One of the most recognizable verses from the Bible is central to Sunday’s gospel. “For God so loved the world that God gave the only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life” (John 3.16). After this hope-filled declaration, the gospel contrasts light and darkness. The song […]
Music and the Gospel: “Greater,” MercyMe; 4th Sunday of Lent Read More »
When we hear about the life and ministry of Jesus, we hear that he healed sick people, spent time with children, and exuded love and mercy toward his disciples. Perhaps that is why the gospel for the third Sunday of Lent is jarring. After all, it shows Jesus denouncing what is unjust and throwing out
Music and the Gospel: “Messengers” Lecrae feat. For King & Country; 3rd Sunday of Lent Read More »
Imagine you are alongside Peter, James, and John. When you enter into the Gospel reading for this Sunday, you are about to follow Jesus up the mountain. What does it mean to you to witness Jesus transfigured, brilliant, dazzling? In this time of Lent, we can sometimes be so consumed by somber, penitential reverence that
Music and the Gospel: “Heart Like You,” Love & The Outcome; 2nd Sunday of Lent Read More »
Lent is a time to reflect on our lives — what habits do I have, how am I acting within my relationships, and where am I spending my time? Then we ask, are these habits, relationships and use of time putting me in closer relationship with my dear neighbors and with God, or are they
Music and the Gospel: “Hands of Man,” Django Django; 1st Sunday of Lent Read More »
This song wants us to look behind the mirrors at our real selves. It wants us to question why we try so hard to be somebody else. We all feel out of place at times, especially in high school. In these moments of self-criticism and waning confidence, it can be good to remember that God
Music and the Gospel: “Try,” Colbie Caillat Read More »
God within us guides and inspires us, accompanies us in exciting times and difficult ones. This week, SPIRIT explores how a young woman, 16 and pregnant, makes a difficult decision about the baby with her boyfriend and family. In the gospel Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law, who begins to serve him as the first woman disciple.
Music and the Gospel: “Hopeless Wanderer,” Mumford and Sons Read More »
Choosing and doing what we know is right can be hard. We may be afraid that we will make others angry, that we will lose our popularity, or that we will lose our friends. We can trust though that God is always standing with us as we listen to the voice within guiding us to
Music and the Gospel: “Brave,” Sara Bareilles Read More »
Have you ever been on what felt like a never-ending road trip? Maybe you were restless to know your destination, return home, or stretch your legs. In our faith journeys we can feel similarly: we want to know God’s plan, we wonder how we will fit in our church community, or earthly distractions bogged down.
Music and the Gospel: “Ready Set Go,” Royal Tailor, feat. Capital Kings Read More »
In the Gospels Jesus continually poses questions to his followers. This Sunday he asks the ever-important question: What do you seek? As you reflect on this question and how God is calling you to follow the way of Christ, do not become preoccupied with the details. Instead, allow that little spark of faith to transform
Music and the Gospel: “Start A Fire,” Unspoken Read More »
This is the beginning of a new year. In Sunday’s gospel we hear about the baptism of Jesus, a beginning for him. Set aside time this week to think about your own baptism, which you won’t recall if you were an infant! What do you know about it? Think of ways you can renew that
Music and the Gospel: “Made New,” Lincoln Brewster; Baptism of the Lord Read More »