Jesus teaches the disciples that out of love he was sent from the Father into this world, and now he leaves the world to return to the Father. All of us are pilgrims passing through this life; as we live each day may we recall that one day the Father will call us out of this world as well.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 6th Week of Easter
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Jesus promises a joy that is permanent and complete; may we follow the Lord today in the midst of our challenges with the conviction that God will give us what we need to find our way through this life to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 6th Week of Easter
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
We recognize that being disciples of Jesus Christ does not take away experiences of suffering and loss; rather, we understand that God will give us what we need to make our way through even the darkest moments of life – turning our grief into joy.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Why do we pray every week at Mass? Why is it so important? Fr. Andrew shares some key points with the children at Cathedral School.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Jesus promises the disciples that he will send the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to come upon them after he leaves. The Spirit will shine in the world revealing sin, righteousness and condemnation. May the Spirit help us today to see clearly as we follow the Lord.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 6th Week of Easter
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Study: Reflect on a moment of profound change in your life. What lessons did you learn?
Pray: Ask the Lord for guidance to proclaim the Good News in your current situation.
Serve: Do you know someone who is experiencing great change right now? How can you help them?
Mass Readings – The Feast of the Ascension of the Lord
About this time of year students experience transition. The academic year is coming to a close, classes are wrapping up, papers are written and exams taken. It is a time where one can clearly see change: teachers and classmates conclude their studies and look to new opportunities and experiences in the summer.
For some it might be work; others might attend summer school; still others might experience a move to a new location. Change takes many forms, but through it all some key points emerge:
The Feast of the Ascension is one such moment of profound change in the early Church. Rejoicing with one another over the Resurrection, the apostles were flying high – the Lord is risen! In this moment of enthusiasm and hope, the Lord (truly in the role of Teacher) shares with them a new lesson – it’s time to change and grow.
Now they are the ones who must teach; they are the ones chosen to proclaim the Good News; through their efforts the Holy Spirit will empower them to heal and drive out demons. Simply put, the Ascension of Jesus clears the way for the disciples to apply the Lord’s teaching in their own lives as they continue Christ’s mission in the world.
We are part of that mission. We received our faith from those who came before us, and today we have an opportunity to proclaim the Good News to those in our lives. Here are some thoughts:
The Good News takes many forms, and in our moments of transition we are given new opportunities to act. May the Ascension of our Lord inspire us to look for change in our own lives and seek ways where we can live joyful lives as disciples of Jesus Christ!
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
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Note: This blog was originally published on May 12, 2015.
The commandment to love one another as Christ loves us will stretch us and invite us to offer our entire lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. May our “Yes!” open our hearts to God’s love in our lives as we share this love with those we meet today.
Mass Readings – 6th Sunday of Easter
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
There is a cost to following the Lord: sometimes we must endure the hardship of hate in this world and contend with forces that would seek to destroy the goodness in our lives. Yet we do not stand alone; Jesus Christ gives us the strength we need to face this hardship with the power of his grace.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 5th Week of Easter
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
“Love one another as I love you” is an awe-inspiring commandment. We cannot do this alone; rather, Jesus chooses us and appoints us to follow his example and bear the fruit of unconditional love in our hearts. As our friend, he gives us the grace and strength we need to walk in the light of his love.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 5th Week of Easter
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Philip’s desire to “see the Father” reminds us that even though the apostles walked with the Son, they longed to see the face of God the Father. Seeing isn’t believing; it’s only seeing. May our relationship with Christ grow stronger each day as we seek to follow the Lord as we journey through life.
Mass Readings – The feast of Saints Philip and James, Apostles
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 