Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily – Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Easter
What gives people strength to carry on when the going gets tough? To hang in there when it is painful, difficult, or oppressive? The struggles of the early Church were sustained by their faith in Christ, who promised eternal life to all who believe in him.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily – Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Easter
“I am the Bread of Life” are the words the Lord speaks to the crowd. This time of year, when 1st Communions are common, may we receive the Lord in the Eucharist with the living bread that feeds our souls.
Study: Reflect on a time in life when someone reached out and welcomed you. What key points stand out? Consider any opportunities you have today to do this for another.
Pray: Is there a rift in your life that calls for healing and unity? Ask the Lord for grace and mercy to make it happen.
Serve: What is one thing you can do this week to be “part of the solution” in fostering unity in your life?
Fr. Andrew’s Homily Podcast
The Scripture readings this week are filled with an uplifting message: we are invited to be part of the Lord’s family of faith. Check out some high points from the readings:
Consider some points that follow from these incredible readings:
If this unity is thus part of the reality of our Family of Faith, perhaps now is a good time to practice this unity here on earth? Perhaps today we can cross the boundaries and divisions that keep us from one another as we continue to share the Good News in our words and actions?
As disciples we have been given an example of unity; our lives today provide plenty of opportunities to foster it. May the grace of Easter inspire us to be a light to one another, after all – we are members of a vast and diverse family!
Fr. Andrew’s 3rd Sunday of Easter Homily Podcast
Following the Lord does not mean that life is easy; rather, our faith gives us a strength to face the obstacles of life with the power of Christ’s love.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast – Friday of the 2nd Week of Easter
Some 1st graders from Cathedral School share their thoughts on the Gospel reading today!
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast – Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter
Empowered by the Holy Spirit and filled with the love of the Risen Christ, the disciples continue to proclaim the Good News in the face of open hostility. May we take their example to heart as we draw near to the Lord for the grace we need to confront the challenges and obstacles of daily life.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast – Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Easter
The Apostles continue to preach the message of Christ in the context of persecution. They are freed from fear! How is this possible? Where do they get their strength? The Gospel answer: the Love of Christ poured out through his Death and Resurrection has transformed them. May the Lord’s love cast out our fears as well.
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Head of Christ, Richard Hook.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily – Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Easter
The reading from the Acts of the Apostles reveals the unity of “one heart and mind” that the early Church practiced in the days following the Lord’s resurrection. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the first followers of Jesus Christ shared their goods in common, worked together, and dedicated their efforts to building up one another. What a great image for us to keep before us in our lives today!
Study: Reflect on an experience where your faith got you through a difficult time. What (or who) in particular helped you?
Pray: Offer up the needs of loved ones who are experiencing tough times right now. Pray for them!
Serve: Is there a way that you can offer fellowship or support for someone struggling? How can you lighten their load?
Fr. Andrew’s Homily Podcast
The power of Easter shines through the Scripture readings this week:
The disciples, freed from fear, now boldly proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. In fact, they wear their hardships like badges of honor – “rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.” (Acts 5:41)
A key point emerges: being a Christian does not mean that life will be easy. On the contrary! Striving to live in a manner worthy of Christ means that we will stand out and at times face hostility because we seek to live a Godly life. At times we will encounter obstacles, setbacks, personal failures, and perhaps even ridicule – yet even in our weaknesses and failures we draw on the strength of the Lord for grace, mercy, and life.
This strength is highlighted in the encounter between Jesus and Peter, which takes place on the shore of the Sea of Galilee after the resurrection. Peter has to face the Lord (the one he betrayed three times) and confront his own personal failure as he meets his friend and Savior. Coming to Jesus (who knows his heart) Peter admits his inadequacy even as he affirms his love for the Lord.
These readings give us hope! In tough times or smooth sailing, we turn (and return) to Christ for the wisdom and guidance we need. And if we fail, we fall facing Jesus, who will lift us back up with a grace and strength to help us in our adversity – asking only that we renew our love for the one who died and rose for our salvation.
The Scriptures this week reveal two key aspects of the Disciples’ lives:
Simply put, they have become Living Gospels – receiving the Risen Lord so that they might boldly share their faith with others. In just the same way, may we receive Christ – in Sacrament, Scripture, Fellowship and Prayer – so that we can give the love of Christ to those we meet.
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 