Monthly Archives: September 2021

Study, Pray, Serve: 25th Sunday of the Year

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Here are some of the main themes that surface in the readings for the 25th Sunday of the Year.

1st Reading – Wisdom 2:12,17-20

  • The wicked seek to beset the just one, who reproaches them for their transgressions.
  • The wicked will put the just one to the test with revilement and torture.

Psalm – 54:3-8

  • “The Lord upholds my life.”
  • The Psalmist calls upon God for help in times of great distress.

2nd Reading – James 3:16-4:3

  • Wisdom and righteousness come from what is pure and peaceful.
  • Wars and conflicts come from the passions within us.

Gospel Mark 9:30-37

  • Jesus relates his upcoming death and resurrection to the disciples, and they do not understand it.
  • The disciples were arguing on the journey who was the greatest; Jesus teaches that the greatest are those who humbly serve others.

Mass Readings – 25th Sunday of the Year

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24th Sunday of the Year: Take up your Cross. Catholic Inspiration

Jesus makes it clear that to follow him means that we will carry a cross. As we confront whatever is hard and difficult in our lives today, may we open our hearts to God’s grace at work within us…trusting that the one who was victorious over his cross will transform our own as well.

Mass Readings – 24th Sunday of the Year

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Daily Mass: The Lord is the rock on which we build our lives. Catholic Inspiration

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When our words and actions follow the teaching of Jesus Christ, we find our lives are built on a rock solid foundation that withstands the storms of life.

Mass Readings – Saturday of the 23rd Week of the Year

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Daily Mass: Removing the splinters from our eyes. Catholic Inspiration

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Jesus offers sound wisdom. Before we can point out the “splinters” in someone’s eye, we need to take care of our own! This is not just about physical sight, but it applies to the spiritual obstacles that prevent us from seeing God’s grace at work in our hearts.

Mass Readings – Friday of the 23rd Week of the Year

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Daily Mass: Sound, spiritual advice. Catholic Inspiration

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Sometimes the daily Mass readings are nuggets of wisdom that can guide us in direct and practical ways. The reading from Colossians and the Gospel of Luke are perfect examples today. Enjoy and savor them!

Mass Readings – Thursday of the 23rd Week of the Year

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St. Peter Claver…pray for us!


Daily Mass: We are part of a larger story. Catholic Inspiration

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On this feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary we hear in the Gospel of Matthew the genealogy of Jesus as the context for the birth of the Lord. The reading demonstrates how we are part of the larger story of salvation history; God works in and through countless lives to weave together our journey from this life to the next.

Mass Readings – the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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Holy Mary, Mother of God…pray for us!


Daily Mass: God calls us by name for service in the world. Catholic Inspiration

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Luke’s Gospel reveals how Jesus called the Twelve Apostles by name to participate in his earthly ministry. The Lord continues to call forth new disciples who will offer their lives for service in the world. Are we ready?

Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 23rd Week of the Year

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Daily Mass: In God is our safety and our glory. Catholic Inspiration

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When the going gets tough, the tough turn to the Lord! The Psalm response articulates the source of our strength, especially in difficult moments in life.

Mass Readings – Monday of the 23rd Week of the Year

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Study, Pray, Serve: 24th Sunday of the Year

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Here are some of the key themes in readings for the 24th Week of the Year.

1st Reading – Isaiah 50:5-9a

  • The prophet physically suffers from the abuse of others.
  • God is a source of help and strength in time of trial.

Psalm – 116:1-6,8-9

  • “I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.”
  • The Lord strengthens us in our moments of distress and sorrow when we call for help.

2nd Reading – James 2:14-18

  • Faith in God without works is dead.
  • Rather, the works that we do which give witness to our faith in God.

Gospel 8:27-35

  • Christ asks the disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” and Peter gets it right when he answers, “You are the Christ.”
  • After Christ explains that he will suffer and be killed, the Lord rebukes Peter for not thinking like God.
  • Jesus teaches, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”

Mass Readings – 24th Sunday of the Year

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23rd Sunday of the Year: Facing our fears with faith in the Lord. Catholic Inspiration

In every age there are situations and circumstances that foster fear in our hearts. Our answer? We turn to the Lord in faith for the healing grace we need to face the obstacles that frighten us. In other words, we place our hope in Christ for the strength we need each and every day.

Mass Readings – 23rd Sunday of the Year

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