Nothing New in Nazareth

Nothing New in Nazareth, Shalom Snail
โ€œNothing New in Nazarethโ€
A reflection on Mark 6:1-6
Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ2023 Gloria M. Chang

In Nazareth, familiarity bred contemptโ€”nothing new in Nazareth.

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples.

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Jairus, Do Not Grieve

Photo of snail and iris speaking the couplet, "Jairus, Do Not Grieve."
โ€œJairus, Do Not Grieveโ€
Mark 5:36 โ€œin a snailshellโ€
Tuesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ2022 Gloria M. Chang

Jairus, do not grieveโ€”Jesus stands beside you, turning mourning into miracle.

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a large crowd gathered around him, and he stayed close to the sea. One

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The Beatitudes of Christ

Photo of tulips speaking the couplet, "The Beatitudes of Christ."
โ€œThe Beatitudes of Christโ€
A reflection on Matthew 5:1-12a
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)
ยฉ2023 Gloria M. Chang

Discover the beatitudes of Christ: Jesus’ upside-down blueprint for true blessedness and sanctity.

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.

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Christ Binds the Strong Man

Photo of snail and tulips speaking the couplet, "Christ Binds the Strong Man."
โ€œChrist Binds the Strong Manโ€
A reflection on Mark 3:22-30
Monday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ2022 Gloria M. Chang

Christ binds the strong man, breaking Satan’s hold to plunder his house and free God’s children.

The scribes who had come from Jerusalem said of Jesus, โ€œHe is possessed by Beelzebul,โ€ and โ€œBy the prince of demons he drives out demons.โ€

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You Are the Son of God

You are the Son of God, Shalom Snail
โ€œYou are the Son of Godโ€
A reflection on Mark 3:7-12
Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2022 Gloria M. Chang

Even demons confess: โ€œYou are the Son of Godโ€โ€”yet still refuse to love him.

Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples.

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Shabbat Shalom

Photo of snail and tulip speaking the couplet, "Shabbat Shalom."
โ€œShabbat Shalomโ€
A reflection on Mark 3:1-6
Wednesday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2022 Gloria M. Chang

Shabbat Shalom: Jesus heals a man with the withered hand, revealing the Sabbath as a day of wholeness and restoration.

Again he entered the synagogue.

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The Healing of a Paralytic

Photo of snail and pink turtlehead speaking the couplet about the healing of a paralytic.
โ€œThe Healing of a Paralyticโ€
Mark 2:1-12 โ€œin a snailshellโ€
Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2022 Gloria M. Chang

Through bold faith, friends lower a paralytic to Jesus, revealing His divine authority in the healing of a paralyticโ€”body and soul.… Read the rest

Jesus Touches a Leper

Photo of snail and rosehip speaking the Shalom Snail couplet, "Jesus Touches a Leper."
โ€œJesus Touches a Leperโ€
A reflection on Mark 1:40-45
Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2022 Gloria M. Chang

A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said, โ€œIf you wish, you can make me clean.โ€ Moved

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Christ Draws the City

Photo of snail and pieris japonica speaking the Shalom Snail couplet about Christ's healing power.
โ€œChrist Draws the Cityโ€
Mark 1:32-34 โ€œin a snailshellโ€
Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2022 Gloria M. Chang

The whole city gathered at Peter’s door, drawn by Christ’s healing power that silences demons and restores shalom.

On leaving the synagogue he entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simonโ€™s

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