The Woman and the Dragon

Photo of snail on a dahlia with text overlay of the poetic reflection on the Assumption from the First Reading at Mass: "O Woman clothed with the sun and crowned with twelve stars, / Eclipse the red dragon and prevail in our wars."
โ€œThe Woman and the Dragonโ€
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
ยฉ๏ธ2021 Gloria M. Chang

First Reading

Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab

Godโ€™s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant could be seen in the temple.ย … Read the rest

Swine or Souls: A Gadarene Lesson

โ€œSwine or Souls: A Gadarene Lessonโ€
A reflection on Matthew 8:28-34
Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2021 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

Matthew 8:28-34

When he came to the other side, to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him.… Read the rest

The Invincible Christ

A snail on a daffodil and a hyacinth speak John 14:30: "The ruler of this world has no power over me."
โ€œThe Invincible Christโ€
Abridged from John 14:30
Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter
ยฉ๏ธ2021 Gloria M. Chang

But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.

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Holy Preachers

Photo of snail and pansies speaking the Shalom Snail couplet about holy preachers from Mark 3:11-19.
โ€œHoly Preachersโ€
A reflection on Mark 3:11-19
Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2022 Gloria M. Chang

Holy preachers, filled with the Holy Spirit, alone can truly proclaim โ€œJesus Christ is Lord.โ€

And whenever unclean spirits saw Jesus they would fall down before him and shout, โ€œYou are the Son of God.โ€ He

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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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The Holy One of God

Photo of snail and cornus kousa speaking about the Holy One of God.
โ€œThe Holy One of Godโ€
Mark 1:21-28 โ€œin a snailshellโ€
Tuesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ๏ธ2022 Gloria M. Chang

Unclean spirits trembled, recognizing Jesus as the Holy One of Godโ€”whose authority commands obedience and ignites holy fire.

Then they came to Capernaum, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The

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If You Can!

Faith, Shalom Snail
โ€œIf You Can!โ€
A reflection on Mark 9:23-24 and Luke 1:37
Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
ยฉ2022 Gloria M. Chang

Jesus said to him, โ€œโ€˜If you can!โ€™ Everything is possible to one who has faith.โ€ Then the boyโ€™s father cried out, โ€œI do believe, help my unbelief!โ€

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More Than a Medicine Man

โ€œMore Than a Medicine Manโ€
A reflection on Mark 1:29-39
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
ยฉ2024 Gloria M. Chang

On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever.

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The Strong Man

A medieval illustration of Jesus healing the Gerasene demoniac

Third Week of Lent, Thursday

Luke 11:14-23

He was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute person spoke and the crowds were amazed.

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