August 2022

Reflection for August 28, 2022 By Emilia O.

Gospel Reading: Lk 14:1, 7-14

This Sunday's gospel is about Jesus teaching us how to be humble, and to treat others how we want to be treated. Jesus shows us not to think of ourselves as better or higher than others but rather lower and equal to all. If we are humble and give without expecting something in return, “you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Not only must we include our family or friends and those we love, but also to the poor and sick. How can you, with God’s help, humble yourself and serve those in need?

This week's reflection is by Emilia, class of 2025.

Reflection for August 7th, 2022 By Ben B.

Gospel Reading: Lk 12:32-48

Have you ever had a test of your faith? Maybe something bad happened to you or someone that you know and it makes you question where God is at that time? In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus tells a parable to his Apostles, about servants and their master. These servants must remain vigilant for when their master returns, even though they do not know when the master will return. When the master does return, and he notices that the servants remained faithful and were ready for him, he rewards them. However if the servants were unfaithful, and did not wait for the master’s arrival, than they would be punished. We can input this knowledge into our own lives. The next time that we find ourselves questioning our faith, we can remember the loyal servants, and how they were rewarded for keeping their faithfulness. We need to have this same faithfulness with God. We do not know when he will return, but when he does, we all have a responsibility to be ready.

This week's reflection is by Ben B. SJP class of 2023

Reflection for August 14, 2022 By Libby K

.Gospel Reading: Lk 12:49-53

In this passage, Jesus is telling his disciples that he has come to earth to bring division, and through this division there will be peace. The fire in this passage represents the day when Jesus will come again to judge all the people of the earth, and decide whether they lived as good or evil people in their life. He will come again to judge the people of the earth, and through this judgment peace will be restored. Peace will come through being judged for who you truly are, and being placed accordingly. As Christians, we are often taught to live good, faithful lives so that we will eventually be able to go to heaven and be with God. This passage asks us to choose between living for God or living for the world. During Mass, many people pray and worship together, but in the end, your judgment comes down to what you believe and how your beliefs affected the way you lived. The example of the five person family in this passage shows that each person is judged individually, and nobody can be attached to anyone else. God doesn’t have grandchildren, just children, the faith of our parents must eventually become our own. Everyone is taught to be the best person you can be, even when it is difficult. We have to learn to trust in God and accept that even when things aren’t going the way you want them to, He is always there for you and he is ready to bring peace. We have to be willing to embrace the fire when He comes again, and we have to be willing to accept our fate and trust in God’s hands. Are you ready to fully trust in God’s plan for you?

This week's reflection is by Libby K., Springfield Township High School class of 2024.

Reflection for August 21, 2022 by Ange B.

Gospel Reading: Lk 13:22-30

Are you consciously striving to enter the narrow door, or do you take for granted that you will easily pass through? In this week’s Gospel, Jesus emphasizes the importance of making an effort to choose the salvation God offers us. Everyone has the opportunity to be saved, but we must decide to accept the opportunity. Jesus tells us that not everyone will pass through this narrow door to salvation, but that people from all walks of life have the option. It is up to us to choose God in everything we do. How can you make an effort to choose God and the salvation He offers us in your everyday life?

This week's reflection is by Ange B. MSJA class of 2024.