If you've ever had vines, either intentionally or unintentionally, you know that the branches grow and they climb and soon, they're covering anywhere they can reach.
The Church is like that, but in a good way. Because of our connection with the vine, the Church can reach out into our world and bring the Good News of God's love for all people.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Easter 5b – 28-Apr-24”
In our gospel lesson for today, Jesus calls himself the true vine, with us as the branches. Whatever else that means, it means that we draw our life and sustenance from Jesus. Through Jesus flows all that we need to grow and thrive. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter 5b – 28-Apr-24”
In our gospel reading for today, Jesus says, "I am the vine. You are the branches." Do you know how plants work? Well a plant needs two things to keep it going: It needs the light from the sun and it needs water and nutrients from the soil.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment for Easter 5b – 28-April-24”
Sheep aren't thought of very highly in a lot of studies on the gospel text for today. They're usually called stupid. But that's not the point of what Jesus is saying. He says that the sheep of his flock know his voice and listen to it.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Easter 4b – 21-April-24”
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." As we gather at the Table, we remember that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, did indeed lay down his life to save us. … Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter 4b – 21-April-24”
Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd." What does a shepherd do? [wait for answers]
Yes. A shepherd cares for the sheep. A shepherd makes sure that the sheep don't get themselves into trouble. A shepherd makes sure they have food and a safe place to stay.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment for Easter 4b – 21-April-24”
In that experience the disciples had of Jesus after the resurrection, their minds and hearts were comforted, their minds were opened to understand the scriptures and the ministry that Jesus was calling them to from then on.
In the same way the Church has the task of standing with people who are oppressed and burdened by deep concerns, we teach people how to understand the scriptures, we prepare ourselves for the ministry that God has called us to do.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Easter 3b – 14-April-24”
What the disciples experienced that convinced them that Jesus was to be a continuing presence in their lives first frightened them, but as he showed them how it fit into the ministry and teaching, he had already given them, they were reassured, emboldened, and empowered.… Read the rest “Table Meditation (Gospel) for Easter 3b – 14-April-24”
We have two different stories from the gospels today, one from Luke and the other from John. Both of them are stories about the disciples meeting Jesus after he rose from the dead. John tells us that Jesus met his disciples on the shore of the Galilean Sea where they had gone back to fishing.… Read the rest “Children’s Moment for Easter 3b – 14-April-24”
In our scripture from Acts for today, the early Church is described as sharing all things together. While we don't have all our possessions in common like the early Church, we do share a common mission and common ministries.… Read the rest “Offering Meditation for Easter 2b – 7-April-24”