Reflection for Sunday November 28, 2021 by Sean Powell
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Gospel Reading: Lk 21:25-28, 34-36 We again hear about the uncertainty of the future, the second coming, and the need to be vigilant. Don’t be frayed by the pendulum of life. You don’t have to worry about what is coming your way. Needn’t be afraid of the path that lies ahead of you. Life will take its course and you can choose to follow it. Do you trust in Jesus? Sean is in 9th grade at Springfield Township High School |
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Reflection for Sunday November 21, 2021
Gospel Reading: Jn 18:33b-37
This Sunday is the last Sunday of the liturgical year when we celebrate the feast of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. After Thanksgiving we begin the season of Advent and a new church year. This feast is a reminder of the real role of Jesus and how Jesus is in charge of everything. He is not some distant king that rules at the expense of his people. He knows us, his people, and he has already won the ultimate battle. No matter how crazy this world gets we can turn to Jesus as the real king. Jesus is not only the king of the universe, he is also our king on a personal level. When we call Jesus king, as opposed to other titles, it reminds us that we owe our allegiance to Christ. Christ has won our allegiance through his selfless love. He never forces his kingship but rather we call him king in response to who he is and what he has done for us. How do you let Jesus be the king of your life? How are you following Jesus as a loyal subject? |
Reflection for Sunday November 14, 2021
Sunday Gospel: Mk 13:24-32
During the end of the liturgical year we focus on what we call the end times and Jesus’ second coming. These readings can sound like the fire and brimstone sermons that were popular in the 1800s. How do we make sense of these readings? How do these readings fit into the rest of the Gospel? One thing to focus on is that eventually our time on earth will end. Just as we cannot predict when Jesus will come back we cannot know when we will die. Our culture in America does not like to focus on death. We try to hide it and avoid the topic. When we are reminded of the end times, we are given the opportunity to live our present differently. It is another chance for conversion. Ultimately, we should not be too worried about the future. The same God who has been with us in the beginning will continue to be with us in the future. Rather than focusing on the future which we cannot control, let us simply follow the word of St. Francis de Sales and “Live today well”. What can you do today to grow closer to God and to follow Jesus more closely? |
Reflection for Sunday November 7, 2021 By Taylor Delli Carpini
Sunday Gospel Mark 12:38-44
When most of us are praying we are usually asking for something. Let’s be honest, we also only pray if we have extra time within our day. The Bible is full of many teachings and messages, however they often get lost in translation. The message God is sending to us through this Gospel passage is that we should not just pray when we have the time. We should not just pray when we need something. These are valid reasons to pray, but they should not be the only instances we do so. We should rather be making time out of our busy lives to say a prayer and spend time with God. We also should pray to thank God for what we have. Maybe, make time before soccer practice to say a daily prayer, and then thank God for giving you the strength to get through practice after. When the poor woman gives her money, it may not be as much as the others, however it isn’t simply what she had left over, but it is everything she had. This is how we should model our lives of faith. Are you giving God your leftovers or are you making God a priority in your life? How are you going to live out this message? Reflection by Taylor, MSJA Class of 2024 |