Mass Readings – The Feast of St. James, Apostle
Jesus addresses a teachable moment when he explains that glory in Heaven comes from offering one’s life in charity and service. James and John will drink from the cup of of Christ, reminding us that every time we offer our lives for others we follow the example of Christ.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Study: Have you ever gotten something you wished for? In hindsight, was it what you really wanted or needed?
Pray: What graces or virtues do you need in your life right now? Ask the Lord with boldness and confidence!
Serve: How is the Lord leading you to offer your life today? How can you fulfill God’s command to serve others?
Mass Readings – 17th Sunday of the Year
Here’s a quick review:
If the Lord would grant you one request, what would you ask for? We can learn a lot about ourselves by what we seek, and sometimes we discover when we get it that it might not have truly been the best thing. Yet, it is the desire in our hearts, however, that tells us if we are on the right track.
Solomon asked to be wise and understanding…a wonderful response!
Jesus uses the parable of the pearl to remind us that there are some things in life so precious that other wishes and requests pale in comparison. With this in mind, here are a couple of thoughts to consider:
God will take the sum of our lives – good and bad – and bless it with grace. As we seek the Lord today, may we bring our hearts and offer ourselves….so that our response will draw us closer to Jesus Christ and one another.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – 16th Sunday of the Year
Every gardener encounters weeds, and the Lord uses this image in the Gospel of Matthew to remind us that in the garden of our hearts we have a daily opportunity to pull out what does not belong.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Note: I couldn’t stop with just one picture! These are taken from my dad’s garden in Cumberland, WI.
Mass Readings – The Feast of St. Mary Magdalene
The Gospel of John recounts how Mary Magdalene was the first to meet the Risen Lord. Her conversion and witness inspire us: no matter what our past has been, God’s grace can touch our hearts and change our lives!
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
***************
Photo credit: The Passion of the Christ, 2004.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 15th Week of the Year
Speaking with the pharisees, Jesus offers an insight into God’s compassion and mercy when he says, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” Today we have the opportunity to offer to Christ the gift of mercy as we lovingly respond to the weaknesses of those around us, as we claim the Lord’s mercy for ourselves.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 15th Week of the Year
Moses stands before God and receives his commission to go to Egypt. It will be hard, but the Lord will walk with him. As we face our challenges in life, God will give us what we need as well.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 15th Week of the Year
Moses, standing on holy ground in the sight of the burning bush, is sent by God on a mission to free the people from their bondage in Egypt. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue God’s saving work in the world today.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 15th Week of the Year
Jesus reminds us in the Gospel of Matthew that there are consequences for our actions that will take place in the final judgment. With this awareness in mind, we have the opportunity today to repent of our sins and turn to the Lord for his mercy and forgiveness.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Study: Consider your life right now. What is flourishing in your heart, and what needs to be pulled out?
Pray: Ask the Lord for wisdom to know how to grow in grace.
Serve: How might you be an example for another person? How might your work to root out sin inspire someone else to grow closer to the Lord?
Mass Readings – 16th Sunday of the Year
Several powerful themes surface in the readings this week.
A common pattern emerges from these themes as we discover that in the midst of injustice, sin, weakness and evil the Lord comes with justice, forgiveness, strength and power. Simply put, God gives us grace to confront the weeds in our lives.
So that begs the question: Where are the weeds in our hearts today? What struggle are we facing that requires the Lord’s mercy and love? Perhaps we might step back and pause this week to reflect on the state of our soul, so that we can honestly assess what is growing and what needs to go.
Jesus Christ knows our hearts and loves us unconditionally. As we look at the garden of our hearts may we trust that the one who knows us completely will help us root out what does not belong and help us grow as Sons and Daughters of God.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Divorce touches our lives in many ways and on many levels. Fr. Andrew offers some pastoral food for thought regarding how we offer healing to those facing divorce and support for couples working on their marriage. (40 Minutes)
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 