Shows
The Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsWhen God Seems SilentEven when God appears silent, faith and prayer invite us into a living relationship with Jesus Christ—a relationship that transforms us even when our prayers go unanswered. Like waves that slowly carve stone, persevering prayer reshapes our hearts and deepens our trust in God’s love. And just as Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ arms, we too rely on one another in our community of faith to keep praying, believing, and hoping together.
2025-10-1911 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsSeeing the Good: The Choice of GratitudeLouis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” reminds us that gratitude isn’t naïve. It is a choice to see the good even amid struggle. The grateful Samaritan in the Gospel shows that thanksgiving brings not only healing of the body but also of the heart. When we choose gratitude and become people others are grateful for, we don’t just see a wonderful world, we help create one.
28 Sunday ordinary time
2025-10-1209 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsEven If You Aren’t a Star, Shine AnywayGod calls each of us to let His love and light shine through us, even when we feel ordinary or inadequate. Like Habakkuk, Timothy, and Paul, we are reminded that God works through our weakness, not in spite of it. Even if we aren’t stars, the Holy Spirit enables us to shine brightly in the world around us.
2025-10-0506 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsHitting the mark of compassionThe Gospel challenges us not only to see the suffering around us but to judge rightly what it means and to act with compassion. The rich man saw Lazarus but failed to recognize his need or respond, missing the mark of love. Like a skilled archer, we are called to see clearly, judge wisely, and act courageously, guided by the Holy Spirit.
2025-09-2807 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsThe Cross: From Shame to LifeThe Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross reminds us that what was once an instrument of shame and death has been transformed by Christ into the tree of life and source of salvation. Marked with the Cross at baptism, we carry it as the core of our Christian identity, a sign of hope, service, and strength in suffering. Each time we make the Sign of the Cross, we proclaim that through Jesus’ love, death is conquered and life is given.
The Exaltation of the Cross
2025-09-1409 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsYes, even saints can play video gamesSaints are not distant figures from the past but people who lived ordinary lives, even enjoying things like video games and mountain climbing, while keeping Christ at the center. Jesus calls us to root our identity not in family, career, or possessions, but in being his disciples through baptism and the cross. Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis show us how a life grounded in Christ gives meaning and direction to everything else.
2025-09-0708 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsHumility Meets Hospitality (22 Sunday of Ordinary Time, C)In today’s Gospel (Luke 14:1, 7–14), Jesus links humility with true hospitality. Real humility isn’t pretending we are worthless, but learning to think of ourselves less—turning outward in love. True hospitality welcomes those who cannot repay us, affirming their dignity as children of God. At the Eucharist, Christ gives us this perfect example: he makes room for us at his table, giving a gift we could never repay, and sends us out to extend the same welcome to others.
22 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year C, Luke 14:1, 7–14
2025-08-3109 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsNo Nexus Pass to HeavenToday’s Gospel reminds us that salvation isn’t automatic just because we belong to the right group or community. Entry into God’s kingdom is not about having a “pass,” but about whether Christ recognizes his own love, mercy, and service alive in us. Belonging to the Church helps, but each of us must personally choose to follow Christ through the narrow gate of faith and discipleship.
2025-08-2407 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsCrocs in Sports Mode: Ready for JesusJesus calls us to live each day prepared to meet Him, like servants waiting for their master’s return. St. Polycarp’s lifelong faithfulness and the daily habits of the early Christians show us that readiness comes from steady prayer, worship, and acts of love. By keeping our hearts in “spiritual sports mode,” we can welcome Christ with joy whenever He comes.
2025-08-1009 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsWhat Will You Take With You? (18 Sunday OT, C)
Jesus reminds us that while material needs are real and pressing—especially in a city like Vancouver—they must not become our ultimate concern. Like the ghost towns left behind after the gold rush, worldly treasures don’t last. True riches are found in what we give away: love, service, and relationships that endure into eternity.
2025-08-0406 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsMore Than Words: How the Our Father Shapes Us (17 Sunday OT, C)The Our Father isn’t just a set of words we repeat—it’s a prayer that slowly forms our hearts and reshapes our lives. Like a parent saying “I love you” each night, its repetition is meant to ground us in relationship, awe, mission, trust, forgiveness, and hope. Each phrase draws us deeper into what it means to live as children of God and builders of His kingdom.
2025-07-2710 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsDisciples Who Serve: The Wisdom of Martha and MaryWhen Jesus visited Martha and Mary, He wasn’t choosing between work and worship—he was showing us we need both. Martha teaches us to serve with love; Mary reminds us to stay close to Jesus. The best disciples are those who welcome others and make time to listen at the feet of the Lord.
2025-07-2009 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsLook for the HelpersJesus' parable of the Good Samaritan challenges us to examine our own tendency to judge or exclude others based on group identity. Sometimes, the people we least expect are the ones who show the greatest compassion and faithfulness. Like Mr. Rogers taught, our call as Christians is to be the helpers—those who reach out in love, regardless of differences.
