More practical advice from Jesus: his words are good, but when they are turned into actions we create a foundation for our lives that no storm can destroy.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 12th Week of the Year
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Jesus offers practical insight into how we deal with others. By looking at the fruitfulness of one’s life we can get a good sense of what is going on down deep in the heart.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 12th Week of the Year
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you” is the modern translation of the Golden Rule. Jesus gives us this rule to help us relate to one another from a common framework of understanding and respect; now we have to act on it!
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 12th Week of the Year
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Study: Consider people you know who are suffering right now. What is the nature of their struggle?
Pray: Keep a list of those who are sick nearby when you pray. Remember them often.
Serve: How can your faith help someone today who suffers? How can you be an instrument of healing and comfort?
Mass Readings – 13th Sunday of the Year
Consider for a moment someone you love who is seriously sick. Perhaps it’s a disease, an upcoming surgery, and undiagnosed circumstance, or the relentless experience of pain...we all know loved ones who suffer – and we would do anything to help.
Now imagine that you have heard about a miracle worker who cures the sick and resuscitates the dead. I know that if I discovered that Jesus of Nazareth was even remotely in the area I would rent a bus and bundle in everyone I could fit just for the chance that he would lay hands on them.
This is the situation we encounter in the Gospel today. People are crushing in on Christ; they have heard of his power and they are are desperate for healing. The double miracles in the reading point out a number of key concepts:
Simply put, an encounter with Jesus Christ is a healing encounter. In the face of sickness and disease, the Lord draws near – bringing grace and power – to restore life to those who suffer.
As his disciples, we are part of this healing mission.
Jesus comes to bring life; may our lives – guided in faith – be directed toward healing the wounds we witness.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Note: This blog post was originally published on June 23, 2015.
John the Baptist offers a strong and potent example of Christian witness for us today. John’s life served as a preparation for the messiah; he recognized the Lord from the very beginning and he embraced God’s call with fierce commitment. Now it’s our turn!
Mass Readings – The Nativity of John the Baptist (Vigil Mass)
Mass Readings – The Nativity of John the Baptist (Mass of the Day)
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Perhaps it’s human nature to worry, yet all too often we spend ridiculous amounts of time and effort worrying about things over which we have no control. In those moments when we are tempted to let worry enslave us we gratefully count our blessings and direct our hearts to the Lord.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 11th Week of the Year
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
The Lord teaches the disciples to consider what they should treasure. While we are called to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to our care, we acknowledge that there are truly priceless things that no amount of money can buy…and we will carry these with us into Heaven.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 11th Week of the Year
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
The Lord’s Prayer is a powerful gift that we frequently use in many ways throughout life. Whether alone or with others, this prayer helps us draw close to God and one another. May we use it frequently!
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 11th Week of the Year (St. Aloysius)
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
The practices of fasting, prayer and almsgiving are powerful disciplines that the Church has embraced from the teaching of Jesus, and they offer immense power in shaping and guiding our spiritual lives.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 11th Week of the Year
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
The Lord teaches the disciples about love by using examples from his Heavenly Father. While it is sometimes easy to love, the real test happens when we overcome the obstacles within and without, choosing to love others as God loves us.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 11th Week of the Year
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 