Johanna Hatch

April 22, 2012

“Spectrum,” SPIRIT Xtra for April 22, 2012

“Spectrum,” Florence + The Machine, Ceremonials, Universal Island Records

Gospel Reflection: Jesus’ disciples feel afraid and unsure until he returns to them and they experience him risen and bringing them peace. Through his loyalty and love, Jesus helps his disciples to understand who he truly is. “Spectrum” shows us how love can change the way we see the world and ourselves.

Key Lines: When we first came here we were cold and we were clear/With no colors in our skin, we were light and paper thing/And when we first came here we were cold and we were clear/With no colors in our skin ’til we let the spectrum in/Say my name and every color illuminates/We are shining and we will never be afraid again

Questions: In what ways has a relationship with Jesus changed you? What relationship brings you peace? What are some of the Christlike qualities you see in your friends? What stops us from recognizing goodness in others? Where do you recognize Jesus present in your life today?

April 10, 2012

“When We Stand Together,” SPIRIT Xtra for April 15, 2012

“When We Stand Together,” Nickelback, Here and Now, The All Blacks B.V.

Gospel Reflection: After Jesus dies, he does not leave his friends afraid and alone. Instead, he returns to them to reassure them and prepare them to go out together and spread the good news. “When We Stand Together” by Nickelback is about the power of communities to create positive change by working together.

Key Lines: The right thing to guide us/Is right here inside us/No one can divide us/When the light is nearly on/But just like a heartbeat/The drumbeat carries on

Questions: What communities support you? How do they help you serve others or work for justice? How does being part of a community support your faith? How do you hear Jesus speaking to you?

April 3, 2012

“Dead Hearts,” SPIRIT Xtra for April 8, 2012

“Dead Hearts,” Stars, The Five Ghosts & The Seance, Vagrant Records

Gospel Reflection:  No way are Jesus’ disciples expecting Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. His friends struggle with amazement, doubt, faith, and grief. We experience struggles in the mystery of our relationship with friends. “Dead Hearts” by the band Stars examines the struggle to believe in love and life that continues after death.

Key Lines: I could say it, but you won’t believe me/You say you do, but you don’t deceive me/It’s hard to know they’re out there/It’s hard to know that you still care/I could say it but you won’t believe me/You say you do but you don’t deceive me

Questions: How do you think the disciples feel when Mary Magdalene tells them she has seen Jesus? How do you think Mary Magdalene feels when Peter doesn’t believe her? What do you say when someone questions how you can believe in Jesus and the Gospel? Do you ever find it difficult to believe? Why or why not?

March 27, 2012

“Paradise,” SPIRIT Xtra for April 1, 2012

“Paradise,” Coldplay, Mylo Xyloto, EMI Records Limited

Gospel Reflection: On this Sunday, we remember the suffering and death of Jesus. As we reflect on his suffering, we also call to mind the suffering we see in the world around us. “Paradise” by Coldplay reminds us of the suffering of those who have no safe place to turn to.

Key Lines: When she was just a girl/She expected the world/But it flew away from her reach/And the bullets catch in her teeth/Life goes on, it gets so heavy/The wheel breaks the butterfly/Every tear a waterfall/In the night the stormy night she’ll close her eyes/In the night the stormy night away she’d fly

Questions: Where do you see suffering in your Church or community? How do you show God’s love to someone who is suffering? When does loving someone cause suffering? How do you think God feels about suffering in the world? What do you think Jesus’ suffering teaches us?

March 19, 2012

“Skyscraper,” SPIRIT Xtra for March 25th, 2012

“Skyskraper,” Demi Lovato, Unbroken, Hollywood Records

Gospel Reflection: Jesus says in Sunday’s gospel that a grain of wheat must die to bear fruit, meaning that sometimes something must be lost in order to make room for something good to happen. Even in the face of tragedy or struggle, God has the power to bring about good. Demi Lovato’s “Skyscraper” is a song about the ability to grow, even after a painful experience.

Key Lines: You can take everything I have/You can break everything I am/Like I’m made of glass/Like I’m made of paper/Go on and try to tear me down/I will be rising from the ground/Like a skyscraper/Like a skyscraper

Questions: When have you seen good come out of a seemingly bad situation? How do you see people tearing each other down? What do you find frightening about change? In what ways have you grown and changed in the last year? What is something you have had to work hard for?

