This week’s SPIRIT explores the story of magi, three seekers from lands other than Israel who journey to Jerusalem to find the newborn king. Like them we are seekers who see God’s hand in the stars and in all of nature. With God becoming human in Jesus, Christians now also look for ways Jesus appears […]
Music and the Gospel: “King of Kings,” Hillsong United Read More »
The song “Eustace Scrubb” is inspired by the character of the same name in C.S. Lewis’s novel Voyage of the Dawn Treader. In the book, Eustace repels others with a prickly and snobbish exterior out of his fear of being vulnerable. With the help of kindness and acceptance from a few unexpected friends, he is
Music and the Gospel: “Eustice Scrubb,” by Sarah Sparks Read More »
Painful emotions can throw off our sense of self and purpose. Some of us face the challenge, slowly adjust, and move on. Painful experiences push us to grow, expand what we are capable of, and strengthen how we handle things. The song “Walk Me Home” is about moving through a tough time (either by embracing
Music and the Gospel: “Walk Me Home,” Pink, 2nd Sunday of Lent Read More »
Relationships with others become more complex as we mature. Some friendships end, some deepen. We develop crushes, pair up, break up, figure out how to make relationships work. This week’s SPIRIT discusses what it means to have healthy, strong relationships and, eventually, marriage. The song “Love Someone” is about what it means to open your
Music and the Gospel: “Love Someone,” Lukas Graham Read More »
This week’s SPIRIT is about walking a mile in another person’s shoes. Every year, the students of St. Paul High School walk 26 miles to raise money for a local soup kitchen. They walk through different communities and meet new people, wealthy and poor. Their journey also gives the students time to reflect and change their
Music and The Gospel: “Rescue,” Lauren Daigle Read More »
Most of us use social media to express ourselves, keep up with family and friends, and see what’s going on in the wider world. However, some people use social media to spread ideas and opinions that are hurtful to others. A comment that starts off as a joke can be picked up and taken out
Music and the Gospel: “Growing Pains,” Alessia Cara Read More »
Spirit explores friendship this week. What makes a good friend? In their teens human being develop the brain power to see ourselves the ways others see us, making high school a time to try out who we want to be, to develop new interests, and to take on responsibilities. Our friendships can be fluid. Friends
Music and the Gospel: “I’ll Be There,” Jess Glynne Read More »
In Sunday’s gospel Jesus identifies the two greatest commandments–to love God with all our hearts and minds and our neighbor as ourselves. All of us, regardless of circumstances, can live these basic commandments rather than stereotype, judge, and disrespect others. We have the capabilities to brighten someone’s day, help people, spread joy, and learn from
Music and the Gospel: “Love Song,” One Sonic Society ft. Elle Limebear Read More »
A rich young man seems eager to follow Jesus until Jesus suggests that he give his money to the poor and come along with him and his other disciples. Teens are the young people Jesus asks to follow him today. These years are the time each of us starts to imagine adult life and recognize
Music and the Gospel: “Heart Wide Open,” Mack Brock Read More »
This week SPIRIT focuses on relationships, and how they affect us and change us. Growing up involves developing relationships with significant others beyond the family. Sometimes these relationships are fun and carefree, sometimes complicated and difficult. Sometimes they last; sometimes they don’t. The high school years are the ideal time not only to make relationships
Music and the Gospel: “Why,” Andra Read More »