2025-07-1307 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsNot Couch Potatoes, But Missionaries of Peace (14 Sunday Ordinary Time)Too often, the word missionary brings to mind flashy televangelists or social media influencers chasing followers—but Jesus sends out ordinary people like us to bring his peace to the world. We’re not meant to be “couch potato Christians,” but active participants in God’s mission, especially in our families, workplaces, and friendships. When we leave Mass, we’re not just dismissed—we’re sent to light up the world with peace, hope, and love.
2025-07-0608 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsMore Than Statues: Saints Who Struggle With UsSaints Peter and Paul aren’t lifeless statues in a museum—they’re real people who fell, failed, and followed Jesus anyway. Their greatness didn’t come from perfection, but from perseverance: they got back up, again and again, through God’s grace. They’re not distant heroes—they’re family, cheering us on in our own journey of faith.
St. Peter and Paul
2025-06-2910 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsMore Than Bread: The Mystery and Mission of Corpus ChristiAt every Mass, we affirm a bold belief—that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist. This mystery invites not only faith in Christ’s Real Presence but a call to live as his Body in the world. Corpus Christi reminds us that the Eucharist is both a sacred gift and a mission of love that Christ continues through us.
2025-06-2209 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsSuccess in God's Eyes: Made for RelationshipWe often measure success by achievements, wealth, or status, but Trinity Sunday invites us to see ourselves through God’s eyes. Created in the image of the Triune God—a perfect communion of love—we are made for relationship. Our true success lies not in what we possess, but in how we love and are loved.
Trinity Sunday
2025-06-1506 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsSpeaking the Language the World Longs to HearAt Pentecost, the Holy Spirit enables people of different nations to understand one another, reversing the division of Babel and forming one united family of God. Through Confirmation, we are anointed to speak Christ’s language of peace—a language that transcends words and is expressed through love, understanding, and service. In a world marked by division and conflict, we are called to be people who embody and share this peace.
Pentecost 2025
2025-06-0807 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsLight After the CloudsSeparation from loved ones is painful, and the Ascension reminds us that even Jesus' followers knew that grief. Yet Christ has not abandoned us—his Spirit remains like sunlight after the sun has set, warming, guiding, and sustaining us. Through the Holy Spirit, we become Christ’s living presence in the world, continuing his mission with our hands, our voices, and our lives.
Ascension 2025
2025-06-0109 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsCatching the Wind: The Holy Spirit and the Church in TransitionThe Church is journeying through a time of transition, both locally with a new archbishop and globally with a new pope. Amid these changes, the Gospel reminds us that the Holy Spirit is the constant guide—like the wind that moves the Church forward, even through uncertainty. This homily invites reflection on how to become more attentive to the Spirit’s presence through silence, Scripture, and discerning the fruits of our choices.
6 Sunday Easter
2025-05-2510 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel Reflections“Are We There Yet?”: Living the Journey of FaithLike children on a long road trip, Christians often ask, “Are we there yet?” as we wait for the fullness of Christ’s victory. This homily explores the tension of living in the “already but not yet”—trusting in the resurrection while still confronting suffering. Grounded in the hope of Revelation and the command to love, we are reminded by both Scripture and Pope Leo that we are pilgrims of hope, walking together toward the new creation.
5 Sunday Easter
2025-05-1807 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsA Shepherd for Our Time: Welcoming Pope Leo XIVThe surprise election of Pope Leo XIV invites us to reflect on the voice of the Good Shepherd still speaking to the Church today. From missionary service in Peru to leadership in Rome, Pope Leo brings a heart for the poor, a passion for justice, and a deep commitment to synodality. As we rejoice, we also take up his first request: pray for him.
Good Shepherd Sunday | 4 Sunday Easter
2025-05-1111 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsBreakfast with Jesus: A Meal that Heals and SendsAfter the Resurrection, Jesus prepares a simple breakfast for Peter—not just to feed him, but to heal and restore their broken relationship. This powerful moment at a charcoal fire mirrors the Eucharist, where Christ meets us in our pain, nourishes us, and sends us out with purpose. In a time of mourning and sorrow, we gather at the Lord’s table to be strengthened by his love and commissioned to bring healing to the world.
3 Sunday Easter
2025-05-0509 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsThe Mercy That Heals: Honoring Pope Francis and the Power of Christ’s LoveIn a world wounded by fear and division, Divine Mercy Sunday reminds us that Christ enters our locked doors with peace and healing. Pope Francis lived this message, teaching us that the Church is a field hospital where mercy welcomes and transforms. As we mourn his passing, we commit ourselves anew to being living instruments of God's mercy in the world.
Divine Mercy Sunday
2025-04-2713 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsKeep the Flame BurningEaster reminds us that no matter how fierce the storms of life may be, the light of Christ’s resurrection can never be extinguished. Like lighthouse keepers, we are called to tend the flame of faith and shine it for others. In a world often clouded by fear and despair, we are pilgrims of hope, carrying the light that leads to life.
