Spiritual Dropsy

Photo of snail and celosia argentea speaking the Shalom Snail couplet, "Spiritual Dropsy."
“Spiritual Dropsy”
A reflection on Luke 14:1-6
Friday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
©️2023 Gloria M. Chang

How does the healing of spiritual dropsy reveal the tension between divine mercy and human pride in Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisees?… Read the rest

The Parable of the Yeast

Photo of snail and hydrangea paniculata with text overlay of the reflection on Luke 13:20-21: "The kingdom, like yeast, rises and expands / In flour which a woman kneads with her hands."
“The Parable of the Yeast”
Luke 13:20-21 “in a snailshell”
©️2021 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

Luke 13:20-21

Again he said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened.”… Read the rest

You Were Once Aliens

Photo of a snail with dahlias speaking the reflection on Exodus 22 and Matthew 22:34-40: "Strangers and sojourners, you shall not wrong, / For in Egypt, you too did not belong."
“You Were Once Aliens”
A reflection on Exodus 22:21(20) and Matthew 22:34-40
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)
©️2023 Gloria M. Chang

First Reading

Exodus 22:21(20)

Thus says the LORD: “You shall not molest or oppress an alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt.”… Read the rest

Solidarity

Photo of snail and rio speaking the Shalom Snail couplet, "Solidarity."
“Solidarity”
A reflection on Luke 13:1-5
Friday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
©️2021 Gloria M. Chang

How does Jesus’ call to be transformed in the face of tragedy challenge us to embrace solidarity with all of humanity?

Gospel

Luke 13:1-5

Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices.… Read the rest

Signs of the Times

Photo of snail and dahlia speaking the Shalom Snail couplet, "Signs of the Times."
“Signs of the Times”
A reflection on Luke 12:54-56
Friday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
©️2021 Gloria M. Chang

How can we discern the true signs of the times when spiritual blindness obscures the divine wonders unfolding before us?… Read the rest

Baptism of Fire

Photo of snail and begonia speaking the Shalom Snail couplet, "Baptism of Fire."
“Baptism of Fire”
Luke 12:49-50 “in a snailshell”
Thursday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
©️2021 Gloria M. Chang

What does Jesus mean by the baptism of fire, and why does it spark division among families and nations?

Gospel

Luke 12:49-53

I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing!… Read the rest

Faithful Stewards in the Vineyard of the Lord

Photo of snail and dahlias with text overlay of the Shalom Snail couplet, "Faithful Stewards in the Vineyard of the Lord."
“Faithful Stewards in the Vineyard of the Lord”
A reflection on Luke 12:39-48
Wednesday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
©️2021 Gloria M. Chang

Are we faithful stewards, tending the Lord’s vineyard with love?

Gospel

Luke 12:39-48

Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour when the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.… Read the rest

Sleepless Sentinels

Photo of snail and weeping Japanese pagoda with text overlay of the Shalom Snail couplet, "Sleepless Sentinels."
“Sleepless Sentinels”
Luke 12:35-38 “in a snailshell”
Tuesday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
©️2021 Gloria M. Chang

Are you ready to stand as sleepless sentinels, vigilant for the Master’s return?

Gospel

Luke 12:35-38

“Gird your loins and light your lampsand be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks.… Read the rest