The Extra Meisl

Jesus has conquered Satan

In the Scripture, we read about an entity, Satan, who works against the goodness of God. Whereas God is a communion of love, Satan brings division, separating people from God and one another. In the Gospel (Mark 3:20-35) Jesus declares he has defeated Satan. Christ has created one family of God. We have been given the grace to bring unity. Only we prevent this by happening, by rejecting the power of Christ, something Mark calls the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

10th Sunday of Ordinary Time

The Source and Summit

On Corpus Christi, the readings today are rather gory! There is a lot of talk of blood and sacrifice. The particular readings for this current year invite us to consider the topic of covenant as it relates to the Eucharist. The first reading describes the important covenant God made with Moses and the people, in which blood was a central aspect (Exod 24:3-8). The second reading reminds us that the sacrifice of Christ for us creates a final covenant (Heb 9:11-15). The Gospel teaches us that the Eucharist is a renewal of this covenant (Mk 14:12-26). The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith and life.

 

Corpus Christi, year B

What difference the Trinity makes

Thinking about the Trinity can be complicated! When we get right down to it, however, our belief in the Trinity is central to who we are as baptized people. We are made for relationship and communion.

We need each other – Pentecost 2024

James Joyce once said that Catholic means "here comes everybody". On Pentecost we read about the birth of the Church, a united family which has great diversity of languages and backgrounds. We remember on Pentecost that the Church is a diverse body unity by the Holy Spirit. Everyone in the Church matters and we all need one another.

 

Pentecost 2024

Ascension Separation Anxiety

At first glance, the Ascension seems like something we shouldn't really celebrate. Jesus leaves us behind and, to make matters worse, gives us an impossible mission before He goes. The Holy Spirit is the anecdote for the separation anxiety caused by the Ascension. The Comforter restores us and gives us the strength (Mark 16:15-20) for our mission of healing the separations (with God, neighbour, and creation) that resulted from the Fall.

 

Ascension, year B

What is love?

The readings today encourage us to consider the reality of love. We learn that true love has its origin in God and always seeks the good of the other (John 15:9-17). As followers of Jesus, we are not meant to be motivated by fear. Rather, we are called to fall in love.

6 Sunday of Easter, year B

Vine and Branches

In the Gospel today (John 15:1-8), Jesus tells us about our close connection to Him and, through Him, to other Christians. By abiding in Christ, aided by prayer and the Sacraments, we bring the love and peace of Jesus to those around us.

Let Christ out

In our baptism we are linked to Christ and called to be good sheep as well as  shepherds in imitation of Christ the Good Shepherd. On Good Shepherd Sunday, let us pray that we can all follow our vocations faithfully, bringing Christ to the world!

Definitely NOT a ghost! (3 Sunday Easter)

The Gospel today (Lk 24:35-48) emphasizes that Jesus rose from the dead WITH His body. He was not a ghost! This shows us the importance of our own bodies. It is through our bodies that we show care, closeness, and charity to others. 

Glorified wound - Divine Mercy

Why does the Risen Christ still have wounds? This is a puzzling feature of today's Gospel (John 20:19-31). We believe that our resurrected bodies will be free from suffering and decay. So why the wounds on Christ? From Jesus' encounter with Thomas, we discover His wounds have been glorified. They are a constant reminder of His love for us and now give life, not death. Likewise, through the mercy of God, our own wounds can become glorified and can become a channel of grace for others.

 

Divine Mercy, Year B