Easter Sunday
2025-04-2008 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsPilgrims of Hope: Walking in the Light of the ResurrectionOn this most sacred night, we journey from darkness to light, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the victory of life over death. As pilgrims of hope, we walk not alone, but with the Risen Christ lighting our path through the gift of the Paschal candle, the Word of God, and the waters of baptism. This Easter, let us choose to carry that light into the world—renewed in faith, strengthened by hope, and sent forth in joy.
2025-04-2009 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsMaking our Cross a CrucifixOn Good Friday, we stand before the cross not in despair, but as pilgrims of hope. Though the day is marked by suffering and silence, it is good because God chose to enter our broken world, confront sin, and redeem it through love. In Jesus, the innocent one who suffers for the guilty, the cycle of sin is interrupted and transformed. And through His death, we discover that we are never alone—not even in suffering or death—for Christ has made every cross a crucifix by sharing it with us.
2025-04-1811 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsHoly Thursday - Pilgrims of HopeOn Holy Thursday, we begin a sacred pilgrimage with Jesus—from the Upper Room to the Cross and the empty tomb. The Eucharist, which we receive tonight, is not just a ritual but a powerful source of hope: it transforms us, unites us, and gives us a foretaste of eternal life. As Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee year, let us allow Christ’s love to shape us into His likeness and carry that hope into the world.
2025-04-1811 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsFrom Palms to the Cross: The Cost and Courage of DiscipleshipWhat do Jesus entering Jerusalem and St. Oscar Romero speaking truth to power have in common? Both were praised by crowds—then rejected when their message became uncomfortable. This Palm Sunday reflection invites us to consider the real cost of discipleship and the courage it takes to follow Christ all the way to the cross—and beyond.
Palm Sunday, year C
2025-04-1411 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsCalled by Name, Not by SinJesus shows us that mercy isn’t earned—it’s a gift that restores dignity and life. In contrast to the religious leaders who use a woman’s sin to trap Jesus, He sees her humanity, forgives her, and offers a new beginning. As we continue through Lent, we’re invited to receive God’s mercy and extend it to others by calling them not by their sins, but by their name.
5 Sunday Lent, year C
2025-04-0609 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsAll Is Forgiven: A Lenten InvitationGod isn’t a distant judge keeping score—He’s a Father who runs to meet us, arms wide open.
Whether we’re the runaway son or the resentful sibling, His love is bigger than our mess.
This Lent, come home to mercy—you’ll find it’s already been waiting for you.
4 Sunday of Lent, year C
2025-03-3108 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsFaith for the Climb: Living Between the Mountain and the ValleyLife isn’t just mountaintop moments—it’s also the valleys, and Jesus shows us that both are part of the journey. The Transfiguration reminds us that while we glimpse God’s glory at times, much of life is about walking faithfully through challenges, knowing Christ walks with us. By following St. Ignatius’ ERGO—Encourage, Regularize, be Generous, and stay Open—we can navigate the ups and downs with trust, resilience, and hope.
2 Sunday Lent, year C
2025-03-1610 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsFrom Trials to Triumph: Finding Grace in the WildernessLent is a time of sacrifice, but today's Gospel reminds us that trials and suffering—when united with God—can lead to transformation and grace. Just as the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness for a greater purpose, our own hardships can refine us and even inspire others, as seen in the lives of figures like Terry Fox and Samra Zafar. This Lent, as we give things up, let us also offer our struggles to Christ, trusting that He is with us, bringing life out of suffering.
1 Sunday Lent | Luke 4:1-13
2025-03-0911 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsWhat we do (to the least) echoes in eternityWhat we do in this life echoes in eternity—especially how we treat the least among us. If we truly believe every person is destined for eternal life, it should change the way we act, speak, and love. Jesus calls us to see others with this perspective, challenging us to live with mercy, dignity, and deep compassion.
8 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year C
Lk 6:36-45; 1 Cor 15
2025-03-0208 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsLoving enemies (7 Sunday OT, C)Among the most radical of Christ's commands is that we love our enemies (Luke 6:27–38). When we witness someone living this way, it is inspiring. However, trying to love our enemies can often feel impossible. Jesus gives us some helpful guidance for how we can live out this command by not judging those who harm us. On the cross, Christ put this into practice when He prayed, "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing".
7 Sunday Ordinary Time, C
2025-02-2407 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsSeeing things differently (6 Sunday OT, year C)At Jesus' time, as at our own, a particular way of seeing the world and set of values prevails. In the beatitudes (Luke 6:18, 20–26), Jesus flips this worldview upside down. Rather than the rich, powerful, and oppressive, in God's eyes it is the poor, marginalized, and needy who matter most. By taking time to be in silence and allowing the words of Christ to touch our hearts we can begin to see the world the way God does.
2025-02-1609 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsFrom experience to Mission (5 Sunday OT)In our baptism, we all receive a mission to become, in the words of Pope Francis, "missionary disciples". The readings today show us that the drive for mission is born out of an experience of God's grace. This jubilee year is an opportunity to experience anew the grace of God and become re-energized for mission.
