Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will guide us through this life. May we call upon the Spirit each day and follow with confidence as we journey toward Heaven.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of 6th Easter
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Category Archives: Easter
Daily Mass: The Holy Spirit helps in times of trial. Catholic Inspiration
The challenges that Paul and Silas encountered in Philippi reveal the pattern that all Christians face throughout life. Yet the strength we need to meet these trials comes not from our efforts alone; we rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to face what comes our way.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 6th Week of Easter
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The Feast of the Ascension
Study: Reflect on a moment of profound change in your life. What lessons did you learn?
Pray: Ask the Lord for guidance to proclaim the Good News in your current situation.
Serve: Do you know someone who is experiencing great change right now? How can you help them?
Mass Readings – Feast of the Ascension of the Lord
About this time of year students experience transition. The academic year is coming to a close, classes are wrapping up, papers are written and exams taken. It is a time where one can clearly see change: teachers and classmates conclude their studies and look to new opportunities and experiences in the summer.
For some it might be work; others might attend summer school; still others might experience a move to a new location. Change takes many forms, but through it all some key points emerge:
- New People
- New Locations
- Opportunity to apply learning to life
The Feast of the Ascension is one such moment of profound change in the early Church. Rejoicing with one another over the Resurrection, the apostles were flying high – the Lord is risen! In this moment of enthusiasm and hope, the Lord (truly in the role of Teacher) shares with them a new lesson – it’s time to change and grow.
Now they are the ones who must teach; they are the ones chosen to proclaim the Good News; through their efforts the Holy Spirit will empower them to heal and drive out demons. Simply put, the Ascension of Jesus clears the way for the disciples to apply the Lord’s teaching in their own lives as they continue Christ’s mission in the world.
We are part of that mission. We received our faith from those who came before us, and today we have an opportunity to proclaim the Good News to those in our lives. Here are some thoughts:
- Family – who often see us in unguarded moments
- Friends – sustained and strengthened by our efforts
- Coworkers – witness our character and conviction
- Classmates – supported and encouraged in learning
- Neighbors – perceive our actions and effort
- Strangers – 1st impressions that point to Christ
- Enemies – encounter justice and mercy with forgiveness
The Good News takes many forms, and in our moments of transition we are given new opportunities to act. May the Ascension of our Lord inspire us to look for change in our own lives and seek ways where we can live joyful lives as disciples of Jesus Christ!
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Note: This post was first published on May 12, 2015.
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6th Sunday of Easter: God’s peace calms our hearts. Catholic Inspiration
Jesus assures us that the Holy Spirit will be sent to bring peace to our hearts. Where do we see the need for peace in our lives today? May we turn to the Lord who longs to offer this grace to face whatever we find in the world today.
Mass Readings – 6th Sunday of Easter
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Daily Mass: Confronting hate with the love of Christ. Catholic Inspiration
The Lord offers a sobering lesson in John’s Gospel that when we follow the God’s command to love, the result at times will be hatred from the world. Our response? Love….but with both eyes open so that we can address this hatred with the grace of Jesus Christ.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 5th Week of Easter
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Daily Mass: The gift of life and the dignity of love. Catholic Inspiration
The Gospel of John offers a beautiful insight into the dignity of love that God grants to humanity. Jesus calls us friends, elevating us to a glorious relationship with God, and empowers us to offer the gift of our lives with this precious grace.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 5th Week of Easter
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Daily Mass: Commanded to love, filled with joy. Catholic Inspiration
This short passage from John’s Gospel reveals the interaction between the command to love and the gift of joy. While love often challenges us to stretch our hearts as we care for others, the joy we receive flows straight from the heart of heaven.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 5th Week of Easter
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Daily Mass: I am the vine, you are the branches. Catholic Inspiration
Jesus teaches in plain language that just like a vine and its branches, when we are connected to Christ we thrive and bear fruit. Today we consider not only how we can continue to draw closer to the Lord, but also how we might share our lives to bring glory and praise to God in the world today.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter
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Daily Mass: Peace I leave with you. Catholic Inspiration
Christ offers consolation – a peace that only he can give – to our troubled and fearful hearts. Where do you see the need for God’s peace in your life today? Call upon the Lord and receive this tremendous gift of peace.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter
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6th Sunday of Easter: God’s Peace in our lives
Study: Recall a time when you experienced a profound sense of peace. What made this possible?
Pray: Ask for God’s peace to touch your life and the those you love.
Serve: Consider ways you can share the peace of Christ with others. Be an instrument of peace today.
Mass Readings – 6th Sunday of Easter
I find the words of the Lord in the Gospel tremendously comforting:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27)
How often do we need to hear these words! How often do we find ourselves disturbed and upset by the frustrations and fears of life?! And yet, Jesus – who knows us better than we know ourselves – consoles and comforts us with a peace that flows on the wings of the Holy Spirit from the heart of Heaven.
We crave peace: in our hearts, our homes, our work, our community. There is a tranquility that comes when we are united with one another, free from discord, doubt and misunderstanding. God’s peace empowers us to walk through the challenges of life with a quiet conviction that we will face whatever comes before us with the guidance of Christ.
Two key thoughts thus emerge:
- Where do I need to foster peace in my life?
- How can I share God’s peace with others?
Are there parts of my life that hunger for peace? Bring them to prayer. Are there ways that I can be an instrument of peace, in my own life and in the lives of others? Act now. God’s peace is for the asking and the Holy Spirit is present to renew us with this blessed gift.
May we leave behind our fears and anxieties, turning to Christ for the strength and guidance we need to embrace our lives with joy.
Peace be with you!
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Catholic Inspiration Archives
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Note: This post was first published on April 26, 2016.
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks- Daily Mass: Faith in the midst of division and unrest
- Daily Mass: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
- Lenten Bootcamp: 5th Night - Building a spiritual Rule of Life
- Daily Mass: The example of St. Joseph, the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Daily Mass: Jesus Christ is the just judge
- Daily Mass: A physical healing with spiritual implications
- Daily Mass: A lesson in intercessory prayer
- Study, Pray, Serve: 5th Sunday of Lent
- "Carry Your Cross" Parish Mission: 3rd Night - Offering our lives for the Lord
- 4th Sunday of Lent: We call upon the Lord to see clearly in our lives
Three Great Things 