CMMB Weekly Reflection

We join you in reflection today with an immense feeling of gratitude. In these final hours of 2023, we look back at some of the moments that moved us—from the promise of health delivered to hope for the future made brighter. Learn more: https://cmmb.org/our-gratitude/ ‎

We read from our Gospel on this joyous Christmas Eve in anticipation of Jesus' birth. Learn more: https://cmmb.org/on-christmas-eve/

We join you on this third Sunday of Advent to continue our reflections on John the Baptist and his role in our faith. Read more: https://cmmb.org/rejoice-in-anticipation

On this second Sunday of Advent, our Gospel encourages us to continue our reflections on the important theme of preparation. But today, we do so in consideration of John the Baptist's role in our faith. Read more: https://cmmb.org/celebrating-trust

We join you in reflection on this first Sunday of Advent, a season in our faith that invites us to prepare for the birth of Jesus. And our Gospel today encourages us to consider a very fitting theme—preparedness. Read more: https://cmmb.org/a-new-faithful-season-begins/

Today's reflection follows the Thanksgiving holiday for many in the United States. It's fitting in the sense that, in recognizing this day, we joined family and friends in thanks for all that we cherish—and we shared thanks with others. Our Gospel today encourages us to consider what really matters. Read more: cmmb.org/a-reminder-for-the-season-ahead

In many ways, the themes in today's Gospel are complimentary to last week's reading. Once again, Jesus speaks to us in parable. He speaks not only of preparedness, but of intention, awareness, and use of the unique gifts we all possess. Read more: https://cmmb.org/using-our-gifts-with-intention/

In today's Gospel, Jesus returns to his use of parables to guide his disciples. In the story, he urges his disciples to value preparation. Read more: https://cmmb.org/value-in-preparation/

In today's Gospel, Jesus reflects on what makes a strong leader—and what does not. Read more: https://cmmb.org/the-virtues-of-a-leader/

“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” This is the question that begins today's Gospel. Posed to Jesus in the hopes of tricking him, Jesus is not fooled. In fact, his response is a call that we hold close to our hearts at CMMB—especially today when the world faces so much turmoil and tragedy. Read more:https://cmmb.org/a-call-for-peace/

In today's Gospel, Jesus is presented with one question. As was the case in last week's Gospel, Jesus finds himself in the position to offer insight into his expectations. Read more: https://cmmb.org/one-question/

This morning, we are guided through the Parable of the Wedding Feast. With the tale of a King and his wedding guests, Jesus speaks to the importance of expectations and acceptance. Read more: https://cmmb.org/turning-expectations-into-action/

In today's Gospel, Jesus offers religious leaders guidance through another parable. In the story of a landowner and his tenants, Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of Heaven and who will reap its fruit. Read more: cmmb.org/how-do-you-live-your-faith/

In today's Gospel, Jesus continues to speak to us in parable. Through the story of two brothers, Jesus shares a reminder that actions speak louder than words. Read more: https://cmmb.org/actions-speak-louder-than-words-2023

Last week, Jesus spoke to us in a parable. In today's Gospel, he does the same. In doing so, Jesus encourages his faithful followers to widen their thinking, embrace the bigger picture, and seek a willingness to give. Learn more: https://cmmb.org/the-willingness-to-give/

Last week we reflected on Jesus' approach to conflict. The lesson Jesus shares on compassion in today's Gospel is a fitting compliment. Read more: https://cmmb.org/compassion-has-no-boundaries/

When was the last time you disagreed with someone? Today's Gospel reveals that Jesus understands disagreements will arise in our lives. He even offers guidance on how to handle them when they do. Read more: https://cmmb.org/how-does-jesus-handle-disagreement/

When we concluded last week's reflection, Jesus bestowed Peter with his new name and proclaimed him “the rock” upon which the Church would be built. Read more: https://cmmb.org/how-sacrifice-and-service-lead-to-reward

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” These are the profound words of Simon Peter from today's Gospel. Simon's statement is the answer to a question. Learn more https://cmmb.org/learning-what-matters

In today's Gospel, Jesus is approached by a woman. She makes a plea to Jesus. “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” At first, Jesus turns the woman away. Read more: https://cmmb.org/extending-our-hands-in-service/

We begin today's reflection with an invitation to join us as we consider a time when we felt unsure of the road ahead. Unsure of our actions, our journey, and even our courage. Read more: https://cmmb.org/take-courage

There is no small action in promise by CMMB

n last week's Gospel, Jesus spoke to us in three parables. This Sunday, we read yet another three... As we reflect with you all today, we are drawn to the first two parables in our Gospel. Read more: https://cmmb.org/why-do-we-make-sacrifices/

Jesus often speaks to us in parables. And in today's Gospel, he recites three—each one helping to advance our understanding of the Kingdom of Heaven. In the first parable, a good farmer's enemy plants weed seed throughout his wheat field. Read more: https://cmmb.org/the-smallest-seed/ ‎

In today's Gospel, we join Jesus by the sea. It's here, surrounded by crowds along the shore, where Jesus tells The Parable of the Sower and his seeds. Read more: https://cmmb.org/patiently-planting-powerful-seeds/

“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Matthew 11:28-29 These are the words that concludes today's Gospel. Read more: https://cmmb.org/promise-rest/

There is a tradeoff in every choice made. In today's Gospel, Jesus guides his disciples through the conditions of discipleship. The cost might be great, but the reward is even greater. Read more: https://cmmb.org/how-your-sacrifice-saves-lives/ ‎

In every life, challenges are unavoidable. But so, too, are the triumphs of courageously overcoming them through faith. Read more: https://cmmb.org/a-faithful-fathers-story-courage-not-fear