March 13, 2012

“Crazy Girl,” SPIRIT Xtra for March 18th, 4th Sunday of Lent

“Crazy Girl,” Eli Young Band, Life At Best, Republic Nashville Records

Gospel Reflection: Sunday’s gospel focuses on the message of God’s powerful and all-encompassing love through Jesus. Like God’s love, the song “Crazy Girl” is about a love that can’t be hampered by human imperfections.

Key Lines: Crazy girl, don’t you know that I love you? / I wouldn’t dream of going nowhere / Silly woman come here let me hold you / Have I told you lately I love you like crazy, girl?

Questions: Who shows you love when you feel flawed? How do you show love to your friends and family? What qualities or behaviors make it difficult to love someone? What relationships have had the greatest impact on your life? How would you describe God’s love?

March 6, 2012

“Dear Mr. President,” Spirit XTRA for March 11, 2012

“Dear Mr. President,” Fitz and the Tantrums, Pickin’ Up the Pieces, Dangerbird Records

Gospel Reflection: In Sunday’s gospel the people buying and selling in the temple anger Jesus. Anger can wake us up to injustice and people’s everyday needs. Sometimes we get angry with political leaders or others in positions of power who don’t seem to care about the needs of others. It can be difficult to know what to do with anger. “Dear Mr. President” by Fitz and the Tantrums is a powerful call to make positive change.

Key Lines: Get in line, there’s no jobs/And the kids are shootin’ dope/Out of work, out of time/Mama’s startin’ to lose hope/It ain’t enough to pray/When you got no place to stay/Daddy just walked out/Mama raisin’ family/Hey put your foot down and take a look ’round/Don’t like what you see

Questions: In what ways do you stand up for what you believe? What injustices do you see in your community? What do you speak out about? Who is a role model for work for justice that you look up to? What responsibility do you think political leaders have to fight injustice? When do you get frustrated with people who are in positions of power?

February 23, 2012

“What Doesn’t Kill You,” SPIRIT Xtra for February 26, 2012

“What Doesn’t Kill You,” Kelly Clarkson, Stronger, 19 Recordings Limited

Gospel Reflection: The solitude of the desert tested Jesus. Our relationships can test our values and make us struggle with what we really want.  “What Doesn’t Kill You” is a song about one of those relationships and how surviving a test can make us stronger.

Key Lines: What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger/Stand a little taller/Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone/What doesn’t kill you makes a fighter/Footsteps even lighter/Doesn’t mean I’m over cause you’re gone

Questions: What relationships have made you stronger? In what ways do relationships test you? What are some good things about spending time alone? Why do you think people are often afraid of being alone? How can spending time alone help your spirituality?

February 16, 2012

“Secrets,” SPIRIT Xtra for February 19, 2012

“Secrets,” OneRepublic, Waking Up, Mosley Music/Interscope Records

Gospel Reflection: Jesus forgives sins. We have the power to forgive each other for our mistakes, hurts, and slights. But sometimes, fear or shame can keep us from asking for or granting forgiveness. The song ‘Secrets’ is about letting go of these negative emotions and being truthful about our lives.

Key Lines: insincere/So I’m gonna give all my secrets away/This time, don’t need another perfect lie/Don’t care if critics never jump in line/I’m gonna give all my secrets away

Questions: Why do people keep secrets? Why is it hard to ask for forgiveness? What can be gained from asking for forgiveness? How does keeping secrets stand in the way of reconciliation? How is telling the truth connected to forgiveness?

February 3, 2012

“Waste,” SPIRIT Xtra for February 5, 2012

Gospel Reflection: In this Sunday’s gospel, Jesus heals the sick and frees people possessed by demons, bringing them out of loneliness and back into their communities. Foster the People’s song “Waste” is about reaching out to someone who is isolated and giving the person hope, just as Jesus reached out to the people he encountered who were sick or possessed.

Key Lines: I’ll hold your hand when you are feeling mad at me/Yeah when the monsters they won’t go away/The windows are closed/I’ll pretend to see what you see/”How long?” I say, how long will you relive the things that are gone?/Oh yeah, the devil’s on your back but I know you can shake him off

Questions: Who are the healers that you know? How do they care for others? Why is it hard to let go of past hurts? What “monsters” do you see people struggling with? Where does our world need healing today? When do you feel alone? How is God present to you in that experience?