"unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds." This bread before us is the result of seeds that fell to the earth and was reborn as stalks of grain, then "died" again, to be reborn as bread. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Lent 5b – 17-March-24”
Nicodemus asked about what he needed to do to gain eternal life. Jesus responded by saying that the grace of God is freely given. The same thing is true for what the Church offers the world. It is freely given.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Lent 4b – 10-March-24”
John 3:16 is the most well-known scripture in the Bible, but does us well to read on to the next verse. John 3:17, “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Lent 4b – 10-March-24”
Have you ever heard the word "condemn"? What do you think "condemn" means?
[wait for answers]
In today's gospel reading, we hear that God did not send Jesus into the world to condemn the world. In fact, God sent Jesus into the world to save it.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment for Lent 4b – 10-March-24”
The work of the church can be stated in two sentences: Teach people how to love God; and Engage in the loving service of others. Those are the things that we should be about. Those are the things we should support.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Lent 3b – 3-March-24”
Sometimes we're so used to a story that we lose the shock or surprise that it had for those who first saw the event. Jesus clearing the temple was such a surprise to the priests that they said, "What did you see that said you could do this?"… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Lent 3b – 3-March-24”
Have you ever saw something that was just not right and it made you angry to see it?
[wait for answers]
Jesus had times like that too. In our gospel story for today, Jesus went to the temple in Jerusalem.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment for Lent 3b – 3-March-24”
The work of the Church consists of two movements. Just as the disciples encountered Jesus in a way that increased their understanding of who he was and what he meant, so we too must encounter our Christ in ways that increase our understanding and help us to grow in the faith.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation (Gospel) for Lent 2b – 24-February-24”
Have you ever been listening to something for a while without realizing what you're hearing. Maybe it's a bird calling or a dog barking. Maybe it's your mom or dad calling you. Suddenly you realize that you've been hearing it for a while without really paying attention.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment for Lent 2b – 24-Feb-24”
In our gospel story for today, Peter manages to hit a high and a low within five sentences. The high point is recognizing who Jesus is and claiming it as a statement of faith. The low point is wanting Jesus to be Christ the way Peter wants him to be Christ. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Lent 2b – 24-February-24”