In today's Gospel, Jesus tasks his disciples with lifechanging purpose. They are to follow in his footsteps and carry his mission forward. Read more: https://cmmb.org/fathers-footsteps-mission/

This Sunday, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ—once called Corpus Christi, which is Latin for “Body of Christ.” This revised name more completely reflects our Eucharistic theology. Read more: https://cmmb.org/we-are-christs-body-in-the-world/ ‎

This Sunday and next are designated by the Catholic Church as solemnities—special days that call our attention to central mysteries of our faith. Today, we celebrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity, one God in three persons. Read more: https://cmmb.org/together-we-serve-with-love/

Today we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost and reflect on Jesus' gift of the Holy Spirit and the trial and triumph of life. Read more: ttps://cmmb.org/when-trial-overwhelms-triumph/

As our Easter season comes to a close, we join you this Sunday to observe the Ascension of Jesus and the path we are paving, together, as a faith community. Read more: https://cmmb.org/paving-the-path-together

When we joined you in reflection last week, Jesus' disciples were confused and fearful. They struggled to understand Jesus' relationship with the Father and feared his words alluding to Jesus' death. Read more: https://cmmb.org/the-advocate-who-and-why/

In today's Gospel, we return to the days before Jesus' Passion and Resurrection. Surrounded by his disciples, Jesus reveals his relationship with God the Father and what it means for the coming generations of followers. Read more: : https://cmmb.org/impact-grows-with-time/

How do you describe a leader? There's the steadfast leader, who guides with unwavering confidence. There's the quiet leader, who listens to learn before considering the way forward. There's the unassuming leader, who might not hold great power, yet leads by example. Read more: https://cmmb.org/how-do-you-describe-a-leader/

The Easter season beams with beauty and hope. From Jesus' Resurrection to the promise of new life his mission represents, there is so much to reflect on. And for us at CMMB, the opportunity to experience this special season, together, as one faithful community, is among our reflections and prayers. Read more: https://cmmb.org/you-make-our-mission-stronger-your-weekly-reflection

Many of us are waking up to welcome signs of spring! Newborn birds chirping in their nests, colorful blooms beginning to open, and bright skies lifting our spirits. We join you on this second Sunday of Easter refreshed by the new beginnings all around us and inspired by the gift of salvation. Read more: https://cmmb.org/rejoice-in-new-beginnings/

Today's special Easter reflection is by CMMB's President and CEO Mary Beth Powers: I often wonder… Would I have understood the significance of what Jesus was saying, much less who Jesus was, if I were among his original disciples? Read more: https://cmmb.org/the-risen-jesus/

This Palm Sunday, the Gospel guides us through the final days of our journey toward Easter. Its passages are defined by suffering and hardship. Yet it's in these very moments that the meaning behind Jesus' sacrifices, and our own during Lent, is revealed. Learn more: https://cmmb.org/the-final-days-our-easter-journey/

In today's Gospel, Jesus reminds us that not everything is just as it seems. There is often a deeper meaning to uncover. Read more: https://cmmb.org/more-than-it-seems/

We return to the Gospel of John on this fourth Sunday of Lent. The events that unfold are both miraculous and insightful. It's through Jesus' words and actions that we learn there is more than one way to open our eyes and see the light. Read more: https://cmmb.org/theres-so-much-more-to-see/

Water is a symbol of life itself. Water is also a central symbol in our faith. We are baptized in water, and we bless ourselves with water at church. In today's Gospel we see water as a symbol of equality—in the eyes of God and in the unity of our shared faith. Read more: https://cmmb.org/water-faity-and-equality

In today's Gospel, we meet Jesus on top of a mountain. We find ourselves at this same mountaintop on every second Sunday of Lent, to join three of Jesus' closest disciples as they witness his Transfiguration. This, then, becomes the promise that sustains them throughout his Passion, until the glory of Jesus' Resurrection. Read more: https://cmmb.org/promised-to-us-in-sacrifice/

On this first Sunday of Lent, the Gospel brings us to the desert, where it's hot and dry, where we hunger and thirst, where we confront life's temptations and many challenges. It is here where Jesus spends 40 days in fasting and prayer. Read more: https://cmmb.org/faith-will-keep-us-on-our-journey/

In today's Gospel, Jesus teaches that we are all neighbors, never strangers, and called to community in Christ. Read more: https://cmmb.org-for-a-neighbor/

It's hard to truly imagine the reality for people in Syria and Turkey following the catastrophic earthquake. We share this reflection in dedication to our brothers and sisters there—those who lost their lives, and those courageously moving forward under the burden of great loss. Read more: https://cmmb.org/what-more-can-i-do

In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. In other words, we are called to make ourselves of value to others in the most essential ways. Read more: https://cmmb.org/let-your-light-shine

Today, we invite you to reflect on one of your happiest moments. How does this inform your understanding of happiness? Though our question is straightforward, the answer is not. There are many ways to define happiness. Today's Gospel encourages us to consider how true happiness is re-defined by Jesus. Read more: https://cmmb.org/re-defined-by-Jesus

Imagine being among the first disciples invited to join Jesus' journey. It is an incredible act of faith to embrace someone's journey as your own. Read more: https://cmmb.org/our-journey-with-jesus

What do you do when you learn that something brand new—even life changing—is on the way? Maybe you ask some questions, do research, or seek insights. Then you start planning. In one way or another, you would likely take the time and do the work to make the necessary preparations.In today's Gospel, we hear about an important figure in our faith: John the Baptist. Read more: https://cmmb.org/preparing-for-something-lifechanging