St. Paul’s farewell expresses his heartfelt commitment to the people of Ephesus – heart and mind, body and soul – as he gave them his very best during his three years among them.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 7th Week of Easter
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Daily Mass: To live our faith with all our heart. Catholic Inspiration
Daily Mass: Our crosses come in many shapes and sizes. Catholic Inspiration
St. Paul speaks plainly about the imprisonment and hardships that await him, yet his courage to face his Cross inspires us to pick up our own.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter
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Daily Mass: We work together with the Holy Spirit. Catholic Inspiration
Paul and Apollos both had important tasks to do at different times and different cities; our lives uniquely build up the Body of Christ when we offer our lives and call upon the Holy Spirit for guidance.
Mass Readings – Monday of the 7th Week of Easter
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Pentecost
Study: Where in my life have I experienced God’s grace and strength?
Pray: What particular needs in my life call for the help of the Holy Spirit?
Serve: Where can I use the gifts God has given me to serve another right now?
Mass Readings – Vigil of Pentecost
The image St. Paul uses in the 2nd reading this weekend is a body. Composed of different parts which do unique and special functions, the body is united when all the parts come together. So, too, all of us are united into the Body of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Look at these themes from Pentecost Mass Readings of the Day:
- The Spirit gives power to communicate across barriers of race and tongue (1st Reading)
- The Spirit gives life and renews the face of the earth (Psalm response)
- The Spirit gives different gifts to people for different needs (2nd Reading)
- The Spirit is breathed on the disciples by Jesus (Gospel)
In other words, the Holy Spirit unites people, renews life, provides unique gifts, and is granted to the Church by Christ. This is the day that the disciples were empowered to continue the mission of Jesus; filled with the Spirit they will witness the Good News of the Lord through their words and actions.
Their example becomes our model. The same Spirit that changed their lives comes to us. The same Spirit that gave them the grace and strength to go forth gives us the power we need to offer our lives for Christ. God continues to invite us to serve, and the Lord pours forth the Holy Spirit to help us carry out the work of this day.
Are there barriers in our life? Come Holy Spirit!
Are there parts of life in need of renewal? Come Holy Spirit!
Are there gifts we have that need to be used and directed? Come Holy Spirit!
Jesus freely gave the gift of the Spirit to his disciples – may we turn to the Lord with conviction that as we call for the Holy Spirit in our lives we will be given what we need for the work of this day.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
V. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
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Note: This post was first published on May 29, 2017.
The Ascension of the Lord
The feast of the Ascension teaches us key spiritual insights about ourselves and the Lord. May this day inspire us to embrace our faith – strengthened by Christ – as we face our own challenges and grow in God’s grace.
Mass Readings – The Ascension of the Lord
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Daily Mass: We’ve all got work to do in God’s vineyard. Catholic Inspiration
As St. Paul’s missionary activity expands, we hear how new people are drawn into greater roles and responsibilities, including Aquila, Priscilla and Apollos. Question: how is God calling each of us today?
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 6th Week of Easter
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Daily Mass: Do not be afraid! Catholic Inspiration
How important it is for us to hear the words “Do not be afraid!” As St. Paul was encouraged to let go of fear, we are also directed to live our faith in the face of every trial.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 6th Week of Easter
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