The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand

Posted by Sue Kunkel on 1/23/20

Gospel Reflection3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year AThe Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand    

Have you ever been astonished that something you have waited for is now suddenly upon you?  I remember as a child growing up in Elk River how we used to wait for the bus, but ... Read More »

Behold, the Lamb of God!

Posted by Sue Kunkel on 1/16/20

Gospel Reflection2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time Year ABehold, the Lamb of God!“Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, grant us peace”.  We say these words at every Mass.  They repeat the words of John the Baptizer that we hear in the ... Read More »

Jesus Descended into the Jordan For Us

Posted by Sue Kunkel on 1/07/20

Gospel ReflectionThe Baptism of the Lord Year AJesus Descended into the Jordan For Us  For the Church, the cycle of Christmas feasts ends today with the Baptism of the Lord.  Why of all days does it end with this feast?  What does Jesus’ baptism have to do with his birth? ... Read More »

The Lord of History

Posted by Sue Kunkel on 12/19/19

Gospel ReflectionFor the Weeks of The Holy Family and Epiphany of the Lord, Year A

The Lord of History

Bethlehem is a difficult place.  The city of Jesus’ birth has long been and still is powerless and today, caught in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.  He whose ... Read More »

Saint Joseph: A Man of Few Words

Posted by Sue Kunkel on 12/19/19

Gospel Reflection, Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year AMatthew 1:18-24

Saint Joseph: A Man of Few Words

How many recorded words do we have of Saint Joseph in the Bible?  Zero!  And yet Joseph is the man closest to Jesus.  Saint Joseph, therefore, shows us that silence is often a ... Read More »

What Did You Go Out to the Desert to See?

Posted by Sue Kunkel on 12/12/19

Gospel Reflection3rd Week of Advent, Year AWhat Did You Go Out to the Desert to See?Often in a desert, when the rain comes, it blooms very suddenly with many wild flowers.  Our readings today speak of a desert with new possibilities for those who are patient.  We typically associate ... Read More »

Justice Shall Flourish in His Time, and Fullness of Peace Forever

Posted by Sue Kunkel on 12/05/19

Gospel ReflectionSecond Sunday of Advent, Year AJustice Shall Flourish in His Time, and Fullness of Peace ForeverOur readings today are a study in contrasts.  Our  gospel proposes to us a strange figure: John the Baptizer.  He ate locusts and wild honey.  He wore camel’s hair and lived in the ... Read More »

Watch! Stay Awake! Be Prepared

Posted by Sue Kunkel on 12/05/19

Gospel ReflectionFirst Sunday of Advent, Year AWatch! Stay Awake! Be PreparedIs 2:1-5/ Ps 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 [cf. 1]/Rom 13:11-14/Mt 24:37-44Advent begins with a message.  Watch!  Stay Awake!  Be prepared.   For at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.  Advent means coming.  The ... Read More »

The Real Presence of our Lord in Our Lives

Posted by Sue Kunkel on 11/22/19

Gospel ReflectionOur Lord Jesus Christ, King of the UniverseYear C

The Real Presence of our Lord in Our LivesAs I look back on my life, I realize that I have a lot to be thankful for.  I am thankful that, growing up in Elk River, I had a mother ... Read More »

God Is Making Something New

Posted by Sue Kunkel on 11/14/19

Gospel Reflection33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year CGod Is Making Something New

The Temple stood for many centuries in all of its splendor.  One could be proud of it and it gave the impression of being indestructible.  Just as our Jewish brothers and sisters were proud of it in ... Read More »