Stories tagged:
spiritual growth

What Does it Mean to be Rejected?

Gena St David reflects on where we might find comfort in the Christ story when we suffer rejection for living what God invites us into [Mark 8:31-37]. Reflection Which relationships help us endure rejection? Where might the Spirit be inviting us to risk rejection and wage “good conflict”? How might the Christ story comfort us when we suffer rejection? Practice […]

Ordinary Faith

Weylin Lee reflects on our invitation to practice ordinary faith that’s grounded in mercy as we push against celebrity culture [James 2:1-17]. Reflection What does it mean for us to push against celebrity culture in our community? How can we make space to reflect on and receive mercy in our lives? How are we integrating the teachings and life of […]

Our Heart is Central to Our Faith

Simone Talma Flowers reflects on Jesus’ invitation to examine our hearts and to experience healing through God’s love [Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23]. Reflection Are there areas of my heart that are hardened and shut off? How do I invite God in my life and heal my heart? How can God’s love be central in my heart?

The Bread Come Down from Heaven

James Alison reflects on what Jesus is inviting us to when he asks us to eat the bread and drink of the life that he offers us [John 6:51-69]. Reflection What is the difference between the Manna in the desert, and what Jesus offers in the Eucharist? Do Jesus’ words scandalize you? How do you understand “coming to be persuaded” […]

Solomon and the Quest for Wisdom

Naomi Jackson reflects on the life of Solomon and why God gave him what he asked for and what he didn’t ask for and how that impacts our understanding of wisdom [1 Kings 3:6-14]. Reflection What do we learn about the character of God from their response to Solomon? How does wisdom frame the relationship between humans and God? How […]

What Does it Mean to Believe?

Gena St David reflects on what it means to believe and considers whether it’s less a choice we make and more something that expands within us as we “say yes” to encounters with Jesus that prove trustworthy [John 6:35, 44-51]. Reflection How might I practice coming toward God with my hunger and thirst this week? How might I practice listening […]

The Hidden God

James Alison reflects on how we might be scandalized and what our response would be to the presence of Jesus [Mark 6:1-6]. Reflection What are you scandalized by and what does your scandal stop you from seeing? What does it mean to be scandalized by Jesus? Why are prophets likely to give scandal?