The parable stands at the heart of Jesus’ message of salvation. In effect, Jesus tells the lawyer
Gospel Reflection for July 14, 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
This weekend, the people of the United States go to parks, play and swim, eat hot dogs, and watch red, white and blue fireworks cascade, explode, and spill down dark night skies. The Fourth of July celebrates the signing of this nation’s Declaration of Independence from England and George III in 1776. We come to
Independence Day: A reflection by Joan Mitchell, CSJ Read More »
Jesus said to the 72 appointed missionaries, “Whenever you enter a town and its people welcome you, eat what they set before you and cure the sick there. Say to them: ‘The reign of God has come near.’” Luke 10.8-9 Jesus advises the missionaries no walking staff, no traveling bag, no sandals, and no visiting
Gospel Reflection for July 7, 2013, 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus said, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and keeps looking back is fit for the reign of God.” Luke 9.62 In Sunday’s gospel two people ask to join Jesus’ company as they walk along, and Jesus invites a third to follow him. The exchanges between Jesus and these three instruct us
Gospel Reflection for June 30, 2013, 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
“Remember all music was once new music.” That’s the sign-off for a public radio music broadcast that features current compositions and performances. Sounds that wrap us in melody and memory today may have once jarred listeners. The same theme applies to revelation. All revelation was once new revelation, that is, if with our Judeo Christian
Revelation is dialogue: An excerpt from Sunday By Sunday for Trinity Sunday Read More »
Jesus said to his disciples, “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, this One will guide you along the way of all truth.” John 16.12 Jesus recognizes he has more to say than his friends can hear or bear. He cannot ready his
Gospel Reflection for May 26, 2013, Trinity Sunday Read More »