In the gospel for the 1st Sunday of Lent the Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness, where he duels with the devil. The Spirit fills Mary, Elizabeth, Zachariah, and Simeon before descending upon Jesus at his baptism and leading him into the desert. All these activities culminate in Jesus’ first preaching, his inaugural address […]
Gospel Reflection for Lent: How does the Holy Spirit work in our world? Read More »
The devil had been tempting Jesus in the desert. Jesus said, “Scripture says, ‘You shall not put the Holy One your God to the test.’” Luke 4.9 In their theological duel Jesus and his antagonist express two very different interpretations of the role and mission of the messiah. The devil tempts Jesus to display his
Gospel Reflection for February 17, 1st Sunday of Lent Read More »
Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Don’t be afraid. From now on you will be catching people instead of fish.” Luke 5.10 The miraculous catch of fish in Sunday’s gospel moves Peter to a confusing response, “Leave me Lord. I am a sinful man.” Why should someone tell a teacher to leave when he or she
Gospel Reflection for February 10, 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus read, “The Spirit of God is upon me, for God has anointed me and sent me to proclaim good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty for captives, sight to the blind, release to prisoners, to announce a year of favor from the Lord. Luke 4.18-19 The prisoners make the list along with
Gospel Reflection for January 27, 2013, 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
Jesus performed this first of his signs at Cana in Galilee. He revealed his glory and his disciples began to believe in him. John 2.11 Jesus, his mother, and disciples are at a wedding when Mary notices the wine has run out. Upon her request, Jesus turns six jars of water into an abundance of
Gospel Reflection for January 20, 2013, 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Read More »
When Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my son, my Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3.21-22 By the time of John the Baptist in Israel’s history, people wonder where to look
Gospel Reflection for January 13, Baptism of the Lord Read More »
“My friend Darwin lives in the country. He’s a teacher, but sometimes wishes he were a farmer. Darwin says that once he was in a “visioning” workshop where the leader asked participants to close their eyes and imagine the happiest, most wonderful experience they could think of. What came to Darwin’s mind was the image
What does Epiphany mean to you? Read More »
After Jesus’ birth, magi from the east followed a star in hopes of finding the messiah. On entering the house, they found the child with Mary, his mother. They knelt down and paid him homage. Then they opened their coffers and presented him with gifts of gold frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2.11 Jesus is not
Gospel Reflection for January 6, 2013, Epiphany Read More »
Joseph and Mary had traveled with a large group of friends and relatives from Jerusalem to Nazareth for an entire day before they realized Jesus wasn’t with him. They returned to Jerusalem and looked for two days before finding him in the temple. Jesus did not understand their anxiety and confusion. Jesus said, “Why were
Gospel Reflection for December 30, Feast of the Holy Family Read More »
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby stirred within her womb. Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out in a loud voice, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the child of your womb.” Luke 1.41-42 The gospel focus narrows this Sunday. In Mary and Elizabeth Luke sees model believers who
Gospel Reflection for December 23rd, 4th Sunday of Advent Read More »