5 Sunday OT
2025-02-0908 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsChrist our Hope and LightThe celebration of the Presentation of the Lord gives us the hopeful and inspiring message that Jesus is the light of the world, who scatters all darkness and fear. This message is particularly important to focus on when times are dark and troubling. The Gospel calls us to imitate Anna and Simeon, who were able to recognize the goodness and grace of God in their midst. When we do this, we are called to be a light to others.
Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
Luke 2:22-32
2025-02-0307 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsThe team of the Church, unified for MissionA good team is one in which all its members are able to contribute their own talents as everyone works together for a common goal. In the Gospel today, Jesus declares His mission and our own in His hometown of Nazareth. As Paul describes in the second reading, we are all members of the body of Christ, carrying out this mission in the world. When we hear God's word at Mass, it is an opportunity for us to be reminded of our calling as the Eucharist unifies our community for our common mission.
3 Sunday of O...
2025-01-2609 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsOrdinary into Extraordinary (2 Sunday Ordinary Time, C)Like any sign Christ works in John's Gospel, the transformation of water into wine at the wedding at Cana is meant to teach us about who Jesus is (Jn 2). We learn that Christ is very close to married people, especially those who struggle. We discover that where Jesus is there is abundance. In addition, we learn that for Christ to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary we must "do whatever He tells us".
2 Sunday Ordinary Time
Year C
2025-01-1909 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsWhen was Jesus, the anointed One, actually anointed?In his Gospel, Luke makes the case that Jesus was anointed at His baptism. It is there that His identity is proclaimed, and He enters a definitive stage in His ministry. A our own baptism, we receive a new identity and are given the task of continuing the mission of Christ. Therefore, as we celebrate the Baptism of Our Lord, we should also give thanks for the gift of our own baptism.
Baptism of our Lord, year C
2025-01-1307 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsEpiphany helps us see more clearlyThe coming of Jesus in the world changes the way we see. The Magi recognized that God does not work through power, wealth, and might, but rather through humility and service. Those who saw the Magi learned that the Saviour of Israel, Jesus, was in fact the Saviour of all peoples. We pray for our own Epiphany, that God may grant us new vision to see the world differently.
Epiphany, year C
2025-01-0507 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsBlessings for 2025 (Mary Mother of God)Happy New Year! In the first reading from Numbers (Num 6:22–27), we discover that God is always seeking to bless us. However, do we recognize how God is blessing us? From Mary, we learn how to search out and understand the ways God is working in our lives, blessing us (Luke 2:16–21). The assurance of God's support assists us in journeying forward with confidence into 2025, this Jubilee year.
2025-01-0108 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsExpanding our Family (Holy Family, year C)We can relate to a lot about the Holy Family. Like our families, they experienced both joy and challenges. On the other hand, there is a lot about the Holy Family that can be difficult to connect with: Mary was conceived without sin, Joseph is a Saint, and Jesus is the Son of God! Similarly, the feast of the Holy Family reminds us that with the coming of Christ, the dignity of family has been affirmed. At the same time, we are challenged to expand our concept of family. Being Christian makes us part of a larger family.
2024-12-2909 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsWe never journey alone (Christmas, year C)Merry Christmas! In the Nativity story, we hear of many characters who are on a journey: Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi. We too are on a journey in our own life. This journey can be difficult at times. We can be confused about our destination. We can feel alone. Christmas changes the way we journey forever. We know our destination: Jesus Christ. We are strengthened by Him. As well, we receive the gift of community, people who strengthen, nourish, and support us along our way. It is good to journey together!
2024-12-2508 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel Reflections"Does anyone know what Christmas is all about" (4 Advent, C)"Does anyone know what Christmas is all about"? This is a question posed by Charlie Brown in "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Today in the Gospel (Luke 1:39–45), we hear the story of the Visitation. This meeting between two pregnant women, Mary and Elizabeth, teaches us some of what Christmas is all about: hospitality, welcome, service, and sharing the joy of Jesus.
4 Sunday Advent, year C
2024-12-2210 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsWhy wait (3 Sunday Advent, C)Advent is a time marked by the spirituality of waiting. Like when we sit in the arrivals area waiting for a loved one to return, the waiting of Advent reminds us of our need for Jesus and strengthens our desire to follow Him.
3 Sunday Advent: Phil 4:4-7; Lk 3:10-18
2024-12-1507 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsChange our hearts change the world (2 Sunday Advent)In Luke's account of the Baptist's preaching, we are reminded that the scope of Jesus' salvation is universal. Christ came to change our hearts and all structures of the world. While we wait for Jesus' return and the full actualization of His kingdom, we care called to build a more just and peaceful world.
2 Sunday Advent, year C
Bar 5:1-9; Phil 1; Lk 3:1-6
2024-12-0810 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsChrist born in us (1 Sunday Advent)During this season of Advent, we pray that the life of Christ may be born anew in our hearts, especially in circumstances that seem hopeless and lifeless. As the mystic Angelus Silesius once wrote,“Christ could be born a thousand times in Bethlehem – but all in vain until He is born in me.”
