Gospel Reflections for Challenging Times

  Wednesday – 3 rd Week in Ordinary Time Gospel – Matthew 13:1-9                  Spread the Word Fields of Upper Galilee Most of you know I was a high school religion teacher for 40 years.   So it’s not unusual for me to cross paths with some of my former students.   And it’s always a special treat to reconnect with them.   5 years ago, right in the middle of the pandemic, I crossed paths with one of my former students.   We spent almost an hour sitting on my front porch and catching up - what’s new with her, what I’m up to, and how our respective families have grown over the years.   But what struck me the most was that moment when she got out of her car and our eyes met.   She was crying!   And I’m like, what’s wrong – nothing at all, just so glad to see you and to thank you for all you’ve done for me.   Sheesh!   Throughout our conversation she ...

  Tuesday 3 rd Week in Ordinary Time Gospel – Mark 3:31-35 We Are Family! Church of Transfiguration, Mt Tabor   First they came for the Communists   And I did not speak out Because I was not a Communist Then they came for the Socialists And I did not speak out Because I was not a Socialist Then they came for the trade unionists And I did not speak out Because I was not a trade unionist Then they came for the Jews And I did not speak out Because I was not a Jew Then they came for me And there was no one left To speak out for me Given today’s Gospel reading and the current state of affairs in the world, in our nation and in Minneapolis, this decades-old quote seems most appropriate! Jesus could not make it any clearer!   We are all one family!   We are all brothers and sisters!   In truth, Jesus is not rejecting His mother, His family and friends.   Instead, He is offering an invitation to all of us to be a part of His family if w...