The Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel Reflections

Stalling

We all sometimes delay or procrastinate in doing what we know is right. On the memorial of St. Anthony of Padua, the readings today teach us that we should follow what God calls us to do and not stall.

Trinity Sunday

What are the essential aspects of God?

Readings

Pentecost and the sin of racism

Pentecost 2020

Jesus is always with us

We can feel doubt and pain when it seems Jesus is far from us, just like the disciples did when Jesus left and ascended to heaven (Mt 28:16-20). At the same time, we place our trust Jesus' promise that He is with us always, until the end of the age.

A love that gives hope

Happy Mother's Day! Mothers love us in a way that is is very focused, particular and sacrificial. It is a love that fills us with hope, especially when things are difficult. This is the kind of love and care Jesus shows his followers in today's Gospel (John 14:1-12), part of his "farewell discourse" which is like his last will and testament to us.

Leading like the Good Shepherd

Happy Good Shepherd Sunday! Rather than leaders who are out to enrich themselves, Jesus shows us that true leadership involves sacrificing ourselves so that others may have life (John 10:1-10). All baptized are challenged to live this way. We pray in a particular way today for vocations to priesthood and consecrated life where this call is expressed in a beautiful way.

 

Going to the margins

Pope Francis has emphasized our need to "go to the margins". Our mission of evangelization should start with those in most need. We see this in Philip's interaction with the Ethiopian eunuch in today's first reading (Acts 8:26-40). In evangelizing the Ethiopian, Philip makes the outsider a part of the community.

 

Moving from sadness to joy

How do we experience the joy of the Resurrection when we feel sad and hopeless? The story of the road to Emmaus in today's Gospel (Luke 24) shows us that when we reach out to those in need with an act of kindness we are awakened to the presence of the Risen Lord in our midst.

Hope in eternal life

In a fascinating detail from today's Gospel (John 3:7-15), Jesus compares his death on the cross to the bronze serpent Moses lifted up in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4-9). Unlike the bronze serpent, the life Jesus gives us is eternal. The promise of eternal life is a great source of hope to us especially especially during difficult times.

Divine Mercy Sunday

We often judge the Apostle Thomas harshly because he expresses doubt (John 20:19-31). Although his faith is not what it should be, we can learn from his example. Thomas is honest about his struggle and because of this Jesus can help him in his particular need. Likewise in our life, when we are honest with God about our needs He can more readily give us His mercy, healing and assistance.