by Liesl Spitz | Sep 24, 2021 | Devotions
“Whoever is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9:40)In what would be followed by some of the harshest words of scripture, Jesus casts yet another stunningly wide circle of invitation. The disciples were tattling on someone casting out demons in Jesus’ name, but...
by Liesl Spitz | Sep 18, 2021 | Devotions
Our Gospel this week is a lesson in contrasts. Jesus, revealing the sacrifice and suffering he will undergo, turns to his disciples who are arguing in whispers behind him. When he calls them on it, they know they are in the wrong. For while their teacher was preparing...
by Liesl Spitz | Sep 9, 2021 | Uncategorized
“The tongue is a fire…” (James 3:6)The saying goes, “sticks and stones can break my bones…” but we know that words matter, and so does James. The tongue, small as it is, can be responsible for incredible harm. The tongue, and language, can also re-shape our reality,...
by Liesl Spitz | Sep 4, 2021 | Uncategorized
If someone with less power than you challenges your point of view, do you believe them? In our Gospel for today, Jesus comes across as dismissive, even shaming, in his refusal to the Syro-Phoenician woman who begs for healing for her daughter. He calls her a dog, to...
by Liesl Spitz | Jul 23, 2021 | Devotions
Growing up in California, snowy Christmas was a phenomenon of movies like “Home Alone,” and Hallmark greeting cards. Still, there are all kinds of signs I would look for that Christmas was on the way: hyped-up advertisements for new toys, store and sidewalk...