1 Sunday Advent, year C
Jer 33:14–16; 1 Thess 3:12–4:2; Lk 21:25–36
2024-12-0108 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsRethinking power and influence (Christ the King, year B)We can feel powerless and insignificant when we consider the incredible wealth and oppressive and even violent power of some people. The Solemnity of Christ the King reminds us that Jesus exercises ultimate power and influence in an unexpected way, through selfless service to the least among us. When we follow Jesus' call to love others as He has loved us, our actions truly has significance now and forever.
2024-11-2408 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsA light in darkness (33 Sunday OT, year B)Apocalyptic literature, like we find in the first reading and Gospel today (Dn 12:1–3; Mk 13:24–32), are some of the strangest and most difficult to decipher genres in the Bible. At their core, these texts are meant to inspire hope in a persecuted community. They convey that God is in control and therefore their suffering will not last forever. These texts encourage the community to live in faithfulness to the covenant. The Gospel in particular reminds us that Jesus is a light in our darkness.
Dn 12:1–3; Mk 13:24–32
2024-11-1708 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsPeople watching with Jesus (32 Sunday OT, B)I think we all like to go people-watching from time to time. In the Gospel today (Mk 12:38–44), Jesus is in the Temple people-watching with His disciples. There he teaches them, and us, important lessons about who are the people worthy of our attention and imitation. Surprisingly, Jesus calls attention to a poor widow, calling us to imitate her sacrificial generosity.
32 Sunday OT, year B
2024-11-1011 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsBack to Basics (31 Sunday OT, B)In response to a question, Jesus gets back to basics, revealing the core of what it means to follow God's path: love God and love our neighbour (Mk 12:28b-34). In order to truly love our neighbour, we must get to know them so that we can serve them in the way that is truly best for them, not what we might think is best.
31 Sunday of Ordinary Time, B
2024-11-0309 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsA blind man who sees (30 Sunday OT, B)In the Gospel today, we meet Bartimaeus (Mark 10:45-52). Although he is physically blind, he has better spiritual vision than others around him since he is able to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and knows Christ will heal him. We can become spiritually blind when we fail to see Christ present in our neighbour and daily experiences.
30 Sunday of Ordinary Time, B
2024-10-2708 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsService and Synod (29 Sunday of OT, B)In the Gospel today (Mk 10:35-45), Jesus presents a vision of His community where all participate, all serve, and each and every voice matters. The Synod, currently happening in Rome, is an opportunity for the Church to become this kind of community.
29 Sunday OT, B
2024-10-2008 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsDecluttering and focusing on what brings joy (28 Sunday, B)In his interaction with the rich young man (Mark 10:17–30), Jesus gives guidance for how we can focus better on what bring our greatest joy – our relationship with Christ – by decluttering or putting in proper perspective things like possessions and even family. Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to focus on what brings us joy.
28 Sunday, B
2024-10-1307 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsMarriage ministry of care and encouragement (27 Sunday OT, B)In discussing marriage, Jesus shows his care for married people who are vulnerable as well as emphasis on the goodness of marriage. As a Church, we are called to continue this ministry of care and encouragement. We care for those for whom marriage has been a source of pain, creating space for healing and welcome. We encourage those who are married, promoting the value and beauty of the sacrament of marriage.
27 Sunday OT, B
2024-10-0709 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsJesus talks tough (26 Sunday, OT, B)Like parents warning their children from danger and harm, Jesus uses strong language to have us move away from the damaging impacts of sin (Mark 9:38-43; 45, 47-48). We all have behaviours that harm ourselves and those around us. The Gospel, as well as the writings of saints like St. Ignatius, give us helpful guidance for how to overcome temptation and live a fuller life.
26 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B
2024-09-2910 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsFinding meaning in routine (25 Sunday OT, year B)The Gospel today (Mk 9:30-37) teaches us that human fulfilment is not found in having power. Rather, we live a joyful life when we make of ourselves a gift to others. Doing this allows us to find meaning, even in the midst of routine and seemingly ordinary daily life.
25 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B
2024-09-2210 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsPeter (sort of) gets it right (24 Sunday OT, B)Our understanding of who Jesus is will impact how we think a follower of Jesus will act. In the Gospel today (Mk 8:27-35), although Peter correctly identifies that Jesus is the Messiah, Peter cannot grasp that the Messiah will be a suffering servant. Since Jesus is a Saviour who came to serve others, we are called to do the same.
24 Sunday of OT, year B
Mk 8:27–35
2024-09-1508 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsNew beginnings (23 Sunday OT, B)The start of each school year is a time of hope and possibility. New beginnings are a time to choose new behaviours and attitudes. The second reading today from Saint James challenges us to behave with special care and attention for the needy (James 2:1–5). The healing in the Gospel (Mk 7:31–37), which we relive in the Ephphatha ritual in our baptism, reminds us that Jesus give us the grace to see the needy in our midst and respond to them in a positive way.
