Reflection for Sunday February 27th, 2022 By Olivia Forti
Sunday Gospel: Lk 6:39-45
Not only Catholics, but all of God’s people can learn so much from the lessons illustrated in the Gospel of Luke Chapter 6. In verses 39-42, God warns us not to follow the blind leader, for we will fall into a ditch. We are called to embark on our own journeys and respect that everyone is on his or her unique journey in life. God does not want us to judge others and the paths that they are headed on, for everything happens as God intends. We must look inward to reflect on our own journey of faith. In verses 43-45, we learn that each individual is known by the fruit he or she bears (their actions). Good people are known for helping others and treating God’s people with kindness and respect. God sent Christ down to earth to teach us that actions speak louder than words. To maintain a close relationship with God, we must act how God calls us to and avoid the temptation of sinful behavior. Is your faith, your relationship with Christ producing fruit in your life?
This week's reflection is by Olivia. Olivia is a senior at MSJA and has been a member of a OMC high school small group for two years.
Not only Catholics, but all of God’s people can learn so much from the lessons illustrated in the Gospel of Luke Chapter 6. In verses 39-42, God warns us not to follow the blind leader, for we will fall into a ditch. We are called to embark on our own journeys and respect that everyone is on his or her unique journey in life. God does not want us to judge others and the paths that they are headed on, for everything happens as God intends. We must look inward to reflect on our own journey of faith. In verses 43-45, we learn that each individual is known by the fruit he or she bears (their actions). Good people are known for helping others and treating God’s people with kindness and respect. God sent Christ down to earth to teach us that actions speak louder than words. To maintain a close relationship with God, we must act how God calls us to and avoid the temptation of sinful behavior. Is your faith, your relationship with Christ producing fruit in your life?
This week's reflection is by Olivia. Olivia is a senior at MSJA and has been a member of a OMC high school small group for two years.
Reflection for Sunday February 6, 2022 by James QuinnSunday Gospel: Lk 5:1-11
In this week's Gospel Jesus meets Peter, after an unsuccessful night of fishing . Peter reluctantly takes the rabbi's advice to lower his nets again in deeper waters. Peter’s nets came up so full that he had to call a partner to help him, and even then the boats were in danger of sinking. Peter falls to his knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.’ When Jesus reassures them that he is the Messiah, they instantly give up everything and follow him. It seems as if Jesus is asking us if we could give up everything and follow him. I wonder what Peter was feeling that made him want to give up everything he worked hard for. Would we be able to recognize Jesus today and willingly give up our way of living? James is currently in 9th grade and is a member of one of our high school small groups. |
Reflection for Sunday February 13th, 2022 by Mike BreenGospel Reading: Lk 6:17, 20-26
This Sunday’s Gospel presents us with Jesus’ teaching on “blessings” and “woes”. The poor, the hungry, the down and out and suffering folks are described as blessed and assured of a great reward in heaven. On the other hand, the rich, prosperous, and popular people are put on notice that their “days are numbered” in the sense that they have had their fill in this life and that the next life won’t be so joyous. What are we to make of this? Are all poor people automatically good? Are all wealthy people damned to hell? Perhaps it’s not that cut and dried. Jesus was definitely lifting up the poor and downtrodden, assuring them that they have a special place in God’s kingdom. As for the rich, happy and satisfied, maybe Jesus is saying that they should be very careful. Be careful not go overboard with the pleasures of this life. Be careful to care for the poor, hungry and homeless. Be careful to not seek after fame and fortune. There is hope for us all as we strive to enter God’s kingdom. But we can’t deny that in this Sunday’s readings Jesus has some stern warnings for all of us who call ourselves Christians. This week's reflection is by Mike Breen. Mike is one of the leaders for our high school small groups. |
Reflection for Sunday February 20th, 2022 By Luci FioriniGospel Reading: Lk 6:27-38
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells us the importance of loving everyone without exceptions. Not only is it important to show love to the people you care about, but it is just as important to show your enemies love. How can this be? Why do the people who have wronged us deserve the same amount of our respect as the people who have treated us with love? The answer is simple: kindness is the only way to defeat an enemy. The love of God prevails among all people, no matter what kind of sins they have committed. In order for us to truly live as Catholics, we must be willing to be God-like in our everyday lives. We are vessels of God’s love, and unbeknownst to us, our enemies may be struggling in ways we cannot comprehend. Kindness is what bridges the gap between us and those who have wronged us. The only way to reignite a past relationship is to build trust back up again. Open hearts and open minds are the keys to love, and love is the very reason God set us upon this earth. What can you do in your daily life to show love to someone you might not care for? This week's reflection is by Luci Fiorini. Luci is a senior at MSJA and is a member of our high school girls small group. |