Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast – January 6th in the Christmas Season
Fr. Andrew talks with his nieces and nephews about how Jesus walked on water to the disciples during a storm. May we recall that just as Christ calmed the storm and comforted his friends, we too can draw near to the Lord in the storms and fears of our lives.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily – January 5th in the Christmas Season
The Miracle of the Fishes and Loaves reminds us that God continues to Take, Bless, Break, and Give from the little we offer and transform it into abundance. With a little help from his nieces and nephews, Fr. Andrew reminds us that every Mass participates in the grace of Jesus Christ.
Fr. Andrew’s Epiphany of the Lord Homily Podcast
The light of the star guided the sight of the wise men to the infant Jesus. God’s light continues to shine in our world today through Prayer, Scripture, Sacraments, and Fellowship. May we not only use our sight to recognize the Lord’s presence, but may we also shine with the light of faith to help others draw near to Christ.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast (5th Day in the Octave of Christmas)
Simeon, filled with the Holy Spirit, held the baby Jesus in his arms and praised God, saying:
“Lord, now let your servant go in peace;
your word has been fulfilled:
my own eyes have seen the salvation
which you prepared in the sight of every people,
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32)
May our eyes be open, to see God’s hand touching and blessing our lives today!
***************
Simeon’s Song of Praise, Aert de Gelder; circa 1700-1710, Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis, The Hague, Netherlands.
Fr. Andrew’s Holy Family Homily Podcast
The Holy Family had its mix of blessings and burdens – just like every family. Yet through their struggles God was with them, guiding and guarded them in Faith, Hope, and Love…and the Lord will do the same for our families as well.
Midnight Mass Podcast from the Cathedral – 95 Minutes
Fr. Andrew’s Christmas Homily Podcast
Like a bridge that connects two shores, Jesus Christ comes into our world to unite us to God and one another. Fully human like us, he teaches us about God and guides us to heaven. Fully divine, he has the power to overcome sin and death and bring healing and reconciliation to our lives.
Merry Christmas!
Study: Consider your life. Are there any parts that are wounded?
Pray: Invite the infant Jesus into the humble stable of your heart. He is familiar with simple surroundings; nothing you have is too poor, and everything you offer will be warmly received.
Serve: Is there some way you can be a bridge that unites others this Christmas? Some way that you can unite, heal, or help?
The Readings of Christmas:
Midnight Mass Podcast from the Cathedral – 95 Minutes
Fr. Andrew’s Christmas Homily Podcast
The birth of the Lord celebrates a great mystery: God takes on our human form in the person of Jesus. Fully human and fully divine, the Son of God and the Son of Mary – Jesus comes into our world with a mix of what seems like incompatible qualities:
Why are these extremes so great? Why do we see in Jesus both the lowliness of our human limits and the heights of God’s glory? To put it simply, Jesus Christ is the bridge between heaven and earth.
Think about it. Because of sin we have been divided from God and one another. Isolated by fear, temptation, weakness, sin and lies, we often find ourselves cut off from the Lord and at odds with those around us. While the media is filled with examples of this division, we really only have to look into our own hearts to find the struggle that is part of the human condition.
And this is why Christ was born – to restore our relationships and unite us with a strength that is greater than anything we can do on our own. Born like us, he enters our world so that we can know God; as the the Son of his Heavenly Father he will one day destroy the power of sin and death when he carries his Cross to die and rise that we might have eternal life.
Jesus forms the bridge that allows us to span the void caused by our sins. He offers mercy and forgiveness to reconcile our hearts to God, and through this forgiveness our relationships on earth are renewed. We are united; we are connected; we are graced with divine love, peace, and joy.
Where are the gaps in your heart this Christmas? Where do you see the need for Jesus Christ to restore what was broken or wounded? Draw strength from the one who knows exactly what it feels like (he is fully human after all) and yet has the grace to make it whole (which comes from his power as the Son of God.)
And may this Christmas bring healing and hope to your heart! Merry Christmas, my friends!
***************
The Adoration of the Shepherds, Gerard van Honthorst, 1622, Wallraf-Richartz-Museum, Cologne, Germany.
Study: Recall a moment when you “died” to something sinful. Who or what gave you strength?
Pray: Thank the Lord for the precious gift of your life – and count your blessings!
Serve: How can you offer some of your time or talent to help another face life and death issues?
Living on the shores of Lake Superior, I am blessed with an abundance of water in my life. Here in northern Wisconsin – with our countless clean, freshwater lakes – it is easy to take for granted this precious resource.
Yet consider these two elements of Water:
Water is essential for human life. Approximately 55-60% of our bodies are composed of water, and this crucial substance is always present wherever people are living and thriving. What’s more, all life on our planet requires water – it simply is invaluable for existence.
Yet a surplus of water can lead to destruction. A flood may literally wash away everything in its path with power that cannot be overcome. Too much water and life drowns, unable to find the proper balance to survive.