23 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B
2024-09-0910 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsCause and cure of brokenness (22 Sunday OT, year B)In the Gospel today (Mark 7), Jesus is asked about what causes division, separation, and broken relationships. Jesus explains that it is not certain external observances which create problems. Rather, it is the human heart that has the power both to divide and to unite.
22 Sunday OT, year B
2024-09-0108 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsDoubt and faithHaving doubts about what we believe is a common experience in our faith journey. In the Gospel (John 6:60–69), we find people experiencing doubts about who Jesus is. In the midst of this struggle, the Apostle Peter shows a way through doubt. Focusing on the person of Jesus can transform doubts into an opportunity to grow.
21 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B
2024-08-2509 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsSaying Amen to the Body of ChristIn the Eucharist, Jesus the Bread of Life nourishes us, and leads us into communion with God and each other. The Gospel this Sunday (Jn 6:51–58) focuses our attention on the precious gift of the Eucharist.
20 Sunday of OT
Jn 6:51-58
2024-08-1808 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsThe Word gives Life (19 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B).As we continue the Bread of Life discourse, Jesus describes today how He is the Bread of Life in His word (Jn 6:41–51). In the Sacred Scripture Christ nourishes us, giving us encouragement, direction, and hope. Do we read Scripture expecting Christ to speak personally to us?
2024-08-1109 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsA sign of better things (18 Sunday OT, B)Signs, like an Olympic medal, can be wonderful things. However, signs usually point to something more important. In the case of the medal, the sign points to the excellence of the athlete and the sacrifices they made. In the Gospel (Jn 6:24-35), Jesus reminds us to focus not only on the sign He has worked (the multiplication of the loaves), but to keep in view what the sign points to: Jesus is the bread of life.
2024-08-0407 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsGod abundantly feeds the hungry (17 OT, year B)On this Sunday we remember in a special way grandparents and elders in our community. Grandparents image the generosity of God. They often want to feed those they love! In the readings today, we see that God gives food in abundance. God satisfies more than just physical hunger. Like the boy in the Gospel who contributed five loaves and two fish, God wants us to contribute in this mission of satisfying those who hunger physically and spiritually.
17 Sunday in Ordinary Time, year B
2 Kings 4:42-44
John 6:1-15
2024-07-2808 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsBuilding bridges not walls (16 Sunday Ordinary Time, B)In Ephesians we discover that Jesus came to breaks down walls that separate people (Ephesians 2:13–18). As followers of Christ, we are called to build bridges, seeking to bring unity in the midst of polarization and division. We can do this by imitating Jesus the Good Shepherd, who sacrifices Himself out of love for others (Mark 6:30–34)
16 Sunday in Ordinary Time, year B
2024-07-2108 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsThe Church is made for missionAs followers of Christ we are all sent out on mission (Mark 6:7-13). We carry out this mission in community. The witness of love, reconciliation, and peace, is one way we complete our mission. In addition, we are encouraged to rely totally on God in our mission.
15 Sunday of Ordinary time, year B
2024-07-1507 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsJesus the rejected prophetThe Gospel today tells us about how Jesus was acting as a prophet, preaching the Word of God in his hometown Nazareth (Mark 6:1–6). Although we can be tempted to judge the people in the Gospel who reject Christ, we should remember that we too run the risk of rejecting Christ's life-giving words.
14 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B
2024-07-0707 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsJesus restores lifeHow can a loving God allow suffering and death? This perennial question is tackled in today's readings. The book of Wisdom shows us that suffering and death was not part of God's original plan for humanity (Wisdom 1). Jesus came to restore life and overcome suffering (Mk 5). We are called to continue this healing and life-giving mission of Christ.
13 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B
2024-06-3009 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsGodzilla and Storm SundayIn the Old Testament, the sea epitomized the dangerous forces aligned against humanity. In the Gospel today (Mk 4:35-41), Jesus calms the storm which threatens His disciples on the Sea. In this way, the power of Christ to overcome all forces of evil is manifested. As we face our own storms, we take courage in the power of Jesus.
12 Sunday of Ordinary Time
2024-06-2408 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsGod works in hidden waysAt times we can get discouraged because of prayers, acts of charity, or efforts to build God's kingdom seem small and insignificant. The Gospel today (Mark 4:26-34) encourages us to persevere. The work of God in the world is often humble and goes undetected. God, however, is always at work, taking what we offer Him and causing it to grow into something wonderful.
11 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B
2024-06-1709 min
What Matters MostThe Liturgy and Life Study Bible: A Conversation with Fr. Nick Meisl and John W. MartensThis is the twenty-second episode of the second season of What Matters Most, featuring me speaking with Fr. Nick Meisl! Why? I was interviewed by Father Nick Meisl, my colleague and friend, who appeared on episode 13 of season 2 of What Matters Most. The original interview took place on June 3, 2024, at St. Mark’s Library for the book launch of the Liturgy and Life Study Bible, which was just awarded first place for Excellence in Catholic Publishing 2024 in the Liturgy category by the Association of Catholic Publishers on May 31, 2024. Fr. Paul Turner and I were the general editors for this 6 yea...
