Secrets of the Kingdom

โ€œSecrets of the Kingdomโ€
A reflection on Matthew 13:10-17
(cf. Luke 8:10; Mark 4:11-12)
Thursday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2022 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

Matthew 13:10-13

The disciples approached him and said, โ€œWhy do you speak to them in parables?โ€ย … Read the rest

Feast of Saint Mary Magdalene

Photo of a snail and tulips by a waterfall speaking the Shalom Snail couplet.
โ€œThe Voice Beyond the Caveโ€
John 20:1-2, 11-18 โ€œin a snailshellโ€
Feast of St. Mary Magdalene
ยฉ๏ธ2021 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

John 20:1-2, 11-18

On the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala came to the tomb early in the morning, while it was still dark, and saw the stone removed from the tomb.… Read the rest

We’re All Family in Christ

Photo of snail and echinacea purpurea with text overlay of the couplet reflecting on Matthew 12:46-50: "God became flesh to bond in charity, / Heirs of the Father in one family."
โ€œWeโ€™re All Family in Christโ€
A reflection on Matthew 12:46-50
Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2024 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

Matthew 12:46-50

While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, his mother and his brothers appeared outside, wishing to speak with him.… Read the rest

Jonah and Jesus

Photo of three snails on tulips next to a waterfall speaking the Shalom Snail poem.
โ€œJonah and Jesusโ€
Matthew 12:38-42 in a tercet
Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2021 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

Matthew 12:38-42

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to him, โ€œTeacher, we wish to see a sign from you.โ€… Read the rest

The Lion-Hearted Lamb

โ€œThe Lion-Hearted Lambโ€
Matthew 12:14-21 โ€œin a snailshellโ€
Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2021 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

Matthew 12:14-21

But the Pharisees went out and took counsel against him to put him to death.ย 

When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place.… Read the rest

The Lord of the Sabbath

Photo of snail on a hyacinth with text overlay of the couplet reflecting on Matthew 12:1-8: "The Father feeds the hungry in his house of bread. /โ€จThe Lord of the Sabbath fed David when he fled."
โ€œThe Lord of the Sabbathโ€
A reflection on Matthew 12:1-8
Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2021 Gloria M. Chang

At that time Jesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them.

Read the rest

What Does Rest Look Like?

โ€œMy Yoke Is Easyโ€
Matthew 11:28-30 โ€œin a snailshellโ€
Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2021 Gloria M. Chang (Revised in 2024)

Gospel

Matthew 11:28-30

โ€œCome to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.… Read the rest

Mysteries Revealed to Babes

Photo of snail and roses speaking the couplet inspired by Matthew 11:25-27: "Thank you, Father, for opening our eyesโ€”Wee little ones, neither clever nor wise."
โ€œMysteries Revealed to Babesโ€
Inspired by Matthew 11:25-27
Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2021 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

Matthew 11:25-27

At that time Jesus said in reply, โ€œI give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike.… Read the rest

The Path to True Life

Photo of a snail on a hydrangea speaking Matthew 10:39.
โ€œThe Path to True Lifeโ€
Matthew 10:39
Monday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2021 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

Revelation 7:13-17 (ESV)

Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, โ€œWho are these,ย clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?โ€ย … Read the rest

Planetary Peace

โ€œPlanetary Peaceโ€
A reflection on Romans 8:18-23
Sunday of the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)
ยฉ๏ธ2023 Gloria M. Chang

Second Reading

Romans 8:18-23

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.ย … Read the rest