Holy Women Who Followed Jesus

โ€œHoly Women Who Followed Jesusโ€
A reflection on Luke 8:1-3 and Luke 7:31-35
Friday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2021 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

Luke 8:1-3

Afterward he journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.… Read the rest

Tears of Love and Sorrow

Photo of a snail and dew drenched rose speaking the Shalom Snail couplet, "Tears of Love and Sorrow."
โ€œTears of Love and Sorrowโ€
Luke 7:36-50 โ€œin a snailshellโ€
Thursday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2021 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

Luke 7:36-50

A Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him, and he entered the Phariseeโ€™s house and reclined at table.… Read the rest

Misfits for the Kingdom

Photo of snail on a cosmos with text overlay of the Shalom Snail couplet, "Misfits for the Kingdom."
โ€œMisfits for the Kingdomโ€
A reflection on Luke 7:31-35
Wednesday of the Twenty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2023 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

Luke 7:31-35

โ€œThen to what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like?ย They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another,

โ€˜We played the flute for you, but you did not dance.… Read the rest

The Cross and the Copper Serpent

Photo of snail and pink turtlehead speaking the Shalom Snail poem, "The Cross and the Copper Serpent."
โ€œThe Cross and the Copper Serpentโ€
A reflection on Numbers 21:4-9 and John 3:13-17
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
ยฉ๏ธ2022 Gloria M. Chang

First Reading

Numbers 21:4-9

From Mount Hor they set out by way of the Red Sea, to bypass the land of Edom, but the peopleโ€™s patience was worn out by the journey;ย so the people complainedย against God and Moses, โ€œWhy have you brought us up from Egypt to die in the wilderness, where there is no food or water?… Read the rest

Mercy Frees the Heart

Photo of snail and dahlia speaking the reflection on Sirach 27-28 and Matthew 18:21-35: "In a heart free of vengeance, / Divine Mercy gains entrance."
โ€œMercy Frees the Heartโ€
A reflection on Sirach 27:30-28:7 and Matthew 18:21-35
Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)
ยฉ๏ธ2023 Gloria M. Chang

First Reading

Sirach 27:30-28:7

Wrath and anger, these also are abominations,
yet a sinner holds on to them.ย … Read the rest

The Two Foundations

Photo of 2 snails on a rock overlooking a flowing river with text overlay of the reflection on Luke 6:46-49: "Doers of the word build their house on solid rock./ 
Rivers and flood wreck rebellion and empty talk."
โ€œThe Two Foundationsโ€
Luke 6:46-49 โ€œin a snailshellโ€
Saturday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2021 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

Luke 6:46-49ย 

โ€œWhy do you call me, โ€˜Lord, Lord,โ€™ but not do what I command? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, listens to my words, and acts on them.… Read the rest

Blind Guides

Photo of a snail on sedum with the Shalom Snail couplet printed beneath.
โ€œBlind Guidesโ€
Luke 6:39-40 โ€œin a snailshellโ€
Friday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2021 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

Luke 6:39-40

And he told them a parable, โ€œCan a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?… Read the rest

Coals of Fire

โ€œCoals of Fireโ€
A reflection on Luke 6:27-36, Matthew 26:52, and Proverbs 25:21-22
Thursday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2021 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

Luke 6:27-36

But to you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.… Read the rest

Four Beatitudes and Four Woes

Photo of snail and dahlia with text overlay of the reflection on Luke 6:20-26: "Blessed are those who bear Christโ€™s shame / 
And die for the sake of his name."
โ€œFour Beatitudes and Four Woesโ€
A reflection on Luke 6:20-26
Wednesday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2022 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

Luke 6:20-26

Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said:

โ€œBlessed are you who are poor, for the kingdom of God is yours.… Read the rest