The Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel Reflections

At Jesus' time, as at our own, a particular way of seeing the world and set of values prevails. In the beatitudes (Luke 6:18, 20–26), Jesus flips this worldview upside down. Rather than the rich, powerful, and oppressive, in God's eyes it is the poor, marginalized, and needy who matter most. By taking time to be in silence and allowing the words of Christ to touch our hearts we can begin to see the world the way God does.

In our baptism, we all receive a mission to become, in the words of Pope Francis, "missionary disciples". The readings today show us that the drive for mission is born out of an experience of God's grace. This jubilee year is an opportunity to experience anew the grace of God and become re-energized for mission.

5 Sunday OT

The celebration of the Presentation of the Lord gives us the hopeful and inspiring message that Jesus is the light of the world, who scatters all darkness and fear. This message is particularly important to focus on when times are dark and troubling. The Gospel calls us to imitate Anna and Simeon, who were able to recognize the goodness and grace of God in their midst. When we do this, we are called to be a light to others.

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord

Luke 2:22-32

A good team is one in which all its members are able to contribute their own talents as everyone works together for a common goal. In the Gospel today, Jesus declares His mission and our own in His hometown of Nazareth. As Paul describes in the second reading, we are all members of the body of Christ, carrying out this mission in the world. When we hear God's word at Mass, it is an opportunity for us to be reminded of our calling as the Eucharist unifies our community for our common mission.

3 Sunday of Ordinary Time

Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10

1 Corinthians 12:12-30

Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

Like any sign Christ works in John's Gospel, the transformation of water into wine at the wedding at Cana is meant to teach us about who Jesus is (Jn 2). We learn that Christ is very close to married people, especially those who struggle. We discover that where Jesus is there is abundance. In addition, we learn that for Christ to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary we must "do whatever He tells us".

2 Sunday Ordinary Time

Year C

In his Gospel, Luke makes the case that Jesus was anointed at His baptism. It is there that His identity is proclaimed, and He enters a definitive stage in His ministry. A our own baptism, we receive a new identity and are given the task of continuing the mission of Christ. Therefore, as we celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord, we should also give thanks for the gift of our own baptism.

Baptism of our Lord, year C

The coming of Jesus in the world changes the way we see. The Magi recognized that God does not work through power, wealth, and might, but rather through humility and service. Those who saw the Magi learned that the Saviour of Israel, Jesus, was in fact the Saviour of all peoples. We pray for our own Epiphany, that God may grant us new vision to see the world differently.

Epiphany, year C

Happy New Year! In the first reading from Numbers (Num 6:22–27), we discover that God is always seeking to bless us. However, do we recognize how God is blessing us? From Mary, we learn how to search out and understand the ways God is working in our lives, blessing us (Luke 2:16–21). The assurance of God's support assists us in journeying forward with confidence into 2025, this Jubilee year.

We can relate to a lot about the Holy Family. Like our families, they experienced both joy and challenges. On the other hand, there is a lot about the Holy Family that can be difficult to connect with: Mary was conceived without sin, Joseph is a Saint, and Jesus is the Son of God! Similarly, the feast of the Holy Family reminds us that with the coming of Christ, the dignity of family has been affirmed. At the same time, we are challenged to expand our concept of family. Being Christian makes us part of a larger family.

Holy Family, year C

Merry Christmas! In the Nativity story, we hear of many characters who are on a journey: Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi. We too are on a journey in our own life. This journey can be difficult at times. We can be confused about our destination. We can feel alone. Christmas changes the way we journey forever. We know our destination: Jesus Christ. We are strengthened by Him. As well, we receive the gift of community, people who strengthen, nourish, and support us along our way. It is good to journey together!