Israel’s Universal Banquet

Photo of snail and wild flowers with text overlay of the reflection on Luke 14:15-24: "Welcoming strangers from streets and alleys, / God feeds the world from Israel’s valleys."
“Israel’s Universal Banquet”
A reflection on Luke 14:15-24
Tuesday of the Thirty-First Week in Ordinary Time
©️2024 Gloria M. Chang

How does Israel’s universal banquet invite everyone to God’s table of grace?

Gospel

Luke 14:15-24

One of those at table with Jesus said to him, “Blessed is the one who will dine in the kingdom of God.”… Read the rest

Solidarity

Photo of snail and rio speaking the Shalom Snail couplet, "Solidarity."
“Solidarity”
A reflection on Luke 13:1-5
Friday of the Twenty-Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
©️2021 Gloria M. Chang

How does Jesus’ call to be transformed in the face of tragedy challenge us to embrace solidarity with all of humanity?

Gospel

Luke 13:1-5

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

Treading on Serpents

Photo of snail and cardoon with text overlay of the Shalom Snail couplet, "Treading on Serpents."
“Treading on Serpents”
A reflection on Luke 10:17-20; Genesis 3:15; Romans 8:16-17
Saturday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
©️2022 Gloria M. Chang

Christ empowers his followers with divine authority, treading on serpents and overcoming evil, as heirs with him in the victory of the Cross.… 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."
“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

Coals of Fire

“Coals of Fire”
A reflection on Luke 6:27-36, Matthew 26:52, and Proverbs 25:21-22
Thursday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time
©️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

Whitewashed Tombs

Photo of snail and whiteswan coneflowers speaking the reflection on Matthew 23:27-32: "Whitewashed tombs full of dead men's bones! / Change your heart, for the whole earth groans."
“Whitewashed Tombs”
A reflection on Matthew 23:27-32 and Romans 8:19-23
Wednesday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time
©️2021 Gloria M. Chang

Gospel

Matthew 23:27-32

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You are like whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of filth. … Read the rest

God’s Irrevocable Call

Photo of snail on a Persian shield with text overlay of the reflection on Romans 11 and Genesis 17: "God's promise to Abraham endures forever, / Through all generations to the last successor."
“God’s Irrevocable Call”
A reflection on Romans 11:13-15, 29-32; Genesis 17:4-7
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)
©️2023 Gloria M. Chang
Romans 11:13-15, 29-32

Brothers and sisters: I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I glory in my ministry in order to make my race jealous and thus save some of them.… 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