love your neighbors

October 15, 2021

Music and the Gospel: “Once A Day,” Michael Franti, ft. Sona Rele & Supa Dups

“Whoever among you wants to be first must serve the needs of all. The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve.” This week’s SPIRIT focuses on service and the ways we can use our gifts to serve people who need our skills to help make our communities and the world a better place. COVID has shown us that many people do not have adequate access to basic necessities, whether this means a decent income to pay rent, healthcare, the internet, even food. Hearing Jesus’ call to serve means finding ways to share our resources and sustain our neighbors and community. Michael Franti’s song “Once A Day” reminds us that a movement to help others can start from one small spark, one person. “To be great means to serve all.”

Key lines: I heard the purpose of life’s to live a life full of purpose / And so don’t ever take for granted what the spirit has given you / In the first verse / You might never get a second verse / This ain’t a rehearsal, you can’t put it in reverse / Believe in yourself, don’t let nobody be a negative / Or tell you what to do / ‘Cause I know (’cause I know) / In this sweet, sweet life that just this much is true / ….And we all will rise up (spread your wings and fly) / And we all will rise up

Questions: What service to others can you do or start in your community or school? What has past experience working on a service project taught you or how has it changed your perspective? How do you define “greatness?” How does Jesus define “greatness?” What kind of community do you want for yourself and the world?

February 22, 2021

Music and the Gospel: “Know Your Worth,” Khalid, ft. Disclosure – 2nd Sunday of Lent

In the transfiguration gospel this Sunday, Jesus reveals who he is more fully to Peter, James, and John. The vision, which hints at Jesus’ resurrection, scares, confuses, and amazes the three disciples. Fear can cause us to hide our true selves from those around us. It can keep us from recognizing who someone else really is; it can prevent us from reaching out to others and affirming them. The song “Know Your Worth” is about reaching out to others, letting them know that we see them and that they are worth every effort, every kindness, every success.

Key lines: He keeps leaving you for dead / I don’t know what you been waiting for / So you’ve got your love locked up instead / But somethin’ better’s waitin’ at your door / You don’t know your worth / All the things I know that you deserve / Say it’s not real if it doesn’t hurt / Find someone you know will put you first / Find someone who loves you at your worst / Gotta keep, gotta keep, gotta keep your head up

Questions: What do you risk when you speak your truth? What can you do to reach out to others who stay apart? Who offers help to young people who need support or perhaps counseling? When has someone else affirmed you and made a transforming difference?

January 22, 2021

Music and the Gospel: “Brand New Eyes,” Bea Miller – 3rd Sunday Ordinary Time

Jesus begins his ministry with these words:  “This is the time of fulfilment.  The reign of God draws near. Change your attitude and believe in the Gospel.”  Jesus serves as the ultimate role model in how we should treat ourselves and each other; he challenges unjust laws and perspectives; he teaches us the importance of forgiveness and mercy.  Just as Jesus leads by example, Bea Miller’s song “Brand New Eyes” is about waking up to the truth of our purpose, regardless of the challenges that may come our way.

Key lines: I’m wide awake now, I’m free of the doubt / Don’t wanna look down / And if I fall out, I lay on the ground / And look to the clouds / It’s like I got brand new eyes, and I can finally see / What has always been right there in front of me / And with these brand new eyes I’ll take in everything / And I will finally see me 

Questions: Who serves as a role model for you?  What have you learned from your role models?  How have you applied what you learned to your own life? How has Jesus influenced your ideas and actions? What challenges have you overcome because you’ve followed Jesus’ example?

January 20, 2020

Music and the Gospel: “Higher Love,” Kygo & Whitney Houston

 

SPIRIT explores service and ways to put our faith into action this week It isn’t easy to see the poverty around us if we are not living in it. People living without what they need don’t want us to see what is happening. Most of us, especially young people our own age, want to help if we do see others in tough situations. We serve God when we serve our neighbors. Some people have the means to donate money; some donate time and talents. “Higher Love” is a powerful song about what it means to seek out purpose and to respond to Jesus’ call to serve others. It challenges us to move into action.

Key Lines: Think about it, there must be a higher love / Down in the heart or hidden in the stars above / Without it, life is wasted time / Look inside your heart, and I’ll look inside mine / …Bring me a higher love / Bring me a higher love, oh / Bring me a higher love / Where’s that higher love I keep thinking of?

Questions: Where do you see people living in poverty in your community? What are some ways you can serve in your local community? When have you felt called to a higher purpose? What is it?