Mass Readings – Saturday of the 25th Week of the Year
Jesus announces that he will be handed over, and the disciples are afraid to ask him any questions about it. The fact is, the Lord embraces the Cross to free us from our sins…inspiring us not to be afraid but to draw near Him in faith.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – The Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael
The world can be a dangerous place where we encounter struggles that test us to the limit. Today we are reminded that we are not alone; in the order of creation God’s angels are among us, and some of them are appointed to help us in times of need. Among them the archangels are God’s “heavy hitters” who remind us to call for help when times are tough.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 25th Week of the Year
Herod is perplexed. Who is Jesus? What is he about? What does it all mean? These questions continue to surface in the world today as people are confronted with the power of God’s saving grace through Jesus Christ.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 25th Week of the Year (St. Vincent de Paul)
Jesus gives his Apostles power and authority, and then he invites them to trust in God alone. It’s a good reminder for us to claim the blessings that we’ve been given as we put the Lord first in our lives.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 25th Week of the Year
Here’s some good news: those who hear the Word of God and act on it are treated as sisters and brothers to Jesus. Now, do you want to be part of the family?
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Study: When in your life have actions “shouted down” the words we hear?
Pray: Ask the Lord for the strength to be consistent in what we say and do.
Serve: How do my words encourage others? How do my actions show my care and support?
Mass Readings – 26th Sunday of the Year
It seems like there are certain phrases that get said throughout our lives. These words are commands, invitations, and requests to make things happen – and they come in many forms:
“Take out the trash”
“Clean your room”
“Do the dishes”
“Come to my…” (athletic game, concert, etc.)
“Would you volunteer at…” (pick one!)
“Help me with…”
Let’s face it. We are asked to do many things throughout this life. From chores and tasks to acts of kindness and civil responsibility, many of these actions are simply part of our existence on this earth.
Yet once we hear these words we are asked to respond. This happens in two crucial ways:
* What we say (our WORDS)
* What we do (our ACTIONS)
When we are confronted with a request or invitation how we respond says a lot about who we are. If our words and actions are in agreement everything is fine – “yes” means yes and “no” means no. But if we say one thing and do another, then the weight of our choice is measured in our actions.
This is the message of the Gospel today. Jesus speaks of two sons who receive a request from their father. One says yes but does not act, the other says no but changes his mind and acts. In the end, the one who acted did his father’s will.
We journey through life confronted by countless choices everyday. Some things we know should be done, others should not. Some things are options that could be done; we have to weigh the priorities of our time, energy, ability, and need. Yet what we discover is that we are defined not by what we say, but by what we do.
As people of faith we have other commands to follow: Love God; Love one another; Repent and forgive; Work for justice; Seek peace. Indeed our faith is reflected not in our words but our actions; even the Golden Rule “Do to others as you would have them do to you…” (Mt 7:12) is nothing more than a reminder that actions speak louder than words.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Note: This post was originally published on September 23, 2014
Mass Readings – 25th Sunday of the Year
If your life were to be considered as a single day, what time is it – morning, noon or night? Are you ready to step into eternity or is there something holding you back? God lavishes grace upon our world; our task is to be open to the generous gift of grace and receive it into our hearts.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 24th Week of the Year
Autumn offers a good time to reflect on the harvest – the produce we have taken from the land. The Gospel today also offers an opportunity to reflect: what kind of harvest are we cultivating in our hearts?
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Friday of the 24th Week of the Year
Names remind us that we are unique persons, made and redeemed by God. The names of the three women in the Gospel today reveal that the Lord continues to call disciples who will go out and proclaim the Good News.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – The feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and evangelist
Matthew accepts the call of Jesus and goes out bringing others to the Lord. May his example inspire us to do the same!
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 