Lisa Brenninkmeyer's Blog, page 10

Examining 1 Corinthians 13:4–8

The Bible verses 1 Corinthians 13:4–8 are some of the most popular for weddings. And it makes sense—it’s a beautiful description of what love should look like. But what if I told you that when Saint Paul wrote that, he wasn’t giving advice to newlywed couples but rather to a Christian community that was divided and failing to live out the gospel? Understanding these beautiful verses in their proper context can help us not only appreciate their profoundness but also learn how to apply them to our...

For Your Weekend: You Are the Temple He Is Fighting For

Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read John 2:13–25

Have you ever walked out of a church utterly moved by the worship? What about a church that left you wondering if worship occurred at all? What was each like? How were the two experiences different? 

Last March, my husband and I went to France, and I have recently been reflecting on the trip. We visited many churches there, and while each was special, our experience at Mont St. Michel blew the others out of the water. Here is the comparison.

Mon...

For Your Weekend: Managing the Highs and Lows of Life

Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Mark 9:2–10

Do you ever find yourself waiting for the other shoe to drop? You’re in a good place, soaking up a moment of genuine joy, and then some intrusive thoughts barge into your head. “This won’t last,” says the voice. “Don’t let your guard down.” “Careful with hope—you’ll be disappointed.” 

It took encountering unexpected sorrow and distressing heartache in my personal life to realize just how fragile hope can be and how vulnerable it makes me feel. Ho...

For Your Weekend: The Desert of My Heart

Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Mark 1:12–15

Lately, prayer has been something I’m struggling with. In this season of spiritual unassuredness, I’ve found myself shying away from prayer and settling for the bare minimum. 

Being a mother to an 18-month-old and 5-month-old has changed everything. Gone are the days when I could immerse myself in theological texts, listen to a podcast on Catholic ethics, pray a rosary, attend daily Mass or adoration, go to weekly confession, and thoroughly exa...

For Your Weekend: The Healing Touch of Christ

Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Mark 1:40–45

I have a confession to make. About confession.

I took a 15-year hiatus from participating in the sacrament of Reconciliation. 

Having grown up attending Mass and going to Catholic school, I intellectually understood the consequences of this choice. At the time, however, confessing my sins just didn’t seem that important. 

During young adulthood, I continued to practice my faith without it, albeit half-heartedly. Honestly, for most of those 15 ye...

Hope in the Resurrection—Embracing Matthew 28:6

“He is not here; for he has risen, as he said” (Matthew 28:6). These words, uttered by the angel to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary on Easter Sunday, heralds an unparalleled hope that transforms sorrow into joy, doubt into certainty. Truly, this is one of the most hope-filled verses in all of Scripture. In this moment, we realize that what God had promised throughout the ages and what Jesus foretold and promised during His earthly ministry, has been fulfilled. Indeed, we have a God who keeps H...

For Your Weekend: When Jesus Doesn’t Heal

Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Mark 1:29–39

Sometimes, Jesus’ ways don’t make sense. For instance, years ago, I went to a healing mass, clutching a photo of a loved one I desperately wanted Jesus to restore to health. Despite my confidence in the power of God, my loved one’s serious condition remained unchanged, but “little Billy,” who asked for his elbow to stop hurting so that he could throw a baseball, left the church ready to suit up for his next Little League game.

Really, Lord? I me...

For Your Weekend: You Have More Power Than You Think

Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Mark 1:21–28

I show up to the internet for the jokes. Whenever I need a break in my daily routine, a quick reel or meme can bring the laughter I need. Although most of these videos and pictures are forgettable, I recently saw a reel I can’t get out of my head. 

The reel was a video taken from an 80s skate party. With funny, upbeat music playing in the background, the camera slowly traveled across the faces of smiling, wide-eyed, middle-aged people skating ou...

For Your Weekend: Cast Your Net Wider

Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Mark 1:14-20

I believe in throwing the doors open wide. In fact, I once started a Bible study and then quit it because the group members wanted it to be a closed group, and I felt strongly that there should always be an open seat for someone new. Looking back, it seems a bit heavy-handed on my part, but it’s hardwired in me that we are meant to include, extend the invitation, put another leaf in the table, and make room in our hearts for one more. Perhaps th...

For Your Weekend: A New Year in Christ

Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read John 1:35–42

As we begin 2024, so many of us are searching: for something new, for something that promises hope, for change. So we dream, embrace the thrill of 365 blank pages, and write down our resolutions. I, for one, love the prospect of a new year and the possibility that this may be the year I see my resolutions through, or at least beyond the month of February. But the truth is, no matter what I resolve, no matter if I achieve every single goal, I wil...