The Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel Reflections

The parable of the talents from today's Gospel (Matt 25:14-30) can almost sound like a clique. However, when we know more about the value of a talent at Jesus time, we learn that each of us has been incredible blessed by God with gifts we are called to use at service of other.

Waiting is a difficult thing to do, it can create tension, anxiety and anticipation. Christians are people who live in a constant state of waiting until the return of Christ. In today's Gospel (Matthew 25:1-13), Jesus teaches us how to wait well, by waiting with hope and by keeping our lamps full of the oil of charity and service. 32 Sunday of Ordinary time

At times, those in leadership - whether inside or outside the Church - can use their authority for their own gain. In the Gospel (Matthew 23:1-12), Jesus shows us that true leadership involves service and practicing what we preach.   31 Sunday OT, year A

When asked, "what is the greatest commandment?" it is significant that Jesus answers with more than one commandment (Mt 22:34-40). We need to love God... but... we can't really love God unless we love our neighbour... but... we can't really love our neighbour unless we love ourselves. To love God, then, we need to love others (especially the difficult ones) in a way that shows we actually like the...

In today's Gospel (Matthew 22:15-21), Jesus deftly avoids a trap sprung with the question: "Is it lawful to pay the census tax to Caesar or not?" Not only does Jesus expose the hypocrisy of those trying to trap Him, He also teaches a profound lesson about who has true authority over us and the world, and the inalienable dignity of each person.   29 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year A

What do we make of the extreme language we hear from Jesus in the Gospel today (Matthew 22:1-14)? Jesus seems to be raising an alarm in the passage, compelling us to take action so that we do not loose the great goodness offered to us now and for eternity. 28 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year A Matthew 22:1-14

On this Thanksgiving weekend, we express our gratitude to God for our many gifts, particularly being called to be followers of Jesus. The parable of the vineyard in the Gospel today (Matthew 21:33-43) reminds us that these gifts come with the responsibility to use them for the benefit of others. The Synod is an opportunity for all in the Church to pray about how we can live up to this responsibili...

We have all experienced losses. In the second reading today from Phil 2 , Paul teaches his audience how to live in peace when things are taken away from them. By following Jesus' example of kenosis (= self-emptying), naming our losses, and serving other in the midst of our struggles, we can find healing and life.   26 Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A

The parable of the vineyard owner and the workers that Jesus tells in the Gospel today (Matthew 20:1-16) is unsettling because it seems so unfair. Like all parables, this one is supposed to provoke and unsettle us so that we can see some deeper spiritual truths. The parable teaches us that God's grace is something we could never earn, it's pure gift. It also shows us that in God's eyes we all have...

Forgiving others can be extremely difficult. In today's Gospel (Matthew 18:21-35), Jesus tells us how important it is to forgive. We must forgive not 7 times but 77 times! In addition, by means of a parable, Jesus gives us a tip or method for how to make forgiveness easier: the more we remind ourselves of the mercy and forgiveness God and others have shown us, the easier it becomes to forgive. 24...

When someone harms us or those we care about, our natural reaction can be to seek to hurt them in return. In the Gospel today (Matthew 18:15-20), Jesus points out an alternative (and challenging!) way of responding, which leads to true reconciliation.

Suffering is an unavoidable human experience. It is a problem which various religions and philosophies have grappled with. In the Gospel (Mt 16:21-27) Jesus teaches us that when suffering is combined with love it can lead to life.   22 Sunday Ordinary Time, year A

"Who do people believe the son of Man is?" Peter answered, "you are the Christ, the Son of the living God". In order to better appreciate the incredible interaction between Jesus and Peter in the Gospel (Matthew 16:13-20), it can be helpful to consider the importance of three locations: Caesarea Philippi, Calvary and the Vatican hill in Rome.  21 Sunday Ordinary Time, A

We can be quite good at creating barriers that separate people. The readings today show us that God seeks to remove these wall, giving His grace to all.   20 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year A

The readings for the feast of the Transfiguration fill us with the hope that, in the end, God will conquer all that oppresses us: evil, sin, and death. This gives us confidence as we follow Jesus each day.  

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus describes the kingdom of heaven as being a treasure or a pearl of great price that people acquire by selling all that they have (Matthew 13:44-46). Jesus reminds us that although following Him can be difficult at times - it requires selling or leaving behind certain things or ways of thinking and acting - what we gain by being His disciple is truly worth it! (17 Sund...

In the Gospel today ( Mt 13:24-43 ) Jesus uses parables to help us better understand different mysteries about the Kingdom of God.   16th Sunday Ordinary Time, year A

Each of us hears many voices in our life (friends, co-workers, social media) which speak various words to us. Some voices bring us peace and lead us closer to God and neighbour and others do not. God's word always brings life. Can we hear His voice? 15 Sunday of OT ( Mt 13:1-9 )

Work can be a burden for many of us. When we find a deeper purpose in our work, it can become an easier burden and a lighter yoke.

The readings this Sunday teach us about the importance of hospitality. When we welcome the stranger we show love to Christ.     13 Sunday Ordinary Time, Year A 2 Kings 4:8-11, 14-16; Rom 6:3-4; 8-11; Mt 10:37-42

Fear is a helpful thing. At times, however, it can overwhelm us. The Gospel today (Matthew 10:26-33) gives us helpful advice for keeping fear in check with faith.

What would change if we truly believe if we are precious to God? What would change if we truly believed that other people, especially those who we might not care for, are precious to God?   11 Sunday Ordinary Time Exodus 19:2-6; Matthew 9:36-10:8

Pope Leo the Great wrote: "Our sharing in the Body and Blood of Christ has no other purpose than to transform us into that which we receive". Today, we give thanks to God for the great gift of the Eucharist.

We are made in the image of God, who a Three Persons in One. This reminds us that we find our fulfillment when we prioritize relationships and work to build unity.

At Pentecost we celebrate that the Holy Spirit makes us one family, united in diversity, which is sent on a common mission. In this family, everyone is important and have gifts to offer in service of our common mission from Jesus.