The call of Levi offers us an example of how Christ invites us (wounded, broken and sinful) to follow Him. As Levi accepted this call and invited others to meet Jesus, may we take heart as the Lord calls us today.
Mass Readings – Saturday after Ash Wednesday
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Fasting is an ancient in the Church that has helped countless Christians grow closer to Christ and one another. May we examine how this discipline can empower us today.
Mass Readings – Friday after Ash Wednesday
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In the first reading Moses makes it clear to the people of Israel that they have to make a choice between life and death. May we choose to live for the Lord, offering all that we have for the path that leads to Eternal Life.
Mass Readings – Thursday after Ash Wednesday
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“Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel.” May the start of this season of Lent transform our hearts as we draw closer to Christ and one another.
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Lenten Podcast Resources from Catholic Inspiration
The Lord uses a teachable moment to transform the pettiness of the disciples into an opportunity to conform their lives to his example.
Mass Readings Tuesday of the 7th Week of the Year
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Getting ready for Lent? Here are some podcast resources.
Study: When in life have you been profoundly tempted? What patterns do you notice in your life?
Pray: The temptations we face provide a special place in our prayers; bring them to the Lord!
Serve: How can you support others who are tempted so that they can face them with grace?
Mass Readings – 1st Sunday of Lent
We enter into the great season of Lent with classic readings about temptation, sin and God’s grace:
First, let me be perfectly clear: Temptation is a part of the landscape of human life. From the time of our first parents at the dawn of creation, humanity has experienced temptation. We can wish all we want, but the fact remains that we are constantly facing great and small temptations throughout the course of our lives.
What’s more, we have all experienced times when temptation has led us to sin. Being tempted is one thing; falling into sin is another. For once sin is a part of our lives, our souls are wounded in a way that requires God’s grace to cleanse and heal.
This awareness of temptation and sin can easily lead us to a state of despair. We can fall into the trap that says “Well, you messed up. What’s the point now? You might as well just give up.” Admittedly, the devil would like nothing better than to let us think that there is no hope…that we are lost and without strength to find our way out of the messes of life.
Yet we start our Lent with hope. Yes, we acknowledge that temptation and sin are real, but we take comfort that this is why Jesus Christ came – to break the bondage of sin, restore our relationships with God and one another, and lead us into eternal life. The Lord knew about temptation first hand, yet not only did he triumph over Satan’s testing, but he freed us through his death and resurrection.
In our moments of temptation and sin may we run to the Cross of Christ! As we encounter our own trials may we trust that the Lord stands ready to offer us help and strength – both to face what comes before us this day, and to heal us in our moments of need.
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Podcast Resources for a Powerful Lent
Note: This post was first published on February 27, 2017.
Would you like a soul-shaking Lent that touches the core of the heart? With a little reflection and some dedicated attention this holy season can transform our lives, draw us closer to Christ, and empower us as his disciples.
Special Lenten Podcasts from Catholic Inspiration
The commandment to love challenges us to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. May we look to the example of the saints to love – event when it’s hard – as we draw near to the Lord and one another.
Mass Readings – 7th Sunday of the Year
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The 23rd Psalm holds a special place in the hearts of many, and for good reason; these words have brought comfort and guidance for thousands of years…and may they do so in ours today.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 6th Week of the Year
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The Lord’s invitation to “Take up your cross” challenges us to see the struggles we face as a participation in the saving work of Christ. As we embrace our crosses may we also trust in God’s grace for the strength we need.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 6th Week of the Year
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 