Jesus’ encounter with Mary and Martha in today’s gospel is sometimes used to justify a meditative, intellectual life (represented by Mary) over a life of active service (represented by Martha). But earlier in Luke’s gospel, Jesus is clear that his family consists of “those who hear the word of God and do it” (Luke 8:21). […]
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The Parable of the Good Samaritan – Practicing Mercy In what ways is our worship an opportunity to practice for a life of service, offering mercy to those who are suffering? We draw near to one another: we sit shoulder to shoulder with people who might be very different from us. We see each other: […]
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When Jesus sends the seventy out to proclaim the good news of God in every town, he makes it clear that whether they are welcomed or rejected, they are to say plainly that “the kingdom of God has come near” (Luke 10:9). As we move about our lives, we are called to love and serve […]
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Galatians 5:22-23
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In John 16, Jesus makes a promise. As he calls the disciples to love and serve the world and reminds them of the difficulty of working for unity, he makes them a promise: the Spirit of truth will guide them into all the truth. excerpted from From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2019 Augsburg Fortress. All rights […]
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Pentecost explodes in a rush of wind and flame. But sometimes the Spirit speaks without saying a word. It’s a promise kept. You taste it in the bread and wine that is the food of inexhaustible grace for pilgrims on their way. The Spirit of Jesus’ resurrected life and love comes. It comes to us. […]
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The true end and goal of our lives is to be one with the love of God. For this we were created. And it is for this that Jesus prays in today’s gospel. There is no better reason to pray than to know this oneness. Loving union with God is the answer to every prayer […]
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“Peace I leave with you” (John 14:27). If there were no other reason to love Jesus, if there were no other reason to want to be near him, if there were no other reason to think him divine, this would be enough. Jesus is going away, and his friends and followers are afraid. They feel […]
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The disciples are reminded yet again of the power of sacrificial love, of putting oneself out there for another. So, too, these words keep us focused, teaching us to see each other, everyone, in a new light, through the lens of love that compels us to even care and act on behalf of one in […]
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