The Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel Reflections

Mission gives life purpose (3 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B)

When we lack a mission our purpose, we can lack joy and a sense of person. The readings today show us that Jesus has called each of us to be part of a community, loving God, serving our neighbour and building a more just world. We should never think we are not good enough. We all have talents God wants us to use for mission.

3 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B

Jonah 3:1-5, 10; 1 Cor 7:29-31; Mk 1:14-20

What does God’s voice sound like? (2 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B)

The First Reading (1 Sam 3) and the Gospel today (Jn 1:35-42) encourage us to reflect on how we can hear the word of God in our lives. We can perhaps think that God will call us in a clear way as he did for Samuel. However, John's Gospel shows us that we often hear the voice of God through other people, and can have trouble understanding what God is calling us to, and learn more about God's plans for us as we journey with Jesus and participate in His mission.

The fourth wise man

On this celebration of the Epiphany, the magi are presented to us as models of faith to imitate. They are humble seekers who show incredible generosity. Among the various traditions that have developed surrounding the magi, this is illustrated by the story of the fourth wise man.

Epiphany, year B

We are blessed!

Names have a meaning. The name Jesus, which we hear proclaimed in today's Gospel means the "Lord saves". Through Jesus, God saves, rescues, heals and blesses us. Like Mary, let us learn to recognize the many ways we are blessed by Jesus.

 

Mary Mother of God, year B

Loving our imperfect families

Although their are so many blessings and much goodness in our families, no one has a perfect family. The Holy Family also struggled and suffered. We learn from the Holy Family that our own families - as imperfect as they are - can be schools in which we grow in love of God and neighbour.

 

Holy Family, year B

Christmas - the unexpected gift

On Christmas Day, the shepherds received an unexpected gift. When they visited Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in Bethlehem, they encountered a Saviour who defied all expectations: Immanuel, God with us. We rejoice in having such a Saviour, who is always close to us, whatever we are going through, saving us.

 

Christmas, year B

The gingerbread house, the house of David, and Bethlehem

Today's readings are all about houses. In the first reading (2 Sam 7), David wants to build God a house, a Temple. Instead of David building God a Temple, God promises He will build David a dynastic house. Jesus, son of David and son of God, fulfills this promise when He is born at Bethlehem, the "house of bread".

4th Sunday of Advent, year B

Joy is a choice

John the Baptist proclaimed that Jesus is the light of the world (Jn 1). Jesus came to bring salvation and joy. Just as some recognized His light for what it was while some failed to see it, so we must choose to see the goodness Jesus brings into our daily lives. The light always shines in the darkness. Seeing the light and embracing joy is a choice.

 

3 Sunday of Advent, year B

John 1

Hope in the desert (2 Sunday Advent, year B)

The wilderness or desert is a rich image in the Bible. At different times, God's people found themselves in a literal or figurative desert. These were times of suffering, confusion and disruption. At the same time, the desert is also a place of hope. God cares for his people in the desert and send help and salvation. On this second Sunday of Advent, the readings call us to rekindle our hope. Whatever desert we find ourselves in, God will come to rescue us through Christ!

Second Sunday of Advent, year B | Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1:1-8

Expect the unexpected

Waiting for God to act in our lives can be difficult, especially when God seems distant. In the parable from today's Gospel, we learn that although Jesus will always enter our lives, the timing of his arrival and means by which He works is often unexpected.

1 Sunday of Advent, year B

Mark, 13:33-37