“When We Stand Together,” Nickelback, Here and Now, The All Blacks B.V. Gospel Reflection: After Jesus dies, he does not leave his friends afraid and alone. Instead, he returns to them to reassure them and prepare them to go out together and spread the good news. “When We Stand Together” by Nickelback is about the […]
“When We Stand Together,” SPIRIT Xtra for April 15, 2012 Read More »
“Dear Mr. President,” Fitz and the Tantrums, Pickin’ Up the Pieces, Dangerbird Records Gospel Reflection: In Sunday’s gospel the people buying and selling in the temple anger Jesus. Anger can wake us up to injustice and people’s everyday needs. Sometimes we get angry with political leaders or others in positions of power who don’t seem
“Dear Mr. President,” Spirit XTRA for March 11, 2012 Read More »
“Secrets,” OneRepublic, Waking Up, Mosley Music/Interscope Records Gospel Reflection: Jesus forgives sins. We have the power to forgive each other for our mistakes, hurts, and slights. But sometimes, fear or shame can keep us from asking for or granting forgiveness. The song ‘Secrets’ is about letting go of these negative emotions and being truthful about
“Secrets,” SPIRIT Xtra for February 19, 2012 Read More »
“Rise to Me,” The Decemberists, The King Is Dead, Capitol Records Gospel Reflection: Not only does Jesus speak with authority in Sunday’s gospel, his actions match his words as he casts out a demon. Even when it would have been easier to ignore the possessed man, Jesus stands his ground and sets him free. “Rise
“Rise To Me,” SPIRIT Xtra for January 29, 2012 Read More »
“Cup of Sorrow,” Amos Lee, Mission Bell, Blue Note Records Gospel Reflection: Just as Jesus invites disciples in Sunday’s gospel to come to his house and hang out, so also Jesus invites us to “come and see” who he is. How we respond matters. “Cup of Sorrow” is a song about responding to the invitation,
“Cup of Sorrow,” SPIRIT Xtra for January 15 Read More »
How do you define violence? What violence are you exposed to in your community? Guest Post from Claire Bishoff in reflection of Matthew 22:34-40 Until very recently, I did not think much about violence. I was confident that my only exposure to it came through the occasional act of violence I saw in a movie
Violence and Human Dignity Read More »
“The Cave,” Mumford and Sons, Sigh No More, Glassnote Gospel Reflection: Jesus calls us to service and humility in this Sunday’s gospel, neither of which is easy. He criticized religious leaders who seek honor and power over others. Jesus wants us to reach out to those around us, lifting them up and sharing their burden,
“The Cave” – SPIRIT Xtra for October 30, 2011 Read More »
“Dixon’s Girl,” Dessa, A Badly Broken Code, Doomtree Gospel Reflection: Jesus teaches that God’s most basic laws are laws of love. In our lives we often encounter people and situations that call us to be instruments of God’s love. In “Dixon’s Girl,” hip-hop artist Dessa encounters such a situation and expresses her care for and
Dixon’s Girl: SPIRIT Xtra for October 23rd Read More »
Key Lines: Sometimes I lay/Under the moon/And thank God I’m breathing/Then I pray/Don’t take me soon/’Cause I am here for a reason/Sometimes in my tears I drown/But I never let it get me down/So when negativity surrounds/I know some day it’ll all turn around/Because all my life I’ve been waiting for/I’ve been praying for/For the
Key Lines: Come and release me sender/Come and release me/I will go/It’s the part I need to show/Come and release me silence/Come and release me so I’ll know/When it’s time to let it go/I want to know/Where the deeper parts of life will grow/I want to see/Where’s the deeper part of love in me/Where’s the