The Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel Reflections

Signs, like an Olympic medal, can be wonderful things. However, signs usually point to something more important. In the case of the medal, the sign points to the excellence of the athlete and the sacrifices they made. In the Gospel (Jn 6:24-35), Jesus reminds us to focus not only on the sign He has worked (the multiplication of the loaves), but to keep in view what the sign points to: Jesus is the bread of life. 

On this Sunday we remember in a special way grandparents and elders in our community. Grandparents image the generosity of God. They often want to feed those they love! In the readings today, we see that God gives food in abundance. God satisfies more than just physical hunger. Like the boy in the Gospel who contributed five loaves and two fish, God wants us to contribute in this mission of satisfying those who hunger physically and spiritually. 

17 Sunday in Ordinary Time, year B

2 Kings 4:42-44

John 6:1-15

In Ephesians we discover that Jesus came to breaks down walls that separate people (Ephesians 2:13–18). As followers of Christ, we are called to build bridges, seeking to bring unity in the midst of polarization and division. We can do this by imitating Jesus the Good Shepherd, who sacrifices Himself out of love for others (Mark 6:30–34)

16 Sunday in Ordinary Time, year B

As followers of Christ we are all sent out on mission (Mark 6:7-13). We carry out this mission in community. The witness of love, reconciliation, and peace, is one way we complete our mission. In addition, we are encouraged to rely totally on God in our mission.

15 Sunday of Ordinary time, year B

The Gospel today tells us about how Jesus was acting as a prophet, preaching the Word of God in his hometown Nazareth (Mark 6:1–6). Although we can be tempted to judge the people in the Gospel who reject Christ, we should remember that we too run the risk of rejecting Christ's life-giving words.

14 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B

How can a loving God allow suffering and death? This perennial question is tackled in today's readings. The book of Wisdom shows us that suffering and death was not part of God's original plan for humanity (Wisdom 1). Jesus came to restore life and overcome suffering (Mk 5). We are called to continue this healing and life-giving mission of Christ.

13 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B

In the Old Testament, the sea epitomized the dangerous forces aligned against humanity. In the Gospel today (Mk 4:35-41), Jesus calms the storm which threatens His disciples on the Sea. In this way, the power of Christ to overcome all forces of evil is manifested. As we face our own storms, we take courage in the power of Jesus.

12 Sunday of Ordinary Time

At times we can get discouraged because of prayers, acts of charity, or efforts to build God's kingdom seem small and insignificant. The Gospel today (Mark 4:26-34) encourages us to persevere. The work of God in the world is often humble and goes undetected. God, however, is always at work, taking what we offer Him and causing it to grow into something wonderful.

11 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B

In the Scripture, we read about an entity, Satan, who works against the goodness of God. Whereas God is a communion of love, Satan brings division, separating people from God and one another. In the Gospel (Mark 3:20-35) Jesus declares he has defeated Satan. Christ has created one family of God. We have been given the grace to bring unity. Only we prevent this by happening, by rejecting the power of Christ, something Mark calls the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.

10th Sunday of Ordinary Time

On Corpus Christi, the readings today are rather gory! There is a lot of talk of blood and sacrifice. The particular readings for this current year invite us to consider the topic of covenant as it relates to the Eucharist. The first reading describes the important covenant God made with Moses and the people, in which blood was a central aspect (Exod 24:3-8). The second reading reminds us that the sacrifice of Christ for us creates a final covenant (Heb 9:11-15). The Gospel teaches us that the Eucharist is a renewal of this covenant (Mk 14:12-26). The Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith and life.

Corpus Christi, year B