The Lord calls Peter, Andrew, James and John by name to carry out a specific task: invite others to follow Jesus Christ. This work continues today, and our invitation is to consider how the Lord calls us to invite others to follow as well.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 34th Week of the Year (St. Andrew)
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
The Lord speaks bluntly to the disciples, saying that many who follow him will suffer persecution. Yet as we persevere in faith we are reminded that God will give us what we need to keep going.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 34th Week of the Year
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
“When will it end?” This common question has been with humanity since the dawn of time. When people ask Jesus, the Lord responds with two simple points of common sense:
Thus, we live each day as the precious gift it is, ready at a moment’s notice to step from this life to the next.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 34th Week of the Year
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Photo Credit: Sunshine, 2007.
Study: Consider an experience where you were able to be still, pause and reflect. How can you make that pattern happen this Advent?
Pray: Carve out a few minutes this season for quiet prayer. Reflect on your life and invite the Lord to dwell in your heart.
Serve: There are many opportunities this time of year to help others. Look around for an activity that speaks to your soul.
Mass Readings – 1st Sunday of Advent
Advent is one of those seasons that has the power to surprise us. Just like the relationship between Lent and Easter, Advent offers us a time to prepare our hearts for the great feast of Christmas. In this short season we discover the themes of Preparation, Waiting, Expectation, Repentance, and Stillness.
The thing is…if we aren’t ready for Advent then the whirlwind rush of December can sweep us up into the frenzy of the commercial side of the holiday. Many people are so busy – concerts, parties, family events, purchasing gifts and partaking of the “forced fun” of consumerism’s attempt at a Hallmark Christmas…
Whew! Instead, we can take a deep breath, pray, and reflect on where the Lord is leading us at this moment in our lives. Consider the readings this Sunday:
So in these short days of preparation here are a few questions to ponder:
You get the idea. Step back, pause, and consider in the busy pace that many of us call normal how the Lord is directing your heart. Advent has a beauty and power; our task is to enter into this season and allow God to speak to our souls.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
He is our creator, our savior, our judge and our friend. In simple and unassuming ways, he will meet us in our struggles through this life with the courage and conviction to continue in the toughest of times. As our king he deserves our allegiance; yet he lays down his life that we might be saved. We owe everything to Jesus Christ, our King!
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Photo Credit: The Passion of the Christ, 2004.
The resurrection. Life after death. Eternal communion with God and one another. This crucial teaching reminds us of what is at stake in the battlefield of our souls – the opportunity for everlasting life with the peace, joy and love of Jesus Christ. I want to be there, and I want you to join me!
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 33rd Week of the Year
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
In this passage of Luke’s Gospel, Jesus focuses his time and attention in the Temple area. This “house of prayer” is a place of teaching, reflection, insight and communion with God and one another. Every time we step inside a church to pray we enter holy ground; may we frequently take time to encounter the Lord and grow as his sons and daughters.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 33rd Week of the Year
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Once a year as a nation we pause and give thanks for our blessings. It’s a great idea, and as disciples of Jesus Christ we pause everyday to thank the Lord with a grateful heart. What are you thankful for today? How can you share your blessings and be a light in the world?
Mass Readings – Thanksgiving Day Options
***************
Jesus offers a parable about servants who have been given resources by their master. The passage reminds us that we have all been blessed with opportunities to serve the Lord, and everyday we have a chance to act upon them.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 33rd Week of the Year (St. Cecilia)
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Jesus speaks to Zacchaeus and initiates a conversation that leads to a conversion of heart. We, too, are called to reach out to one another with the Good News of Christ…to seek and save what was lost.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 33rd Week of the Year (Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 