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."
โ€œThe Olive Tree of Godโ€
A reflection on Romans 9:1-5; 11:23-24
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)
ยฉ๏ธ2023 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

Romans 9:1-5 (ESV)

I am speaking the truth in Christโ€”I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spiritโ€”that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.… Read the rest

In His Father’s Glory

โ€œIn His Fatherโ€™s Gloryโ€
A reflection on Matthew 16:27
Friday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2022 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

Matthew 16:24-28

Jesus said to his disciples, โ€œWhoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.… Read the rest

Temptation of Christ

Photo of snail and globe amaranth speaking the couplet about the Temptation of Christ.
โ€œTemptation of Christโ€
A reflection on Matthew 4:1-11
First Sunday of Lent (Year A)
ยฉ๏ธ2023 Gloria M. Chang

In the desert’s silence, Jesus confronted every human weaknessโ€”and conquered it with God’s living Word.

Gospel

Matthew 4:1-11

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He… Read the rest

Solidarity

Photo of snail and rio speaking the Shalom Snail couplet, "Solidarity."
โ€œSolidarityโ€
A reflection on Luke 13:1-5
Friday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2021 Gloria M. Chang

How does Jesusโ€™ call to be transformed in the face of tragedy challenge us to embrace solidarity with all of humanity?

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

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Baptism of Fire

Photo of snail and begonia speaking the Shalom Snail couplet, "Baptism of Fire."
โ€œBaptism of Fireโ€
Luke 12:49-50 โ€œin a snailshellโ€
Thursday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2021 Gloria M. Chang

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

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

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From Abel to Zechariah

Photo of a snail and purple coneflowers with text overlay of the Shalom Snail couplet, "From Abel to Zechariah."
โ€œFrom Abel to Zechariahโ€
Luke 11:47-54 โ€œin a snailshellโ€
Thursday of the Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2021 Gloria M. Chang

How does the blood of Abel to Zechariah lead us back to God to accept the redemption offered by Christ?… Read the rest

The Cost of Discipleship

Photo of snail and rose speaking the Shalom Snail couplet.
โ€œThe Cost of Discipleshipโ€
A reflection on Luke 14:25-33; 13:24
Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)
ยฉ๏ธ2022 by Gloria M. Chang

Great crowds were traveling with Jesus, and he turned and addressed them, โ€œIf any one comes to me without hating his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever

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