The Extra Meisl

Lion King and Ash Wednesday

In the Lion King, Simba needed to relearn his deepest identity in order to follow his mission. Lent, likewise, is a time for us to reconsider our core identity as God's children, sinners and yet redeemed.

Jesus heals (6 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B)

The Gospel today shows Jesus healing a leper in a holistic way: physically, socially, and spiritually (Mk 1:40-45). Many Christians, such as St. Damian, St. Francis of Assisi, and Mother Theresa, have been inspired to imitate this story literally. In different ways, all of Christ's followers are called to continue Jesus' mission of healing, caring and praying for the sick, and seeking to integrate those on the margins into our community.

Why do good people suffer? (5 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B)

The book of Job grapples with some of life's most difficult questions. Why do we suffer when we have done nothing wrong? Why does God feel absent at times? In the Gospel today (Mk 1:29-39) Jesus confronts these challenges. He shows us that, in the end, all suffering will be destroyed. In the meantime, Jesus is very close to those who suffer. This care is expressed in a special way in the Sacraments of healing, Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick.

Who has authority over you? (4 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B)

In one way or another, we are under someone's authority. Human authority tends to oppress and fails to lead us to the fulness of life. In the Gospel (Mark 1:21-28) we learn that Jesus has absolute authority, yet uses this authority to serve and give new life. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul encourages us all to put ourselves under Christ's loving lordship.

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