Sheep aren't thought of very highly in a lot of studies on the gospel text for today. They're usually called stupid. But that's not the point of what Jesus is saying. He says that the sheep of his flock know his voice and listen to it.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Easter 4b – 21-April-24”
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." As we gather at the Table, we remember that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, did indeed lay down his life to save us. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter 4b – 21-April-24”
Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd." What does a shepherd do? [wait for answers]
Yes. A shepherd cares for the sheep. A shepherd makes sure that the sheep don't get themselves into trouble. A shepherd makes sure they have food and a safe place to stay.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment for Easter 4b – 21-April-24”
In that experience the disciples had of Jesus after the resurrection, their minds and hearts were comforted, their minds were opened to understand the scriptures and the ministry that Jesus was calling them to from then on.
In the same way the Church has the task of standing with people who are oppressed and burdened by deep concerns, we teach people how to understand the scriptures, we prepare ourselves for the ministry that God has called us to do.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Easter 3b – 14-April-24”
What the disciples experienced that convinced them that Jesus was to be a continuing presence in their lives first frightened them, but as he showed them how it fit into the ministry and teaching, he had already given them, they were reassured, emboldened, and empowered.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter 3b – 14-April-24”
We have two different stories from the gospels today, one from Luke and the other from John. Both of them are stories about the disciples meeting Jesus after he rose from the dead. John tells us that Jesus met his disciples on the shore of the Galilean Sea where they had gone back to fishing.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment for Easter 3b – 14-April-24”
In our scripture from Acts for today, the early Church is described as sharing all things together. While we don't have all our possessions in common like the early Church, we do share a common mission and common ministries.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Easter 2b – 7-April-24”
"It was the first day of the week and his disciples were together." That sounds like us, right now. Even if we're all alone in the room, when we gather at the Table, all who've shared this feast of remembrance gather with us...… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter 2b – 7-April-24”
We have some other stories today of the disciples seeing Jesus after the resurrection. All of them were amazed. Some of them doubted and needed more proof. Thomas needed to actually touch Jesus in order to believe it.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment for Easter 2b – 7-April-24”
However you consider the events of that "first day of the week" all those years ago, one thing is clear: The event changed the disciples forever. They changed from a ragtag bunch of followers that were hiding in an upper room to a group that changed the world with what they have found.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Easter Sunday B – 31-March-24”