Mass Readings – The Feast of St. Bartholomew, Apostle
Philip brings Nathaniel (also known as Bartholomew) to Christ, changing his life forever. It reminds us that sometimes we have the opportunity to lead others to the Lord, and sometimes we need to open our hearts to what Jesus has to say.
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Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 20th Week of the Year
Jesus offers a parable about the Kingdom of Heaven where merciful generosity embraces and transcends justice…reminding us that one day we will call upon the Lord for mercy when we stand before him at the end of time.
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Gospel Reading – The Queenship of Mary – Luke 1:26-38
Mary’s “fiat” to the angel Gabriel cooperates with God’s plan of salvation. Mary serves as our example, Mother, intercessor and guide. She’s also the Queen of Heaven, and through her witness we are inspired to draw near to her Son.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Study: Recall a time when you were entrusted with power. How did you use it?
Pray: Ask the Lord for guidance over the things and situations in your control right now.
Serve: How can you help someone who is struggling with a decision of leadership? How can you offer solid support?
Mass Readings – 21st Sunday of the Year
Take a look at the keys in your pocket. As you hold them, think about what they do:
Keys allow us access and empower us with authority. Keys give us control over our physical world and they help us to use resources wisely and well. They are also symbols that speak to identity and purpose – just think about what happens when our keys are lost or taken from us….
In the first reading and the Gospel today we discover the power of God’s keys:
These promises to Eliakim and St. Peter are mighty – they will receive the power, authority,and responsibility from God lead and guide. Consider these three points:
Power: they receive the strength and ability to carry out the work entrusted to them. Power gives them resources and skills to accomplish great things. Without power they are weak; with God’s power they can do more than they ever dreamed possible.
Authority: these keys are a sign of leadership and respect. The keys they possess allow them to direct and command others. Those who hold the keys are followed; those who hold the keys stand before us and provide wisdom, insight, and vision.
Responsibility: “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.” (Luke 12:48b) With great power comes great responsibility, and those who have been given strength and ability are required to use it with wisdom. Indeed, having the keys of Authority are a burden to demonstrate transparency, accountability, and trust.
Again, look at the keys in your pocket. How do we use them? Today we might consider the gifts and talents God has given us: we have an opportunity at this moment to exercise our own power and authority with God’s guidance, knowing that one day the Lord will seek an accounting with what we have done.
May our own keys inspire us to live with conviction and direction – using the resources we have received with the insights offered by our faith in Jesus Christ. The Lord is the source of all keys, may we call upon him to help us use them!
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Note: This post was originally published on August 18, 2014.
Mass Readings – 20th Sunday of the Year
The woman in the Gospel of Matthew is tenancious! She trusts that Jesus can offer help for her daughter, and she will not be denied. Her example inspires us to foster a fierce faith – one that receives the gift of God and strengthens it through prayer, Sacraments, and a conviction to offer one’s life in love.
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Mass Readings – Saturday of the 19th Week of the Year
This short reading from the Gospel of Matthew reveals a beautiful scene: Jesus blessing the children. May we bring our children to the Lord – in prayer, sacraments, and a holy way of life – so that they can receive the blessing of God’s grace as they grow.
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Mass Readings – Friday of the 19th Week of the Year
When asked about divorce Jesus references the Book of Genesis and offers a simple but profound teaching on the sacrament of Marriage: two people become one flesh. While this holy union is a blessing from God, even in ancient times it came with challenges. May we work to support and help those who live this sacred vocation!
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Mass Readings – Thursday of the 19th Week of the Year
Jesus teaches about forgiveness through a parable, reminding us that as we have been forgiven by God for our sins we are directed to forgive one another as well.
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Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 19th Week of the Year
The Lord offers a three-step process to confront division within a relationship. It’s practical and powerful…and crucial for us to put into practice.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mary’s assumption into Heaven reveals her crucial role in the Church. As the Mother of God her “fiat” to the Angel Gabriel proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and her fidelity to God’s will as she stood at the Cross offers us a profound example as we strive to live our faith in the midst of difficulty.
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 