The Extra Meisl

New beginnings (23 Sunday OT, B)

The start of each school year is a time of hope and possibility. New beginnings are a time to choose new behaviours and attitudes. The second reading today from Saint James challenges us to behave with special care and attention for the needy (James 2:1–5). The healing in the Gospel (Mk 7:31–37), which we relive in the Ephphatha ritual in our baptism, reminds us that Jesus give us the grace to see the needy in our midst and respond to them in a positive way.

23 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B

Cause and cure of brokenness (22 Sunday OT, year B)

In the Gospel today (Mark 7), Jesus is asked about what causes division, separation, and broken relationships. Jesus explains that it is not certain external observances which create problems. Rather, it is the human heart that has the power both to divide and to unite.

 

22 Sunday OT, year B

Doubt and faith

Having doubts about what we believe is a common experience in our faith journey. In the Gospel (John 6:60–69), we find people experiencing doubts about who Jesus is. In the midst of this struggle, the Apostle Peter shows a way through doubt. Focusing on the person of Jesus can transform doubts into an opportunity to grow.

 

21 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B

Saying Amen to the Body of Christ

In the Eucharist, Jesus the Bread of Life nourishes us, and leads us into communion with God and each other. The Gospel this Sunday (Jn 6:51–58) focuses our attention on the precious gift of the Eucharist.

 

20 Sunday of OT

Jn 6:51-58 

The Word gives Life (19 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B).

As we continue the Bread of Life discourse, Jesus describes today how He is the Bread of Life in His word (Jn 6:41–51). In the Sacred Scripture Christ nourishes us, giving us encouragement, direction, and hope. Do we read Scripture expecting Christ to speak personally to us?

A sign of better things (18 Sunday OT, B)

Signs, like an Olympic medal, can be wonderful things. However, signs usually point to something more important. In the case of the medal, the sign points to the excellence of the athlete and the sacrifices they made. In the Gospel (Jn 6:24-35), Jesus reminds us to focus not only on the sign He has worked (the multiplication of the loaves), but to keep in view what the sign points to: Jesus is the bread of life. 

God abundantly feeds the hungry (17 OT, year B)

On this Sunday we remember in a special way grandparents and elders in our community. Grandparents image the generosity of God. They often want to feed those they love! In the readings today, we see that God gives food in abundance. God satisfies more than just physical hunger. Like the boy in the Gospel who contributed five loaves and two fish, God wants us to contribute in this mission of satisfying those who hunger physically and spiritually. 

 

17 Sunday in Ordinary Time, year B

2 Kings 4:42-44

John 6:1-15

Building bridges not walls (16 Sunday Ordinary Time, B)

In Ephesians we discover that Jesus came to breaks down walls that separate people (Ephesians 2:13–18). As followers of Christ, we are called to build bridges, seeking to bring unity in the midst of polarization and division. We can do this by imitating Jesus the Good Shepherd, who sacrifices Himself out of love for others (Mark 6:30–34)

 

16 Sunday in Ordinary Time, year B

The Church is made for mission

As followers of Christ we are all sent out on mission (Mark 6:7-13). We carry out this mission in community. The witness of love, reconciliation, and peace, is one way we complete our mission. In addition, we are encouraged to rely totally on God in our mission.

 

15 Sunday of Ordinary time, year B

Jesus the rejected prophet

The Gospel today tells us about how Jesus was acting as a prophet, preaching the Word of God in his hometown Nazareth (Mark 6:1–6). Although we can be tempted to judge the people in the Gospel who reject Christ, we should remember that we too run the risk of rejecting Christ's life-giving words.

 

14 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B