Tag Archives: disciple

Self-sacrifice and Motherhood

If you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is a grace before God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps. (1 Peter 2:20B-25) These lines from this coming Sunday’s second reading jumped outContinue reading “Self-sacrifice and Motherhood”

We Are Only Human: An Odd Comfort

There are three scenes in this Sunday’s Gospel that give me an odd sort of comfort. The first scene takes place in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus has gone to pray. We are not told this explicitly, but I get the sense that Jesus just needed to get away from it all at thisContinue reading “We Are Only Human: An Odd Comfort”

Gospel Reflection for September 8, 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus said, “Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14.27 Crucifixion was an excruciatingly painful and shameful form of execution, reserved for Rome’s vilest criminals and insurrectionists, cruelly calculated to deter imitators.  Jesus’ teaching to carry the cross would have shocked and rocked his listeners. Understanding that exaggerationContinue reading “Gospel Reflection for September 8, 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time”

The Cost of Discipleship: Mark 6.7-33

an excerpt from Mark’s Gospel: The Whole Story by Joan Mitchell, CSJ At this point in the story strand the narrative introduces another literary sandwich, another story within a story. The narrative delays the second sea crossing story and adds a literary sandwich focused on mission.  In the first slice of story Jesus sends hisContinue reading “The Cost of Discipleship: Mark 6.7-33”

Gospel Reflection for January 15, 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Two disciples were following Jesus so he questioned them, “What do you seek?” They asked him, “Teacher, where do you stay?” Jesus responded, “Come and see.”  They went and saw where he stayed and remained with him that day.  It was about four in the afternoon. John 1:38-39 Andrew and an unnamed disciple go andContinue reading “Gospel Reflection for January 15, 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time”