Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 4th Week of Easter
In the Gospel of John today we hear how the Lord comes as Light in our world, showing us the Father and guiding us out of darkness on a path that leads to eternal life.
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Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter
Our relationship with Jesus Christ includes our journey on earth and our destination in Heaven. As pilgrims passing through this life, we draw near to the Lord in preparation when we will be united completely in his divine love.
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Study: Reflect on a challenging time in your life. How did you give and/or receive strength from others?
Pray: For what particular strength do you need to ask the Lord? Come to the “Living Stone” who is Jesus and seek the strength you need!
Serve: Where can you cooperate with others right now? How can your strength help others ?
Imagine a piece of construction brick or stone. At a distance the pieces look the same, with similarities in color, texture, shape, and size. Yet on closer examination we perceive that every piece of brick or stone is different; when seen clearly each stone is unique.
We use stones all the time in our building and construction. We use them in walls, fireplaces, foundations, and paving. Stones possess an inherent toughness – they are the bones of the earth – which makes them useful and vital in life.
In the second reading we hear how the Scriptures use the image of a stone in our life of faith. Peter writes that all people should come to Jesus, a living stone, so that we might be built into a spiritual house. Following the example of Jesus, we become “living stones” that all might see God’s kingdom here on earth.
Stones remind us of two important points. First, stones are strong, and we are called to live our faith with the same durability and toughness. Life is not easy, and there are times when we recognize our weakness and failures. Yet through our relationship with Christ we gain strength and power that we do not have by ourselves. Through Christ our talents and gifts become strong resources to be used by God.
Second, in construction stones are used in cooperation with others, and this same cooperation is part of our human experience. Take a stone or brick out of a wall and it becomes weaker; take a person out of a community and a change is felt. Simply put, just as a stone adds strength to those around it, so to our lives make a profound difference on those around us.
As living stones we offer our God-given strengths and abilities to build up God’s people here on earth. Sharing our lives, we become a powerful tool through which Jesus Christ continues to be revealed to all people through time.
Stones teach us about strength and cooperation. These insights are part of every human experience and are used throughout our lives. As God’s living stones we discover that our faith gives us power when we work together with those around us. May that power help us to build God’s kingdom, leading others to Christ.
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This Post was originally published on May 11, 2014.
Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Easter
In our moments of need we can learn from the Psalmist and say “The Lord is my shepherd” as we face the challenges of life. What’s more, as we follow Jesus Christ we offer our lives to help one another to seek the Lord as well.
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Mass Readings – Saturday of the 3rd Week of Easter
The first reading and the Gospel are at opposite ends of how people respond to the call of faith. In the first reading Peter’s prayer in the name of Jesus restores a dead woman, Tabitha, to life; in the Gospel the invitation of the Lord to eat his body and drink his blood causes many to walk away. It begs the question: How’s your faith? Is it vibrant or feeble, building others up or filled with doubts?
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Mass Readings – Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter
In the first reading today we hear of the conversion of St. Paul, who begins the passage “breathing murderous threats” against the Church and ends with his preaching in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. May Paul’s change of heart inspire us to draw ever nearer to the Lord!
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Mass Readings – Thursday of the 3rd Week of Easter
Philip took time to instruct the Ethiopian eunuch about the book of the prophet Isaiah, which led to his conversion and baptism. Every day we have opportunities to share our faith and help guide others so that they can grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.
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Mass Readings – Feast of Saints Philip and James
The apostles – sent and empowered by Christ – proclaimed the Gospel and carried on the mission of the Lord. Our faith today was transmitted by generations who have testified to the light of Jesus Christ; may we continue to pass that faith on to the next generation.
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Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Easter
My godson, Luke, traveled to the Cathedral from Spooner, WI today. He made his First Communion on Sunday, and today I got to give him his Second Communion…he even got to wear his suit again! The Gospel of John is appropriate today as the Lord states, “I am the bread of life.”
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Study: Consider a time when your drifted in your convictions and faith. What helped you get back on track?
Pray: Is there something keeping you from the Lord or another person? Pray for the grace to reconcile.
Serve: Do you know others who are struggling with their faith? How can you support their journey back to God?
Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Easter
Themes of repentance, baptism, and sheep surface this week. Take a look:
The Scriptures speak of Jesus as both Shepherd and Gate. Why? Because like sheep sometimes we find ourselves in trouble, unprotected, abandoned, and in need of serious help. The shepherd guards and guides the sheep; entry through the gate allows the sheep to pass into a place of safety.
Our human need for help arises from our sins. While the joy of this Easter season is ringing in our hearts, we still take the time to call to mind our need for the Savior – the Good Shepherd – who offers his life for us. Indeed, it is the saving death and resurrection of Jesus that we proclaim in every Baptism, Confession, and Eucharist…sacraments that many receive in this holy season.
Knowing that the Lord has freed us from sin and death, we can honestly acknowledge our sins and joyfully offer our gratitude – running to the Lord for the grace and strength we need.
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 