Like the disciples, we are able to drink from the same cup as Jesus. The cup is full of suffering but also of incredibly good news, because it is what is inside the cup that really matters- the blood of Christ which unites us all.

Blessed isn't what we expect it to be in God's Kingdom. We may love "stuff," but God's graceful love is what really matters. God's love for us is free and meant to be shared.

The gospel is difficult today as Jesus answers questions regarding the legality of divorce. Jesus moves the conversation beyond what's "allowable" to what's intended by God in creation, which is always loving community.

Jesus' way is the way of inclusivity and collaboration over competition. Jesus reminds us to lift our neighbors up and share the load with each other by joining forces to spread the gospel farther and wider together.

The disciples may be Jesus' clueless sidekicks, but we have a lot in common with them- especially our ability to understand. Thankfully Jesus reminds us to focus on our welcome, and trust the rest will fall into place.

We don't always fully understand the things we agree to, certainly this is the case with discipleship. We choose to follow Jesus, but this means taking up our cross, which isn't as simple as it sounds.

The Gospel today showcases an uncomfortable interaction between Jesus and a Syrophoenician woman. Ultimately Jesus leaves with a wider vision of his ministry for all people, as he struggles to keep his Good News secret.

We think a lot about hand hygiene a lot these days, and the same is true in our gospel. At the heart of the issue isn't proper washing technique, but instead tradition, cultural identity, and even life with God. Clean hands are great, but a clean...

The gospel provides space for the disciples to respond to some of Jesus' difficult teachings. Those choosing to stay with him must prepare themselves for a more difficult path as they follow him to the cross (and beyond).

In an odd mix of metaphor and instruction, Jesus invites us to eat his flesh and drink his blood. Although a bit off-putting, it's an invitation to partake in his life and become the body of Christ.