From the very start of his earthly ministry, Jesus preached for repentance – the ongoing call to conversion of heart – as we turn from our sins and embrace our lives for the Lord.
Mass Readings – Monday after Epiphany
Monthly Archives: January 2021
Daily Mass: Repent! The Kingdom of God is at hand! Catholic Inspiration
The Baptism of the Lord
Study: Find out about your baptism. When was it? Who performed it? Who are your Godparents? Who else was present?
Pray: Thank the Lord for the gift of faith to know, love, and serve Jesus Christ.
Serve: How can you live your baptismal call today? How can your faith inspire or assist another?
Mass Readings – The Baptism of the Lord
A few years ago I was having lunch when I ran into Fr. Bob Koszarek, a retired priest from our diocese. When I asked him what brought him out for lunch he said, “I am celebrating the anniversary of my baptism.” The comment struck me, especially when he followed it up with, “Do you know the day of your baptism?”
The answer is no. Yet as I prepare for Mass this week I have made a commitment to find out. We claim (rightly so) that baptism is a crucial sacrament in the Church – the gateway to all other sacraments whereby we are configured to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Most people know if they have been baptized; my sense is that very few know the actual date.
Our faith is a precious gift – worth fighting for, worth dying for. Perhaps today we pause to recall just how precious it truly is…Jesus Christ poured out his blood on the Cross for us that we might have eternal life. His baptism was the revelation of the Trinity, where we hear the Father’s voice from heaven as the Spirit descends upon the Son in the form of a dove. Our baptism allows us to participate fully in God’s presence for the grace and guidance we need.
I invite us today to claim our baptism. Some simple steps:
- Thank the Lord for the gift of faith to know Jesus and live as a Christian disciple
- Embrace your faith through study and prayer
- Serve others in the name of Jesus Christ (and with his help and strength)
- Allow your life to bring Good News to the World
Our baptism is not a one time event. Rather, it is an ongoing expression of Christ working through us. May the Baptism of the Lord inspire us to live our faith with joy as we engage our lives with his power.
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Note: This post was first published on January 4, 2016.
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Epiphany: Shine with the Light of Christ! Catholic Inspiration
The Magi followed the light of the star to encounter the Light of the World as they responded with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. As we are drawn to the Light of Christ and encounter His grace, may we shine with His light for all to see!
Mass Readings – Epiphany of the Lord
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Daily Mass: All the ends of the Earth have seen the saving power of God. Catholic Inspiration.
The proclamation of praise from the psalm today reminds us to look to nature when we require a reminder of the awesome power of the Almighty.
Mass Readings – Memorial of Saints Basil & Gregory
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Mary, Mother of God. Catholic Inspiration
“And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” Mary inspires us to follow her example as we reflect on all that has happened in the last year and study these insights in the light of our faith in Christ as we embark on the New Year. Holy Mary, Mother of God…pray for us!
Mass Readings – Mary, Mother of God
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks- The Baptism of the Lord
- Daily Mass: The Lord takes delight in his people
- Daily Mass: An earnest prayer for healing
- Daily Mass: Our love for God directs us to love one another
- Daily Mass: Love drives out fear
- Daily Mass: God is love
- Daily Mass: We belong to God
- Study, Pray, Serve: The Baptism of the Lord
- Epiphany: What will we offer to the Lord?
- Daily Mass: All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God
Three Great Things 