Monthly Archives: February 2016

5th Sunday of the Year – Here I am, Lord. Catholic Inspiration

Three Great Things

Fr. Andrew’s 5th Sunday of the Year Homily Podcast

God keeps calling, inviting us to respond.  What’s holding us back?  What grace do we need to pray for so that we can offer our hearts to the Lord and one another?  Here I am Lord!  I come to do your will.

Here-I-Am-Man


Daily Mass: Anniversary of the Dedication of the Cathedral. Catholic Inspiration

Three Great Things

Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast – Anniversary of the Dedication of the Cathedral

Every church is a spiritual home where we bring our hearts to encounter Jesus Christ.  Big or small, ornate or simple, all churches come alive when they are filled with faithful disciples who seek the Lord and one another.  To all the people who call the Cathedral their home…happy anniversary!

Cathedral Exterior


Daily Mass: Handing on the Faith. Catholic Inspiration

Three Great Things

Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily – Thursday of the 4th Week of the Year

Life offers its share of transitions, moments when we entrust our work to another and turn over our efforts into someone else’s care.  Of course, that means that things are going to get done differently – maybe in a way that we would never do – and we learn how to let go and allow things to happen beyond our control.  The key ingredient to this handoff?  Trusting and relying on God to see it through.

passing the baton


Catholic Schools’ Week Daily Mass: Forgiveness. Catholic Inspiration

Three Great Things

Fr. Andrew’s Catholic Schools’ Week Homily Podcast

Jesus gives us the example of how we forgive one another.  Forgiveness can be part of our lives in two special ways:

  • Cultivating an attitude that looks for the good in others
  • Helping others to forgive, especially when it is hard

Special blessings to all our Catholic Schools this week!

Cathedral School kids


Daily Mass: The Presentation of the Lord. Catholic Inspiration

Three Great Things

Fr. Andrew’s Homily Podcast – The Presentation of the Lord

The King of Glory comes to Jerusalem, but not in the way that people expect; rather, Mary & Joseph present their baby who is recognized by Simeon and Anna as the the Savior of the world.  Simply put, God comes to us in unique and unexpected ways – inviting us to be on the watch for God’s presence in our lives and open to the little ways that the Lord can take our lives and do amazing things.


5th Sunday of the Year – Here I am Lord, Send Me

here-am-I-open-arms-christian-wallpaper_1920x1200

Study:  Recall a moment where you felt that God was prompting you to action.  What motivated you to act?  What held you back?

Pray:  What grace do you need to carry out your current tasks?  Storm heaven for the strength you require.

Serve:  How can you make an ordinary action extraordinary?  How can you do a little thing with great love?

5th Sunday of the Year Readings

Fr. Andrew’s Homily Podcast

The readings incorporate the theme of being sent on mission:

  • 1st Reading – Isaiah responding to the Lord’s invitation
  • Psalm – Responding to the Lord’s call with songs of praise
  • 2nd Reading – Paul’s recap of the response of the apostles
  • Gospel – Jesus making “fishers of men” of the Peter & the apostles

In all these cases some common points surface:

  1. God takes the initiative and calls us
  2. We (however unworthy) are invited to respond
  3. God provides the grace and strength
  4. We are called to offer our lives in action

These are beautiful thoughts as we sit on the doorstep of Lent!  Friends, God continues to call us – providing grace – that we might respond and offer our lives for service in the world.  So let’s turn these points around from our perspective:

  1. How has the Lord called each one of us…today?
  2. What excuses or obstacles are keeping us from responding?
  3. What particular grace do we need from the Lord – ask for it!
  4. Remember: all action – great or small – that we offer will be blessed by God to make a difference in the world.

May our words follow the example of Isaiah in the first reading today:  Here am I, Lord…send me!

 


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