The Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel Reflections

For each of us, our name is so important. Our parents selected our name with care. Our names mean something. The same goes for Jesus. The Gospel today (Matthew 1:18-24) shows us what the name of Jesus - Emmanuel - indicates about who He is.

Like John the Baptist, we too can be confused about the identity of Jesus. What kind of Saviour is he? In the Gospel (Matthew 11:2-11), Jesus teaches us that he always brings us life and joy. Let us invite others this Christmas to experience this joy.

The Christmas tree is an important symbol during this time of year. In the Mass for the Second Sunday of Advent, we find trees beings used as images in both the first reading and the Gospel (Isa 11:1-10; Mat 3:1-12). This "tree imagery" communicates the way that God brings new life from seemingly helpless situations as well as how we sometimes need pruning before God's goodness can flourish.

God is always present in our lives, blessing us. However, we sometimes miss God's presence. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us that his arrival in our lives is similar to the time of Noah. Advent is a time to train our "spiritual eyes" to recognize the presence of God in our lives.

It is strange to hear Jesus speak about the end of the world in the Gospel today (Luke 21:5-19). Although foreign to us, this "apocalyptic" way of speaking is meant to challenge as well as console us. The world as we know it is ending, but Jesus is bringing a better one into existence.

Just after Halloween, with days getting darker, we tend to focus on spookier things like our own mortality. In the Church, we pray for the faithful departed during November. This is a time to consider our death, but always through the lens of our hope in the resurrection.

In Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus (Lk 19:1-10) we seek that Jesus will not prevent anything from coming in the way of people encountering His goodness. As a Church we are called to imitate Jesus' example, making space for everyone to meet Christ and be transformed. 31 Sunday OT, year C

God's grace and mercy are freely available to all. When we think we do not need God, however, God cannot help us. When we behave like this, we can often be judgmental and unmerciful towards others. In the Gospel (Luke 18:9-14), Jesus calls us to imitate the tax collector. Because he recognized his need for God, he was blessed.

Prayer is a tricky business. Sometimes we don't get what we ask for in prayer. We can feel like giving up with prayer altogether. In the Gospel (Lk 18:1-8) Jesus encourages us to persevere in prayer. God the Father will give us what is best for us. The first reading (Ex 17:8-13) hints at the idea that we can help one another to persevere in prayer.

Happy Thanksgiving! The Gospel today (Lk 17:11-19) teaches us about the power of gratitude. Gratitude is able to cut through the darkness caused by suffering and helps us to recognize the many ways God blesses us daily. Gratitude leads to joy.

Like the disciples in today's Gospel (Luke 17:5-10), because of various doubts we can think that our faith is fragile and insignificant. Jesus teaches us that true faith is expressed in faithful actions, in serving God and neighbour without hope of personal gain. Even with a little faith we can do great things in God's name.

In the story today about the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:9-13), Jesus gives us the question we will all be asked at judgement: what have you done to help the poor? Unlike the rich man in the Gospel, let us share generously with those who are in need around us. Who is a "Lazarus" in your life?

Who will welcome us into God's Kingdom? Those we have given to without counting the cost. In today's Gospel (Luke 16:1-13), Jesus describes the economics of God and teaches us an important lesson about stewardship.

In the Gospel today (Luke 15), we hear three parables which tell us about the mercy of God. God loves all. God has a special love for those who are suffering. He is always with us and seeks us out when we are in need. As Pope Francis said, "the name of God is mercy".

When Jesus tells his follows to "hate" mother, father and even our very self (Lk 14:25-33), He is not suggesting that we should distain particular individuals. Rather, He warns us that we cannot construct our identity based on family ties or social status (e.g. "I am from a wealthy and powerful family therefore I am superior" or "I am from a family of limited means and influence therefore I am of...

The Gospel today ( Lk 14:1, 7-14 ) illustrates the importance of humility and shows it is so much more than a way of thinking about ourselves. True humility involves giving with no strings attached, just as God is generous with us.

Rather than closing the door of salvation to others, Jesus encourages us in the Gospel (Luke 13:22-30) to make sure that each of us personally walk through the door Christ has opened which leads to God's Kingdom.

19th Sunday of Ordinary Time, year C, August 6, 2022 With His emphasis on judgement and violent punishment, the language of Jesus in the Gospel today (Luke 12:32-38) is startling. He sounds like a "fire and brimstone" preacher declaring a message that seems far removed from the Gospel of love and mercy with which we are accustomed. When we look closer, however, Jesus' proclamation about judgement...

The Gospel today (Lk 12:13-21) shows us that generosity rather than greed brings peace in the midst of the insecurities and uncertainties of life.

The Gospel of today (Lk 11:1-13) teaches us to pray with confidence and perseverance. This week we have the opportunity to put this teaching into practice during Pope Francis' "Penitential pilgrimage". With him, we pray that this pilgrimage "will contribute to the journey of healing and reconciliation already undertaken".

Today was my first Mass as pastor of St. Peter's, New Westminster. In this homily, I reflect on two values, hospitality and discipleship, that are highlighted by today's readings (Gen 18:1-10; Luke 10:38-42). These values are important in any Christian community or parish.

"Don't make the enemy of the good". Today's Gospel seems to apply this common adage to our spiritual life. Although none of us are perfect, Jesus loves and accepts us and calls us to serve.

We can learn a lot from the example of "doubting Thomas". Like him, we should be open with God about what we need so that Divine Mercy can transform our lives.

We can share the joy of the resurrection by serving others.

At the Easter Vigil we renew our baptismal call to be an Easter people, a people full of joy. Knowing the end of our story - the resurrection - helps us to live with hope.