2024-06-111h 11The Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsJesus has conquered SatanIn the Scripture, we read about an entity, Satan, who works against the goodness of God. Whereas God is a communion of love, Satan brings division, separating people from God and one another. In the Gospel (Mark 3:20-35) Jesus declares he has defeated Satan. Christ has created one family of God. We have been given the grace to bring unity. Only we prevent this by happening, by rejecting the power of Christ, something Mark calls the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.
10th Sunday of Ordinary Time
2024-06-1009 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsThe Source and SummitOn Corpus Christi, the readings today are rather gory! There is a lot of talk of blood and sacrifice. The particular readings for this current year invite us to consider the topic of covenant as it relates to the Eucharist. The first reading describes the important covenant God made with Moses and the people, in which blood was a central aspect (Exod 24:3-8). The second reading reminds us that the sacrifice of Christ for us creates a final covenant (Heb 9:11-15). The Gospel teaches us that the Eucharist is a renewal of this covenant (Mk 14:12-26). The Eucharist is...
2024-06-0211 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsWhat difference the Trinity makesThinking about the Trinity can be complicated! When we get right down to it, however, our belief in the Trinity is central to who we are as baptized people. We are made for relationship and communion.
2024-05-2708 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsWe need each other – Pentecost 2024James Joyce once said that Catholic means "here comes everybody". On Pentecost we read about the birth of the Church, a united family which has great diversity of languages and backgrounds. We remember on Pentecost that the Church is a diverse body unity by the Holy Spirit. Everyone in the Church matters and we all need one another.
Pentecost 2024
2024-05-1909 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsAscension Separation AnxietyAt first glance, the Ascension seems like something we shouldn't really celebrate. Jesus leaves us behind and, to make matters worse, gives us an impossible mission before He goes. The Holy Spirit is the anecdote for the separation anxiety caused by the Ascension. The Comforter restores us and gives us the strength (Mark 16:15-20) for our mission of healing the separations (with God, neighbour, and creation) that resulted from the Fall.
Ascension, year B
2024-05-1208 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsWhat is love?The readings today encourage us to consider the reality of love. We learn that true love has its origin in God and always seeks the good of the other (John 15:9-17). As followers of Jesus, we are not meant to be motivated by fear. Rather, we are called to fall in love.
6 Sunday of Easter, year B
2024-05-0508 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsVine and BranchesIn the Gospel today (John 15:1-8), Jesus tells us about our close connection to Him and, through Him, to other Christians. By abiding in Christ, aided by prayer and the Sacraments, we bring the love and peace of Jesus to those around us.
2024-04-2809 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsLet Christ outIn our baptism we are linked to Christ and called to be good sheep as well as shepherds in imitation of Christ the Good Shepherd. On Good Shepherd Sunday, let us pray that we can all follow our vocations faithfully, bringing Christ to the world!
2024-04-2111 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsDefinitely NOT a ghost! (3 Sunday Easter)The Gospel today (Lk 24:35-48) emphasizes that Jesus rose from the dead WITH His body. He was not a ghost! This shows us the importance of our own bodies. It is through our bodies that we show care, closeness, and charity to others.
2024-04-1509 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsGlorified wound - Divine MercyWhy does the Risen Christ still have wounds? This is a puzzling feature of today's Gospel (John 20:19-31). We believe that our resurrected bodies will be free from suffering and decay. So why the wounds on Christ? From Jesus' encounter with Thomas, we discover His wounds have been glorified. They are a constant reminder of His love for us and now give life, not death. Likewise, through the mercy of God, our own wounds can become glorified and can become a channel of grace for others.
Divine Mercy, Year B
2024-04-0710 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsI want to see your Resurrection! - Easter SundayAs Christian we have Risen with Christ. Let us show to the world what this means in our life, bringing joy, peace and goodness to those around us. Let us show to all our own Resurrection.
Easter Sunday, year B
2024-04-0108 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsWe are the sequel of Christ - Easter VigilDuring the Easter Vigil, we hear the remarkable history of salvation history, from Adam to Jesus. At first glance, the Gospel telling us about the Resurrection of Jesus (Mark 16:1-8) can seem like a definitive conclusion to the story. When we look closer, however, we find that the Gospel ends with a "to be continued". We, the baptized, continue the story Jesus. Through the Spirit, we keep His mission alive. We are the sequel of Christ.
Easter Vigil, year B (Mark 16:1-8)
2024-03-3111 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsA light in the darkness of suffering - Good FridayWhen Christ died on the cross, God joined Himself to all who suffer the darkness of pain, sickness, war, and grief. Because of Good Friday, we can be sure that we are not alone in our suffering. Jesus is always by our side. Because of Good Friday we have hope in the midst of our struggles. Christ has lit a candle in the darkness of our suffering.
