How can we share our faith with those around us? Some simple and practical considerations include service, invitation, technology and word of mouth…and perhaps one of these will speak to our hearts today as we proclaim the Good News to those we meet.
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Prayer is crucial for our spiritual life, yet we discover in the Gospel today the power that results when our prayers are grounded in the humility that recognizes our own weaknesses and sins. May we fervently call upon the Lord in our daily prayer, asking the one who knows us through-and-through for what we need.
Mass Readings – 30th Sunday of the Year
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The Lord makes makes it clear (repeating his exhortation twice) that it is crucial for his disciples to repent of their sins. May we take a hard and honest look within, and ask the Lord for grace we need to live in his love.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 29th Week of the Year
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Jesus uses the weather to demonstrate how we use signs to understand our earthly lives, and then he switches this concept to our spiritual life. It begs a simple question: Are we looking for the signs of faith in our souls, and are we willing to make changes for the better?
Mass Readings – Friday of the 29th Week of the Year
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Jesus speaks of the fiery blaze that he longs to light upon the earth. This fire of faith has the power to cleanse our souls, burning away the effects of sin.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 29th Week of the Year
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The Lord’s teaching in the Gospel of Luke can drive us to our knees as we count our blessings, and then lift us to new heights as we make something precious with what we’ve received. What will you do with your gift of life?
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 29th Week of the Year
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Jesus teaches his disciples to be ready – vigilant and prepared – so that we can respond immediately when God calls us to offer our lives for service in the world.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 29th Week of the Year
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Study: Consider a time when you experienced mercy. What did it feel like?
Pray: Are you struggling to be merciful to someone right now? Ask the Lord for help!
Serve: Is there an act of mercy you can do for someone in need today? How can you make it happen?
Mass Readings – 30th Sunday of the Year
The readings this Sunday could have been chosen for the Year of Mercy. Take a look:
As Pope Francis constantly reminds us, the name of God is Mercy. Jesus shows us repeated examples of the mercy and love of the Father, inviting us to both receive God’s grace and then live with mercy toward one another.
It’s a simple message, direct and to the point. Yet we know from our own experience how hard it can be to practice mercy in our world today! We suffer injury, offense, misunderstanding and hassle in our daily interactions with one another. People get under our skin. We get angry. We lose our focus.
And thus this simple message continues to speak to our hearts, heal our souls, and guide us into the grace that comes when we foster forgiveness and pursue peace. Mercy is a practical application of the Great Commandment to love one another; mercy becomes our homework for holiness by which we put the example of Jesus into our own daily practice.
God’s mercy washes us clean and heals the wounds caused by sin. As we seek the Lord’s mercy in our lives, may we allow this gift of mercy to move through us and touch the lives of those we meet.
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Catholic Inspiration Archives
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Note: This post was first published on October 17, 2016.
Don’t give up. Don’t. Give. Up. The Scriptures today show us the need to be persistent, call upon one another for help and keep praying each and every day for what we need. Keep fighting, keep moving forward…but don’t give up!
Mass Readings – 29th Sunday of the Year
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Luke’s Gospel reveals the supernatural consequences of acknowledging or denying Jesus Christ. May we embrace our faith and become living witnesses for the Lord.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 28th Week of the Year
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 