The exchange between Jesus and Zaccheus fills us with hope as the Lord initiates an encounter that leads to conversion and change of heart.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 33rd Week of the Year
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Monthly Archives: November 2018
The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Study: Recall a time when you carried out a difficult command. What gave you strength?
Pray: Is there a difficult situation facing you right now? Draw near to Christ in the Eucharist for wisdom and courage.
Serve: Actions speak louder than words…so how can your actions today show others that Christ is your King?
Mass Readings – The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
We conclude the Church’s liturgical calendar with this Feast in honor of our Lord. The title is one that speaks to a role that appears in history, literature, and culture: the KING.
Here are some common key points to remember:
- The King is recognized as ruler
- The King’s power is acknowledged
- The King’s decrees are to be obeyed
Sounds simple, right? So how do we apply these concepts to Jesus? Consider this:
- If Christ is the ruler of my life, then all my words and actions must align with Him.
- I turn to Christ for strength in my moments of powerlessness.
- I act on Christ’s commands, obeying His teaching and precepts.
Practically, I suggest that we focus this week on three key commandments that Christ gave us:
- Forgive one another. Reread chapter 18 in Matthew’s gospel for a review.
- Come to Mass. Check out chapter 6 in John’s gospel, or Mt. 26:26-28.
- Love one another. Try John 15:12-17 for a refresher!
Remember: the King commands us to forgive, receive Him in the Eucharist, and love one another. These are not suggestions, or helpful hints when we have free time! These are commands…and as we acknowledge that Jesus is our King we also know that we can draw near to the Lord for the strength and wisdom we need to carry them out.
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This icon of Christ Pantocrator is on loan to the Cathedral of Christ the King from Fr. Andrew Ricci. “Pantocrator” may be literally translated into “Ruler of All” or “Almighty” and it is an ancient way of depicting Jesus.
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Note: This post was first published on November 16, 2015.
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33rd Sunday of the Year: If the Lord called you now, would you be ready? Catholic Inspiration
The Gospel today addresses the age-old concern about the end times…which begs a question: if the Lord called you right now, would you be ready? Are there things in life that need to be fixed, or are there perhaps opportunities that you can help flourish?
Mass Readings – 33rd Sunday of the Year
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Daily Mass: Pray always. Catholic Inspiration
The Lord uses a parable to express our need to pray always without growing weary.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 32nd Week of the Year
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Daily Mass: Live in the moment, ready for the Lord. Catholic Inspiration
Jesus uses a number of illustrations to underscore a practical point: we live each moment to the fullest as we follow the Lord. Only with our eyes fixed on Jesus can we face the uncertainties of life with calm conviction.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 32nd Week of the Year
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Daily Mass: The Kingdom of God is among you. Catholic Inspiration
Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God is among us. Our task is not to go chasing around looking for the Lord, but rather to live as his disciples as we apply our faith to every aspect of our lives.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 32nd Week of the Year
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Daily Mass: Drawing near to Jesus with a thankful heart. Catholic Inspiration
The healing of the ten lepers reveals the power of God’s grace. The gratitude of the Samaritan shows a response that can teach us all a great deal about how we drawn near to the Lord with a grateful heart.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 32nd Week of the Year
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Daily Mass: We are servants of the Lord. Catholic Inspiration
To say “I serve the Lord” has tremendous implications for our understanding and action. Recognizing Jesus as our Lord, we configure every aspect of our lives to him as our daily actions and interactions are infused with his grace.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 32nd Week of the Year
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33rd Sunday of the Year: Be prepared, for we do not know about tomorrow
Study: Recall a couple of times in your life – when you were prepared and when you were caught off guard. How did if feel? What was the outcome?
Pray: Do you have unfinished business in your life? Take your challenges to prayer and ask the Lord for wisdom and courage.
Serve: Is there a broken or wounded relationship in your life? Perhaps you might make the first move to bring healing and reconciliation to the situation.
Mass Readings – 33rd Sunday of the Year
The first reading and the Gospel today are direct and to the point: there will be hardship and distress. Tribulation is part of the journey. Get ready!
And yet we can sometimes get caught in the (mistaken) sentiment that because we follow Jesus Christ everything is suppose to be sunshine and daisies. On the contrary – our faith puts struggle front and center, reminding us that we are called to be ready and prepared for the unexpected. Because just in case you were hoping for some secret sign from the Bible when the world will end, Jesus offers one of my all-time favorite lines of Sacred Scripture:
“But of that day or hour, no one knows,
neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mark 13:32)
No one knows the hour….this is a very big deal. Remember these points:
- Difficulty, hardship, tribulation, and suffering are part of life.
- The unexpected happens! Deal with it.
- And we do not know the hour when our lives will be over…
So how do we live? The answer is simple – TODAY we speak and act so that if the Lord called us right now we would be ready. TODAY we say:
- “I’m sorry.”
- “I forgive you.”
- “I love you.”
- “Can I help you?”
- “Can you help me?”
We live our lives one day at a time – we can’t go back and we can’t go forward – it is only in the present moment that we can do and say. Thus, if we stay shackled to the past we can’t live today, and if we keep putting off what is needed we are wasting the moment we have. TODAY is our opportunity to address any unfinished business, to right wrongs and tell the people in our lives how we feel about them. In other words, today we squeeze out every opportunity we have to love the Lord and one another…
…for of that day or hour, no one knows.
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Note: This post was first published on November 9, 2015.
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32nd Sunday of the Year: Giving generously. Catholic Inspiration
Two widows offer examples of giving generously in the Scriptures today. Three words – gratitude, sacrifice and expectation – can offer insight into how we can be generous as we follow the example of Jesus.
Mass Readings – 32nd Sunday of the Year
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks- Daily Mass: Let the Lord enter!
- Daily Mass: We receive the Good News in our hearts
- Daily Mass: We strive for God's justice and peace
- Daily Mass: The family tree of Jesus as told by Matthew
- Daily Mass: Christ invites us to do the Father's will
- Daily Mass: Teach me your ways, O Lord
- Study, Pray, Serve: 4th Sunday of Advent
- 3rd Sunday of Advent: Christ fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah
- Daily Mass: Lord make us turn to you
- Our Lady of Guadalupe inspires us to magnify the Lord
Three Great Things 