We wait in vigil through the night to hear the news of Easter joy: Christ is risen! At the Easter Vigil we join with the Church around the world, welcoming new members to the faith and recalling the great events of salvation history.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Today we pray with the Church around the world as we recall the sign of God’s love through the death of Jesus on the Cross. May the Lord’s suffering and sacrifice open our hearts with gratitude as we reflect on what Christ has done for our eternal salvation.
Good Friday Scripture Readings
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Holy Thursday gives us the opportunity to reflect upon two powerful themes: Sacrament & Service. As we receive the Lord’s Body and Blood may we be strengthened by Christ to serve one another.
Mass Readings – Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Speaking at Mass to the kids at Cathedral School, Fr. Andrew speaks about the Passover, Judas and the blood of Jesus…the Lamb of God.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of Holy Week
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
In the heart of the Last Supper we see two clear examples of human weakness. Both Judas and Peter will betray Jesus, and their examples offer us two different responses to sin. Which option will we choose?
Mass Readings – Tuesday of Holy Week
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Study: Where in my life have I discovered God’s strength and grace? How have others helped me?
Pray: Where do I need God’s strength right now? Call upon the Lord with boldness to face the challenges of life.
Serve: How can I be an instrument of God’s strength to another? How can I help someone today?
I can only imagine the surge of excitement that went through the disciples as the word was shared. Beyond the agony of the Cross and the sorrow of the Tomb on that first day of the week the message was proclaimed: He’s Alive!
And everything changes. This group of disciples – bound by fear and selfishness – are transformed with a new strength and conviction. Their encounter with the Risen Lord will empower them to face the obstacles of this world with joy and hope. They have seen the risen Christ…what is there to fear? They have embraced the one who has conquered sin and death – there is NOTHING that can shake their confidence in the light of Easter morning.
This same strength comes to us. Like the first disciples, we can turn to Jesus and allow his saving grace to renew us with a strength far beyond our own. We can claim a hope that sustains us in the midst of our challenges and struggles. The Easter sunrise brings light to the darkest corners of our hearts.
What in our lives needs to be touched by Jesus Christ? We are invited to boldly come forward, receive his resurrection strength, and face whatever this world presents with confidence: the victory of Christ enlivens us to travel through life with the conviction that the grace he gave his disciples continues in our hearts today.
May this Easter season be a time of transformation and renewal; a time where we embrace the gift of our lives with a new freedom and conviction. In the light of this Easter, may we follow the one who leads us from sin and death to the abundance of life…in this world, and the world to come.
Happy Easter!
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
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Note: This post was originally published on March 29, 2015.
We read the Passion of Jesus Christ so that we remember each year the Lord’s sacrifice for our eternal salvation. May the Precious Blood of the Savior wash us clean and renew our hearts for this life…and the life to come.
Mass Readings – Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Caiaphas the high priest prophesied when he said that “it is better for you that one man should die for the people.” The death of Christ on the Cross takes our place for the sins that we commit which warrant death. May we accept his saving sacrifice and offer our hearts to the Lord.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent
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Jesus points to the good works of His Heavenly Father as an indication of His identity as the Son of God. What’s more, we know of His greatest work: His death on the Cross that frees us from sin and opens the door to eternal life.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 5th Week of Lent
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
As Jesus claims his divinity in the Gospel of John we are challenged to consider how our lives conform to Christ. He is our Lord and His example guides and directs our lives in all things.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 5th Week of Lent
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 