The Cross and the Copper Serpent

Photo of snail and pink turtlehead speaking the Shalom Snail poem, "The Cross and the Copper Serpent."
“The Cross and the Copper Serpent”
A reflection on Numbers 21:4-9 and John 3:13-17
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
©️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 people’s patience was worn out by the journey; so the people complained against God and Moses, “Why have you brought us up from Egypt to die in the wilderness, where there is no food or water?… Read the rest

The Olive Tree of God

Photo of a snail on a pink zinnia speaking the poetic reflection on Romans 9:1-5: "The Root shall gather its branches someday, / Uniting Jews and Gentiles in Love's Way."
“The Olive Tree of God”
A reflection on Romans 9:1-5; 11:23-24
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)
©️2023 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

Romans 9:1-5 (ESV)

I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit—that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.… Read the rest

In His Father’s Glory

“In His Father’s Glory”
A reflection on Matthew 16:27
Friday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
©️2022 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

Matthew 16:24-28

Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.… 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."
“We’re All Family in Christ”
A reflection on Matthew 12:46-50
Tuesday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
©️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

What Does Rest Look Like?

“My Yoke Is Easy”
Matthew 11:28-30 “in a snailshell”
Thursday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
©️2021 Gloria M. Chang (Revised in 2024)

Gospel

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.… Read the rest

Christ the King of the Cosmos

Photo of snail and magnolia speaking the couplet reflecting on Matthew 8:23-27: "Christ the King of the cosmos / Stills the seas of the seismos."
“Christ the King of the Cosmos”
A reflection on Matthew 8:23-27
Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
©️2022 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

Matthew 8:23-27

As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. … Read the rest

Lose It All, Gain It All

Photo of snail and tulips with text overlay of the poem, "Lose It All, Gain It All."
“Lose It All, Gain It All”
A reflection on Mark 10:28-31
Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
©️2021 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

Mark 10:28-31

Peter began to say to him, “We have given up everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.… Read the rest