Jesus teaches in plain language that just like a vine and its branches, when we are connected to Christ we thrive and bear fruit. Today we consider not only how we can continue to draw closer to the Lord, but also how we might share our lives to bring glory and praise to God in the world today.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter
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Christ offers consolation – a peace that only he can give – to our troubled and fearful hearts. Where do you see the need for God’s peace in your life today? Call upon the Lord and receive this tremendous gift of peace.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter
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Study: Recall a time when you experienced a profound sense of peace. What made this possible?
Pray: Ask for God’s peace to touch your life and the those you love.
Serve: Consider ways you can share the peace of Christ with others. Be an instrument of peace today.
Mass Readings – 6th Sunday of Easter
I find the words of the Lord in the Gospel tremendously comforting:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27)
How often do we need to hear these words! How often do we find ourselves disturbed and upset by the frustrations and fears of life?! And yet, Jesus – who knows us better than we know ourselves – consoles and comforts us with a peace that flows on the wings of the Holy Spirit from the heart of Heaven.
We crave peace: in our hearts, our homes, our work, our community. There is a tranquility that comes when we are united with one another, free from discord, doubt and misunderstanding. God’s peace empowers us to walk through the challenges of life with a quiet conviction that we will face whatever comes before us with the guidance of Christ.
Two key thoughts thus emerge:
Are there parts of my life that hunger for peace? Bring them to prayer. Are there ways that I can be an instrument of peace, in my own life and in the lives of others? Act now. God’s peace is for the asking and the Holy Spirit is present to renew us with this blessed gift.
May we leave behind our fears and anxieties, turning to Christ for the strength and guidance we need to embrace our lives with joy.
Peace be with you!
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Catholic Inspiration Archives
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Note: This post was first published on April 26, 2016.
We all know that Jesus commands us to love one another, but all too often we overlook the sacrifice it takes to follow the teaching and example of Jesus. All three readings today point out that there will be a cost…and we will pay it with our lives.
Mass Readings – 5th Sunday of Easter
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The light of Christ is meant to burn in our hearts as we live the gift of our faith and pass it on to those around us. Paul and Barnabas shared this light even as they faced challenge and struggle. May their example inspire us to shine in the world today.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 4th Week of Easter
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John’s Gospel offers a beautiful reflection as Jesus invites us to trust in him when doubt, fear and anxiety overwhelm us. God is our strength and our comfort, providing us the grace we need as we follow where the Lord leads.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 4th Week of Easter
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As Master and Teacher, Jesus shows the disciples the path of humble service. We follow the Lord’s example every time we offer our lives in care and compassion for those around us…giving glory and praise to God.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 4th Week of Easter
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The Lord teaches that he is the light – sent from the Father – who comes to save the world. May Christ’s words and saving actions inspire us this day to draw near to his glorious light!
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 4th Week of Easter
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This beautiful passage from the Gospel of John offers a profound reflection on the nature of God’s love for our lives. Flowing from the Father, divine love is meant to touch our hearts and pass through us into the diverse relationships of daily life.
Mass Readings – Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle
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Study: Consider a moment when you felt unconditional love. How did you react?
Pray: Are there people in your life who are hard to love? Ask the Lord to soften your heart, and place in you the desire to want to love them.
Serve: Love is expressed in many ways. How can you share the Love of Christ with others today?
Mass Readings – 5th Sunday of Easter
Let’s start with a quick overview of this week’s readings:
The Easter season proclaims the Lord’s triumph over sin and death, and inspires us to fix our eyes on Heaven as our destination and goal. United together with the Lord, we understand that we are pilgrims passing through this world – and our words and actions have power and consequence.
Think about it. The Lord commands us to love. This is not some pleasant suggestion or good-idea-if-you-have-time-to-fit-it-in…this command is our call to action: Love flows from the heart of Heaven, and in our Love on earth we practice for the day when we will stand before the Author of Love itself.
And lest we get caught up in some sort of warm fuzzy feeling about Love, we know that this command is hard to carry out! Love demands our forgiveness, patience, mercy, gentleness, peace, and understanding. Simply put, we are called to Love as Christ loves us – by laying down our lives for one another.
Love, then, is not only a principal condition for Heaven, but for the Church on earth as well. Nothing reveals our sincerity and authenticity as Christians more fully than when Love shines through our words and actions.
Our goal is Heaven, and while here on earth the Church follows the example of Christ – loving God and one another. May others see the Lord’s Love in our lives today!
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Catholic Inspiration Archives
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Note: This post was first published on April 19, 2019.
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 