The Extra Meisl

What will make me happy?

People generally agree that happiness is the one thing everyone wants. However, people disagree about what will make them happy. In the Gospel today (Luke 6:20-26), we hear Jesus' beatitudes, his radical and unexpected roadmap for happiness. The saint whose feast we celebrate today, St. Peter Claver (1580 – 1654), lived the beatitudes in a remarkable way in his service to slaves in Colombia.

A prophetic community

The readings today teach us about what it means to be a prophet. A prophet is not clairvoyant peering into a crystal ball but is someone who sees the world through God's eyes and calls us how to best live. The prophet is a watcher. In the gospel today, Jesus shows us that to be a true prophet we need to listen to others. The baptized form a prophetic community.

Peter: from Satan to Martyr

Jesus has some strong words for Peter in today's Gospel. Jesus calls Peter "Satan" because he is an obstacle to Jesus' mission. This shows us how important the Cross is in the life of Jesus and in each of our lives. From tradition, we know that Peter eventually learnt his lesson and gave his life for Christ.

Overcoming fear

Spending time in silence can help us refocus on Jesus and ensure our fear does not overcome us. 19 Sunday Ordinary Time, year A. Readings

God cares for us

The readings this Sunday show us that God cares for us. In the Gospel (Mt 14:13-21), Jesus teaches us a paradoxical lesson: one way God cares for us is by giving us the opportunity to care for others.

The Kingdom is just under the surface

In today's Gospel, Jesus explains more about God's Kingdom with parables. The Kingdom is something valuable that satisfies our desires. By searching for Wisdom, we can find the kingdom in our daily lives.

How does God's Kingdom work?

With three parables, Jesus teaches us how the Kingdom of God works (Gospel).

16 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year A, 2020

Are you listening?

In the parable of the sower, Jesus emphasizes the need for us to listen actively to his instructions about the kingdom of heaven. (readings)

The yoke's on you

Jesus uses the metaphor of a yoke - which seems foreign to us - to explain that when we are with him we can face the struggles of life with hope and strength.

14th Sunday Ordinary Time, year A (readings)

Expectations vs. reality of discipleship

Today (13 Sunday OT, year A) Jesus challenges us to reconsider our expectations when it comes to the costs and rewards of following Him.