Paul and Apollos both had important tasks to do at different times and different cities; our lives uniquely build up the Body of Christ when we offer our lives and call upon the Holy Spirit for guidance.
Mass Readings – Monday of the 7th Week of Easter
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Study: Where in my life have I experienced God’s grace and strength?
Pray: What particular needs in my life call for the help of the Holy Spirit?
Serve: Where can I use the gifts God has given me to serve another right now?
Mass Readings – Vigil of Pentecost
The image St. Paul uses in the 2nd reading this weekend is a body. Composed of different parts which do unique and special functions, the body is united when all the parts come together. So, too, all of us are united into the Body of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Look at these themes from Pentecost Mass Readings of the Day:
In other words, the Holy Spirit unites people, renews life, provides unique gifts, and is granted to the Church by Christ. This is the day that the disciples were empowered to continue the mission of Jesus; filled with the Spirit they will witness the Good News of the Lord through their words and actions.
Their example becomes our model. The same Spirit that changed their lives comes to us. The same Spirit that gave them the grace and strength to go forth gives us the power we need to offer our lives for Christ. God continues to invite us to serve, and the Lord pours forth the Holy Spirit to help us carry out the work of this day.
Are there barriers in our life? Come Holy Spirit!
Are there parts of life in need of renewal? Come Holy Spirit!
Are there gifts we have that need to be used and directed? Come Holy Spirit!
Jesus freely gave the gift of the Spirit to his disciples – may we turn to the Lord with conviction that as we call for the Holy Spirit in our lives we will be given what we need for the work of this day.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
V. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
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Note: This post was first published on May 29, 2017.
The feast of the Ascension teaches us key spiritual insights about ourselves and the Lord. May this day inspire us to embrace our faith – strengthened by Christ – as we face our own challenges and grow in God’s grace.
Mass Readings – The Ascension of the Lord
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As St. Paul’s missionary activity expands, we hear how new people are drawn into greater roles and responsibilities, including Aquila, Priscilla and Apollos. Question: how is God calling each of us today?
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 6th Week of Easter
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How important it is for us to hear the words “Do not be afraid!” As St. Paul was encouraged to let go of fear, we are also directed to live our faith in the face of every trial.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 6th Week of Easter
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St. Paul’s time and energy in Corinth reveal the powerful opportunity he had to share the Gospel. When the chance presents itself in our lives, may we respond with the same intensity as we witness our faith in Christ.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter
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St. Paul’s rejection in Athens reminds us that we, too, will encounter mocking and ridicule for our faith in Christ. When it happens may we recall that we are in good company! Just remember: we never know how a single a word we say can lift someone up and lead them to the Lord.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 6th Week of Easter
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St. Paul’s suffering in Philippi becomes an opportunity to witness his faith in Jesus. This experience of the Cross of Christ brings life-giving joy, and it shows us the path that we often find in our own lives as well.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 6th Week of Easter
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Lydia’s response to the preaching of St. Paul reveals how our faith in Christ is transmitted to the world. May we proclaim the Good News through our words and actions each and every day.
Mass Readings – Monday of the 6th Week of Easter
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Study: Transitions are a time of uncertainty. Consider a time when you experienced a transition: how did it feel? How did you face it?
Pray: When faced with the unknown we come to the Lord for direction. Pray that the Holy Spirit will send both wisdom (to know what to do), and strength (so you can do it).
Serve: Who in your life is alone right now. How might you walk with another in a time of transition and uncertainty?
Mass Readings – The Ascension of the Lord
There are moments in life when it is difficult to say good-bye. Whether it is a relocation through work, the completion of school, or the death of a loved one, we know that these events challenge us to move on with the transitions in life.
The Feast of the Ascension marks one of these transitions in the Church. This feast demands that we ask the question, “Now what?” as the Lord is taken from our midst. The disciples must now discover the new ways that God is at work in their lives – especially now that Jesus is no longer with them.
But unlike other transitions, where people pass out of our lives and are separated from us by physical distances or death, Jesus leaves his disciples in a different way. By ascending into heaven he does not move out of our lives, but rather he comes into contact with all life. Through his ascension the Holy Spirit comes upon all people, and Jesus touches our lives in a new and mysterious way.
The mystery of the Ascension is closely connected to the Resurrection of Jesus. The early Church recognized that the saving work which God did through Jesus included both of these events. We say in the Creed, “…he rose from the dead…(and) ascended into heaven…” in the same breath – for these two events show that the Lord’s work is unlike anything else ever done before.
Through his Resurrection, death and sin no longer have power over Jesus Christ; his sacrifice on the Cross offers hope for the whole world. Through his Ascension, all people can know Jesus and the Spirit; taken up to heaven, the Lord is now present to all people regardless of time or space.
This feast reminds us that Christ does not abandon his people. The Lord is near, and we enjoy his presence even though we cannot touch him as the disciples did. We know that God walks with us, and we trust that the Lord will give us the strength to carry out the mission of the gospel through the transitions we face in this life.
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This blog was originally published on May 5, 2013.
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 