“Gospel: How can Mary say 'yes' to the Angel's request to bear a child? One way: the Angel points to the example of Elizabeth. Mary would likely have known about her cousin's pregnancy. Thus, the Angel says, 'Look what God has already done. Trust in what God can do in the future.'”Tagged: gospel, religiosity, Spirituality, spiritual enlightenment, Trust God
“Don't hide your light! God gave you so many gifts and talents. Put them to use, helping your brothers and sisters, and the church.”Tagged: light within, gospel, spiritual enlightenment, Spirituality, Help others
“Why does Jesus tell his disciples to "shake off" the dust from towns that reject them? One reason: there are many others waiting to hear your message. Go first to places where the ground is fertile. But also be open to returning to the old places. Because people change.”Tagged: gospel, spiritual enlightenment, Spirituality, People Change, don't waste time with unworthy people
“'Be like servants who await their master's return,' says Jesus. Ready to open the door 'immediately.' How open are we to the unexpected arrival of God in our lives? In what surprising person, place or experience will God be revealed to us? Be ready to open the door!”Tagged: gospel, spiritual enlightenment, Spirituality, God's coming, welcoming God to your life
“'At an hour you do not expect,' says Jesus, 'the Son of Man will come.' This means the end of time and/or the end of our lives. How can we prepare? Not only by trying to live in a state of grace, but also by always leading loving lives, in preparation for God's judgment.”Tagged: gospel, spiritual enlightenment, Spiritual Journey, loving everybody, loving lives
“Jesus says that when we look at clouds we can tell the weather. So why can't we read 'the signs of the times'? That is, why are we resistant to listening to what the Holy Spirit is telling us--in the lives and experiences of people today? Look around: the Spirit is afoot!”Tagged: gospel, spiritual enlightenment, holy spirit, God's signs, Spirituality
“When Jesus calls the twelve apostles, he does so as a sign of the 'gathering' of Israel, and because we're meant to join together in worship and ministry. But Jesus doesn't call a faceless mass; he calls each by name, just as he calls you, with all your gifts and talents.”Tagged: gospel, spiritual enlightenment, God Cares, Jesus cares, God loves you
“'Love your neighbor as yourself.' But who is my neighbor? In response, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan. The shock comes from recognizing that the neighbor is the one who was formerly hated (the Samaritan). Your salvation may depend on the person you reject.”Tagged: Love Your Neighbor, good samaritan, Humility, Salvation, gospel
“Jesus invites us to take the 'lower place.' No need to puff yourself up. God knows your gifts. Who cares if others do? Who cares what others think at all? Don't fret about it. As C.S. Lewis said, 'Humility is not thinking less of yourself. It's thinking of yourself less.'”Tagged: gospel, spiritual enlightenment, Spirituality, Humility, humbleness