Reflection for Sunday January 28, 2024
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Gospel: Mk 1:21-28
In this passage we hear the story of Jesus preaching in the synagogue when he is challenged by a man with an unclean spirit. When Jesus hears this he commands the spirit in the man to “Come out of him.” After having heard this the spirit fled the man’s body leaving the people in awe of Jesus’ power over the clean and unclean. From this story we learn that Jesus' authority has no limits. Just like God the father he commands both good and evil. We also see that even with this power he allows us to freely make our own decisions even if they are not his will. In spite of this he still calls us to walk the path of truth along with him and to do good. Our responsibility as Christians is to listen to Jesus' call and proceed in the manner that is most pleasing to him. I challenge everyone here to be conscious of their actions and think, is this God's will prior to acting. In every scenario to take the best possible course, that of God, regardless of what has occurred previously or will occur. This week's reflection is by Turner, Roman Catholic HS class of 2024. |
Reflection for Sunday January 7, 2024Gospel: Mt 2:1-12
We begin the New Year with the feast of the Epiphany. This feast day marks the end of the Christmas season and focuses on the Magi visiting Jesus and bringing gifts. As I read this familiar passage three aspects stood out to me. The first is the fact that the Magi were seekers. They were searching the stars for signs. This seeking leads them to traveling and seeking out Jesus. They remind us to always be seeking out God. The second thing is what they desire to do when they find Jesus. The Magi seek out Jesus to pay him homage. When they find Jesus they prostrate themselves and kneel down. They remind us to also stop and pay homage to God, to humble ourselves before Jesus. The last aspect is the gifts that they bring. The magi travel, pay homage, and bring gifts. Modeling for us three things that we too should do. The gifts we bring and give to Jesus may not be gold, frankincense, or myrrh but that doesn't make them less valuable. We are called to give our time, attention, our bodies, and our lives. Each day we have the chance to honor and give gifts to Jesus knowing that ultimately everything we have is from God. What is God inviting you to give as a way to honor Jesus? |
Reflection for Sunday January 14, 2024Gospel: Jn 1:35-42
"What are you looking for?" and "Come and see." These are the first things that Jesus says in the Gospel of John. The disciples of John the Baptist seek out Jesus to become his disciples. Rather then inviting them to follow him, Jesus asks them, and us, a penetrating question. The question, "What are you looking for?" has layers to it. Jesus recognizes that we are all searching for things in life. Rather than giving a straight answer, Jesus gives them an invitation. He invites all of us to come and see. When we encounter Jesus, we should be changed. Peter is changed by receiving a new name which is a big deal in the Bible. In fact, only God changes someone's name. Eventually, Jesus will invite Peter and Andrew to make a commitment and to follow him as his disciples. We also see in this passage an example of evangelization. Andrew meets Jesus and then he goes and tells his brother, Simon. It is a reminder that we are called to evangelize our own family and share the Gospel with them. Think about your own journey of discipleship. Who has helped you follow Christ? Where are you on your journey? Are you searching, cautiously curious, or a committed disciple? |
Reflection for Sunday January 21, 2024Gospel: Mk 1:14-20
Repent, believe, follow. These three words sum up the Gospel this week and sum up the life of a disciple. To repent means to turn away from sin and to turn towards God and what is holy. Repentance is at the heart of conversion. It requires us to recognize what is wrong in our life. Every day we have the opportunity to repent and to come back to God. Repentance is a turning away and belief is a turning to. Disciples believe in the Gospel, in the good news of our redemption and salvation rooted in Jesus. We believe that Jesus is who he claims to be, God. This belief is reinforced every week at mass when we profess the Creed. Lastly, disciples are called to follow their teacher, Jesus. This means putting our beliefs and the teachings of Jesus into action. Every day Jesus invites us to follow him and every day we have the choice to follow or not. Andrew, Simon, James, and John, left everything to follow Jesus. We too, are called to make the same radical choice. As we continue in Ordinary time think about what you need to repent and turn from, what is Jesus calling you to believe more deeply, and how you can follow Jesus more closely. |