Good Friday, year B
2024-03-3009 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsWashing the feet of an enemy - Holy ThursdayOn Holy Thursday our reality about who God is and how we are to act got upended. Jesus, the great "I Am", the almighty, came and washed feet in an act of humble service. Christ went further and even washed the feet of Judas, the one who would betray Him. As followers of Christ, we are called to serve all, even those who we find difficult. The Eucharist, the gift of Christ Himself, gives us the strength to follow this radical call.
Holy Thursday, year B
2024-03-2910 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsWhy wave palms on Palm Sunday?As we hold palms this Palm Sunday, we are connected to those who waved palms when Christ entered Jerusalem. Why did these people wave palms in the first place? Who did they think Jesus was? As we wave our palms this Sunday, let it be an opportunity to reflect of the kind of Saviour we think Jesus and the consequences this has for our life of discipleship.
Palm Sunday, Year B
2024-03-2406 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsA software update for the heartEvery so often, our phones need a software update to repair some critical issue in the program. Perhaps this can be an image of what Jesus does for us. After we were created in God's image, something within us became broke. A virus entered our system. Jeremiah 31 looked forward to a time when God would heal our heart in a definitive way. God promised to make a new covenant, writing the law on our hearts. Christ brings about this new covenant. By His death and resurrection, He saves us and makes us new, ensuring we will never again need...
2024-03-1708 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsMultiplying loveNicodemus undergoes an incredible transformation in John's Gospel. Nicodemus moves from someone who is afraid to be seen with Jesus, to having the courage to be one of the few to bury Jesus. The message of today's Gospel, Jn 3:14-21, is what transforms Nicodemus. He learns of the generous love of God and how when we give love, God multiples it.
2024-03-1010 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsHow you can overcome procrastinationWe often procrastinate when we come up against a task that we know will be difficult: filing our taxes, forgiving someone, having a difficult conversation, or getting healthier. The story of Jesus cleansing the Temple (Jn 2) gives us some helpful pointers for how we can overcome procrastination and live a fuller life.
2024-03-0311 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsThe power of generosityThe story of Abraham in the first reading (Gen 22) as well as the Gospel (Mk 9:2-10), show us how God can take our generosity and sacrifices and transform them into something remarkable.
2024-02-2506 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsWe are being made newSince sin entered the world, God has been planning to make all things new. The flood was a part of this plan (Gen 9:8-15). With Christ, humanity is created afresh, given new hearts to love and serve God (Mk 1:12-15). Lent is a time to remember that we are being made new. This project begun at baptism and continues with God's grace and our cooperation.
2024-02-1909 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsLion King and Ash WednesdayIn the Lion King, Simba needed to relearn his deepest identity in order to follow his mission. Lent, likewise, is a time for us to reconsider our core identity as God's children, sinners and yet redeemed.
2024-02-1505 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsJesus heals (6 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B)The Gospel today shows Jesus healing a leper in a holistic way: physically, socially, and spiritually (Mk 1:40-45). Many Christians, such as St. Damian, St. Francis of Assisi, and Mother Theresa, have been inspired to imitate this story literally. In different ways, all of Christ's followers are called to continue Jesus' mission of healing, caring and praying for the sick, and seeking to integrate those on the margins into our community.
2024-02-1109 minWhat Matters MostOn Celibacy in the Church in Antiquity and Today: A Conversation with Father Nick MeislThis episode is the thirteenth episode of the second season of What Matters Most and features Father Nick Meisl. Fr. Nick Meisl is an Assistant Professor at Corpus Christi and St. Mark’s Colleges where he teaches the Bible. In addition, he is Pastor of St. Peter’s Parish in New Westminster, BC. He completed his License from the Pontifical Biblical Institute and is currently a PhD candidate at Durham University working with Dr. John Barclay on 1 Corinthians and celibacy. I asked Nick onto the podcast to talk about celibacy, both in the Church as a whole, his own...
2024-02-071h 10The Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsWhy do good people suffer? (5 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B)The book of Job grapples with some of life's most difficult questions. Why do we suffer when we have done nothing wrong? Why does God feel absent at times? In the Gospel today (Mk 1:29-39) Jesus confronts these challenges. He shows us that, in the end, all suffering will be destroyed. In the meantime, Jesus is very close to those who suffer. This care is expressed in a special way in the Sacraments of healing, Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick.
2024-02-0409 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsWho has authority over you? (4 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B)In one way or another, we are under someone's authority. Human authority tends to oppress and fails to lead us to the fulness of life. In the Gospel (Mark 1:21-28) we learn that Jesus has absolute authority, yet uses this authority to serve and give new life. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul encourages us all to put ourselves under Christ's loving lordship.
2024-01-2809 minThe Extra Meisl: Sunday Gospel ReflectionsMission gives life purpose (3 Sunday Ordinary Time, year B)When we lack a mission our purpose, we can lack joy and a sense of person. The readings today show us that Jesus has called each of us to be part of a community, loving God, serving our neighbour and building a more just world. We should never think we are not good enough. We all have talents God wants us to use for mission.
3 Sunday of Ordinary Time, year B
Jonah 3:1-5, 10; 1 Cor 7:29-31; Mk 1:14-20
2024-01-2111 min