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 »
In the transfiguration gospel this Sunday, Jesus reveals who he is more fully to Peter, James, and John. The vision, which hints at Jesus’ resurrection, scares, confuses, and amazes the three disciples. Fear can cause us to hide our true selves from those around us. It can keep us from recognizing who someone else really
Music and the Gospel: “Know Your Worth,” Khalid, ft. Disclosure – 2nd Sunday of Lent Read More »
Some relationships bring out the best in us; we learn compassion and forgiveness. Friendships help us grow. Some relationships challenge our values and sense of who we are and want to be. Ally Brooke’s song “Fabulous” pushes back against falling for peer pressure. It’s about embracing our own self-worth and not settling for relationships that
Music and the Gospel: “Fabulous,” Ally Brooke – 1st 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 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 »
Jesus’ baptism reveals his true identity and call as the Son of God. For each of us, our baptism is a sign to the world of our identity as children of God. Baptism is the sacrament that initiates us into the Christian community. Key Lines: You know you’ve got a voice / That you can
Music and the Gospel: “Resist the Tide,” Cynthia Hopkins – Baptism of the Lord Read More »
We sometimes feel God’s presence in our life in surprising ways. Sometimes we can find God by taking a simple walk and connecting with the world around us. Other times, God’s presence arises in times of personal pain and darkness, times when we wonder “why me?” This week’s SPIRIT makes us aware that taking a risk
Music and the Gospel: “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” Brittany Howard – 4th Sunday of Advent 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 »
Family traditions and rituals give us strength, teach us the meanings behind the things we celebrate, and connect us with our extended family and others around us. The song “That’s Christmas to Me” is not just a list of the things we value about the feast day but a reminder of the traditions we love
Music and the Gospel: “That’s Christmas To Me,” Pentatonix – 2nd Sunday of Advent Read More »