Jesus makes it clear in today’s Gospel reading (part of the Sermon on the Mount) that reconciliation is a non-negotiable aspect of Christian Life. Who do we need to reconcile with today? How can we take the first step in putting the Lord’s command into practice?
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 10th Week of the Year (St. Anthony of Padua)
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St. Paul writes to the Corinthians, reminding them that our confidence lies in Christ who qualifies us for ministry. Whatever we face today, may we turn to the Lord for the strength and grace we need.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 10th Week of the Year
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Jesus reminds us that we are salt and light – disciples called to live our faith in the world – so that when people see our good deeds they will give praise to our Heavenly Father. May we offer our lives today, trusting that the Lord will take our offering and bless it with grace to continue Christ’s mission in the world.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 10th Week of the Year (St. Barnabas)
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Study: Reflect on the strongest relationships in our lives. What qualities and characteristics are present?
Pray: Ask the Lord for the guidance to see where we can build and renew our relationships.
Serve: Are there people around us that we need to forgive or assist? What steps can we take right now to start this process?
Mass Readings – The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity
One God…Three Persons.
That’s the Trinity, and when you get right down to it, this central mystery of the Christian faith is just that – mystery. I have heard and used many images as illustrations to aid in understanding the Trinity:
These examples (and many like them) try to get at the notion of how something can be the same and different at the same time. How unity and diversity can be present at the same time; how the individual and the communal are manifested simultaneously.
It’s a mystery.
And at the heart of the mystery we have a communion of Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – a revelation that God comes to us in communion and invites us to be communion with others. We are not alone! God (in communion) invites us into this communion to create communion with one another.
Where do we find communion in our lives? Some obvious places:
You get the idea. Wherever two or more are present, the opportunity for communion is possible. The point: How strong is the communion we have have with God and one another? How united are we in faith, hope, and love?
May we reflect on the current state of our relationships today and renew them, allowing the grace of God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – to bless the communion we have with those around us.
Note: this was post was originally delivered on May 26, 2015.
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Trinity, Andrei Rublev; 1411-1427 (est.), Tempera, 142 cm x 114 cm, Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow.
Sometime this week Catholic Inspiration will surpass one million downloads. As I share a few thoughts about my philosophy of this online ministry, I want to thank you for listening and encouraging others to check out these podcasts. God bless you all!
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The Holy Spirit comes to unite us to God and one another, breaking down the walls of isolation and division, and leading us to cooperation as Sons an Daughters of God. Where do you see dissent and disunity in your life? Call upon the Spirit!
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The first reading and the Gospel feature elements about Peter and Paul. Both of these men are giants in the early Church, and through their example we recognize that God continues to call new disciples in every generation.
Mass Reading – Saturday of the 7th Week of Easter
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We can place ourselves in the Gospel of John as Jesus invites Peter to follow him. Out of love for the Lord we, too, will be called to make our sacrifices as we put our faith into practice.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 7th Week of Easter
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Jesus prays for his current and future disciples that they will be one – united to God and one another – as they journey through life. May our unity flourish in the love of Christ as we draw nearer each day to the Lord.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 7th Week of Easter
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Both St. Paul and Jesus speak of the challenges all disciples face from the wolves that seek to tear us out of God’s hand. Knowing that we will face our own spiritual battles, may we fearlessly call upon the Lord for the grace we need to respond with the gift of faith.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 7th Week of Easter
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