St. Thomas reminds us that as disciples we can be honest with our human doubts even as we embrace our faith in Christ. As we bring our struggles to the Lord, we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus…calling for the grace we need each day.
Mass Readings – St. Thomas, Apostle
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Catholic Inspiration Archives
The cry of the disciples during a storm on the Sea of Galilee echoes a common thought that occurs in our lives. When we are down, struggling, at a loss or overcome…we call upon the one who is the source of our hope.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 13th Week of the Year
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Study: Consider an experience where you were sent out to do a task. What was difficult? Where did you find strength to carry it out?
Pray: Is there something you are feeling called to do, but find it challenging? Ask the Lord for the grace to make it happen!
Serve: How can you help those who are doing the Lord’s work right now? How can you support missionaries, service groups, and those who care for the sick?
Mass Readings – 14th Sunday of the Year
The Gospel of Luke recounts how Jesus sent out 72 disciples. Note these features:
And they are successful! They return to Jesus, rejoicing that even demons are cast out by the power of the Lord’s name.
What a powerful reminder that we, too, are sent by the Lord. God calls us, empowers us, and directs our lives to bring faith, hope and love to those who cross our path. Let’s apply the Gospel reading then accordingly:
Christ sent out his disciples with great success, and he continues to call forth disciples today to continue his saving work. May we respond with open hearts as we make a difference among the people God places before us.
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Note: This post was first published on June 27, 2016.
In our best moments we know that we are works in progress – people growing through the ups and downs of life – and that we have to follow directions because some assembly is required. May we trust in the Lord to lead us through this life as we follow with all our heart.
Mass Readings – 13th Sunday of the Year
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They are two great lights in the Church, and their influence has shaped the lives of billions of Christians over the last 2000 years. May the example of these two saints inspire us to follow the Lord with all our heart!
Mass Readings – Solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul
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Catholic Inspiration Archives
All of the readings today reveal the compassion of God that flows from the sacred heart of Christ. God’s mercy reaches out to us, invites us to reconcile, and urges us to turn away from our sins and toward the Lord. May we accept this amazing grace!
Mass Readings – The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
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Catholic Inspiration Archives
Life challenges us with difficulties and distractions, temptations and turmoil. How do we find the strength and wisdom to navigate? Jesus offers the answer when he says that the storms of life are securely faced when we build our lives on the rock of faith.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 12th Week of the Year
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It’s our actions, not our words, that reveal to others the contents of our hearts. The Lord makes this clear when he teaches that we know people by the fruitfulness of their lives. May Christ’s words inspire us to bear fruit in all that we do!
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 12th Week of the Year
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Psalm 15 offers some beautiful advice for living a just life for the Lord. Holiness is not just found in the extraordinary; often, our most powerful Christian witness occurs in the normal, everyday interactions that we have with one another.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 12th Week of the Year
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Study: Consider a moment when you made a total commitment to a task or project. How did your commitment give you focus and strength?
Pray: Is there something keeping you from growing in your relationship with Christ? Offer it up in your prayer and ask the Lord for help.
Serve: Do you have a gift or talent that can help another in need? Perhaps the Lord is showing you a way to help build his Kingdom.
Mass Readings – 13th Sunday of the Year
There are several powerful points that surface in this week’s Scripture readings. Here are a few key thoughts:
It’s this notion of following the Lord that I’d like to focus on this week. What does it mean to follow Jesus Christ? What does it mean to say that he is the Lord of our lives? Consider these thoughts:
Practically, I’d like to suggest to key points to help us follow the Lord. First, what are the obstacles that are keeping me away from Jesus today? There are many things that can block our path to the Lord – distraction, fear, preoccupation, overly busy, exhaustion, worry – and sometimes we need to recognize these concerns and put them in perspective.
Second, what are the gifts that I bring to the Lord? God has blessed each one of us in unique and precious ways…how might we set our talents before the feet of Christ for his service in the world? How might we use our lives today to proclaim the Good News of Jesus to others?
The Lord said, “Come follow me.” As we embrace this invitation, may we offer our lives with complete conviction as walk with Jesus today.
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Catholic Inspiration Archives
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Note: This post was first published on June 20, 2016.
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 