Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast – December 17th of Advent
Our extended families often have a mix of struggles, blessings, and circumstances. Jesus is no different, and the Gospel today reminds us that just as God worked through Lord’s extended family he will work through ours.
Fr. Andrew’s Cathedral School Mass Homily
This time of year we often think of making a “wish list” for Christmas, but this Holy Season provides a wonderful opportunity to make a “blessing list” to remind us of the many ways that God has done good things for us!
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily – Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent
A father asks his two sons to do a task:
Which one did the Father’s will? The one who acted. May we turn our “no” to God into a “yes” that is seen in our actions.
Study: Where do you find joy in your life? How can you foster joy in your heart?
Pray: Is there something in your heart that is suffering? Ask the Lord to touch and bless your concerns.
Serve: How can you bring joy to others? How can you share Christ’s love with someone in need?
The encounter between two pregnant women – Mary & Elizabeth – reveals the Good News of Jesus Christ even while he was still in the womb. Elizabeth carries her son John, a child blessed to her and her husband Zechariah in their old age. The infant “leaped for joy” in the womb of his mother Elizabeth when Mary (and Jesus) drew near.
I like the phrase “leaped for joy” on many levels:
Friends, Christmas is just around the corner…are we ready? I’m not talking about shopping, travel plans, or food preparation – I’m talking about our hearts. Are we ready to welcome Jesus Christ into our hearts…with JOY?
It is easy to get caught up in the distractions and stresses of life. Life carries its own challenges, and if we are struggling with added pressure, worry, anxiety and fear it can seem overwhelming. Sometimes we can empathize with Ebenezer Scrooge!
Yet the Gospel message transforms the listener. Christ comes into our world to bridge the gap caused by sin. We have the promise of new life! Thus, in the remaining days to Christmas, I suggest the following:
When Christmas comes will be able to welcome the Christ child with joy? May this last week of Advent give us the time and opportunity we need to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord.
Fr. Andrew’s Jubilee Year of Mercy – Holy Door Podcast
This 22 minute presentation offers a quick overview of the Holy Door in the Jubilee Year of Mercy. Here are 4 key points of the presentation:
May this Year of Mercy transform us all!
Fr. Andrew’s 3rd Sunday of Advent Homily Podcast
“What should we do?” is an excellent question to keep before us in our daily prayer. We often know what needs to be done; sometimes it’s just hard to carry out. But there are also times when we come before the Lord searching for the direction, wisdom, and strength to live our faith with conviction and power.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast (Thursday of the 2nd Week of Advent)
God offers to help us in the first reading today. Will we accept it? Will we open the door of our hearts and allow God’s grace inside? Help Wanted!
Fr. Andrew’s Podcast – Catholic Inspiration is 1 Year Old!
I want to say a joyful THANK YOU for all who have downloaded and shared my podcasts this past year! Here are a few quick facts:
What started initially as just a simple record of homilies has now grown to an average of 2-4 podcasts/week. I am touched by the response I have received from people across the country, and I am honored to share my ministry here at Cathedral with you. There is no charge for “Catholic Inspiration” and no requests for donations – this is an extension of my pastoral work here in the Diocese of Superior.
My one request: if you find these podcasts helpful – please share them with your loved ones! Practically, that means:
My only wish is for more people to draw near to Jesus Christ and one another through Study, Prayer, and Service. May Year Two – which is blessed to coincide with the Year of Mercy – be filled with graces for us all!
Fr. Andrew’s Homily Podcast – Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mary, chosen by God to be the mother of the Messiah, inspires us to follow her example and say “May it be done” to what the Lord asks of us today.
Study: Where in your past have you seen ways that you made a positive difference in the lives of others? How might that pattern be repeated today?
Pray: Ask the Lord for guidance to see clearly and respond swiftly to the needs before you.
Serve: What is a little act of kindness that you can do today to help another?
We hear in the Gospel this week that the crowds ask John the Baptist a simple question: “What should we do?” His answers might be summarized in the following ways:
Pretty simple, right? Yet this homespun, practical desert wisdom is still apt for our modern world today. These direct reminders can help guide our decisions in these last two weeks of Advent – inspiring us in our everyday encounters to put them into practice.
But let’s not stop here. “What should we do?” is a good question for all of us to ask…daily. As we look around to the needs and circumstances in our lives, we have unique opportunities to make a difference. What’s more, this question is particularly useful in our daily prayer – guiding us to seek the Lord’s direction as we determine how we can speak and act as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Take a good look at the world around you. Consider some ways you can make a positive change. See seek the wisdom of our Faith. Then work as hard as you can to do something that proclaims the Good News today!
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 