Not all the people in our communities and nation have the same access to education, healthcare, and justice. This week’s SPIRIT spotlights Appalachia and the effects of mountaintop mining. The song “Truth to Power” was written from the viewpoint of Mother Earth, how she sees us and how our actions affect each other and the […]
Music and the Gospel: “Truth To Power,” OneRepublic Read More »
Immigration is a fiery topic today. Some people welcome immigrants; some resist others different from them. This week’s SPIRIT explores how accepting new people and cultures can benefit our communities and schools and expand our relationships with those around us. Prince Royce’s cover of the song “Stand By Me” is about coming together as friends, family, and neighbors,
Music and the Gospel: “Stand by Me,” Prince Royce Read More »
This week’s SPIRIT is about stereotypes, how they influence our behavior and how we treat those who are different from us. It is also about how our prejudices and choices can harm others. Occasionally, someone (a friend, a parent) will insist that we don’t have a choice. But don’t we always have a choice? The
Current Music and the Gospel: “Be a Rebel,” New Order – 27th Sunday Ordinary Time Read More »
“Eucharist is the central action of the Christian community…It’s where we find the future we want to commit ourselves to build.” Spirit explores how every Eucharist calls us to put our faith into action and to love with our lives as Jesus did, reaching out to all, familiar friends and new and different people. Hollyn’s song “Love
Music and the Gospel: ” Love With Your Life”, Hollyn, 3rd Sunday of Easter Read More »
Easter is where Christian faith begins. It celebrates Jesus’ resurrection. The Church often baptizes new believers at Easter time. SPIRIT is about a young woman who wakes up to what she believes at a baptism. For some people, believing is as natural as breathing; others journey through doubting and questioning. They may find people in
As Christians move through Holy Week, we reflect on Jesus’ ministry and the final events of his life. In doing this we reflect on Jesus’ message of self-giving love, compassion, and forgiveness. The song “Live Again” reflects on God’s love, how God sustains us and calls us to love one another. When we embrace Jesus’
Music and the Gospel: “Live Again,” Sean Curran, Palm/Passion Sunday Read More »
What does it mean to be courageous? Sometimes courage means standing up for or with someone through a conflict, or a big game, or through a punishing sickness. Two brothers play basketball in the Spirit story; one has to struggle with cancer. The other shaves his head in solidarity. Taylor Swift’s song “You’ll Get Better
Music and the Gospel: “Soon You’ll Get Better” Taylor Swift Read More »
“Without roots in the people, no government can avail, much less when it wants to impose its program through bloodshed and sorrow.” In 1980, Archbishop Oscar Romero was assassinated not long after he spoke these words. Romero challenged the government in El Salvador to end the violence that was sweeping through his country and killing
Music and the Gospel: ” Shooting Star,” Owl City Read More »
Spirit explores what it means to be in a healthy relationship. The high school years are prime time for making friends and dating. Most of us spend those years within a wide circle of friends and, as we get older, we start to pair off into more exclusive relationships. When we date, we explore and
Music and the Gospel: “10,000 Hours,” Dan + Shay, Justin Bieber Read More »