This sense of life and death that we discover about water is not only true for life; it is also apparent when we discuss spiritual life. In baptism we use water to reveal both of these aspects:
Through baptism, we are joined to the death and resurrection of Jesus. Freed from sin by the Lord’s sacrifice on the Cross, we are raised up to newness of life in this world as we prepare to be united to the Lord forever in heaven.
The Baptism of the Lord by John the Baptist reminds us that our experience of God draws on our relationship with the Lord. His life becomes our life; his death frees us from our death. Configuring our lives to Jesus through our baptism, we not only become his disciples – we open our hearts to receive his grace.
May we call upon that grace as we face the challenges and blessings of life today. Trusting in Christ, we engage our lives for service as we follow his example of life and death.
Study: Recall a time when you experienced a moment of clarity and understanding – when it all came together.
Pray: Ask the Lord for direction and insight regarding any particular decisions or needs.
Serve: How can you help someone clarify their focus and gain direction?
The Epiphany of the Lord Readings
I was sitting in a Calculus class, and my blood was beginning to boil. For over an hour I had been trying to understand a concept without any success. The professor had patiently explained it twice (using two different examples), two friends tried (telling me how EASY it was – like that helped…), and I had read the “helpful hints” section of the textbook (which I still do not understand to this day).
I looked down on the page of equations, a seemingly meaningless series of numbers, letters, and signs, and put my head in my hands and took a deep breath. I then turned to look out the window and daydreamed for a couple of minutes. (I think the professor was just glad I was quiet…!) Then I looked back at the textbook.
It made sense.
I could not believe it. I finally understood in a span of three heartbeats what three different people had been trying to tell me for over an hour. The light bulb went on, and I said “OH!!!” just a little louder then I realized.
The professor, a gentle man with a deep faith, came over to me with a big smile. He said, “Do you get it?” When I told him how it came together he said, “Good for you, Andrew! You just had an epiphany.”
There are times in life when an event or experience comes upon us in a rush. We are caught up in the moment, held in awe by our new awareness. We discover a new insight, understanding, or perspective which shapes and changes how we see the world.
In the Scriptures today we follow the journey of the wise men, guided by a star to the baby Jesus. As the star rose they pursued its course, searching for understanding and wisdom. When they found the child their response reveals the magnitude of their convictions. They knelt in homage, giving the very best gifts they had to offer.
As we journey on in our lives God places before us opportunities and events where the Lord is especially present. In these great and precious moments our eyes are opened – if only briefly – to the grace and blessings around us. We can ask the Lord for this gift of understanding – a gift which recognizes and responds to God’s presence in our midst.
Study: Recall a time in your life when another person made a profound difference in your life. How did they show you support?
Pray: Ask the Lord for the wisdom and insight to be a human agent for divine love. Pray for an open heart to be guided by Christ!
Serve: Who in your life would benefit from your service and kindness right now? Is it family, a friend, a co-worker, or an acquaintance?
There are many ways to say, “I love you.” Some people do it easily with words, others use gestures, physical closeness, empathy, or service. Sometimes it happens when we respond to the unspoken questions or needs of another – anticipating the situation without even having to be asked. Other times it is merely our presence, when we sit or walk with another beyond the necessity of words; at times like these it is simply the awareness that we are not alone that gives us strength.
Within the Holy Family we can talk about the practical ways that Mary and Joseph cared for and loved Jesus. Providing for the Lord’s basic needs, showing affection, teaching, offering safety, and guiding with earthly wisdom are just a few of the examples that reveal how they provided a home for their son.
On this feast we can enter more fully into the gift of Mary’s life – as a mother. The intimacy and connection between mother and child is profound. There is a closeness – something physical, relational, and spiritual – that often uniquely touches our lives. While it’s true that there are times when we are closer/farther from our moms, we can recognize that this bond has the power to connect with something deep within our souls.
Mary shared this connection with her Son. Jesus, whose titles range from “Savior,” “Messiah,” “Lord of Life,” “Prince of Peace,” and “Son of God” could also claim another:
Son of Mary
The Feast of Mary, the Mother of God is a celebration where we can comprehend a bond that we share with the Lord. Like us, he possessed this earthly connection with his mom – a connection that underscores how Christ comes to us and bridges the gap between Heaven and Earth so that we might know God. The Lord became like us (in all things but sin) so that we could draw near to the Almighty – there is no obstacle, no boundary, no barrier that prevents us from encountering God.
Within the context of this mother/son relationship Mary had countless opportunities to say, “I love you” to her boy. She said it with words, conveyed it with caring and comforting actions, and demonstrated it with subtle expressions of affection. Since Jesus became like us, then he also received the blessings and joys that come from being loved in this very human, very powerful way.
As we enter into this New Year, how will we say, “I love you” to the Lord? How will we reveal our love for Christ in the faces of our brothers and sisters? Perhaps it’s with a word of encouragement, a random act of kindness, anticipating a need, or responding to a situation. May we eagerly look about for ways to show our love – to the people in our lives and the Lord who put them there.
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 