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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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
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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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – 3rd Sunday of Easter
On the road to Emmaus two disciples encountered Jesus as he explained the Scriptures and broke the bread. These two elements – Scripture and Sacrament – are the core of every Mass. As Christians have been nourished by the Eucharist from that very first Easter, may we continue to grow in grace every time we encounter the Lord in the breaking of the bread.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 2nd Week of Easter
The Lord’s words to the disciples to “do not be afraid” speak to us today. May we face our fears with God’s grace as we respond with faith in Jesus Christ.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
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Christ Walking on the Water, Julius Von Klever.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 2nd Week of Easter
The Lord feeds the 5000 and sustains them body and soul. This strength will empower the disciples to face their difficulties with joy, reminding us that every time we receive the Eucharist we are fed by the Lord.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 2nd Week of Easter
Filled with the Holy Spirit, the disciples boldly proclaim the Good News in the face of opposition…inviting us to call upon the Spirit to strengthen us in our moments of difficulty.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Easter
“God so loved the world…” These words remind us that Christ comes to us in love, transforming our lives and empowering us to go forth with God’s grace to share this love with those around us.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
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Photo credit: The Passion of the Christ, 2004.
Mass Readings – The Feast of St. Mark, Evangelist
In the Gospel of Mark the Lord says, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” As we celebrate the Feast of St. Mark today, may our lives offer a living witness to the Good News as we share our faith with those around us.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Study: Where do you find your faith renewed? What activities build up your relationship with the Lord?
Pray: Is there someone in your life who is searching for God? Pray that the Lord gives you guidance to say and do what is helpful.
Serve: Is there a situation or activity where your time and talent can help others grow closer to the Lord? How can you get involved?
Mass Readings – 3rd Sunday of Easter
The readings this week are filled with power and zeal. The resurrection of Jesus inspires the early Church, and their encounter with the Risen Lord in the breaking of the bread testifies to the enduring grace we receive every time we come to Mass. Take a look:
A pattern emerges: an encounter with the Risen Lord changes our lives in dynamic and life-giving ways. Peter is no longer timid or afraid to stand up for Christ; Christians conduct themselves with faith and hope; the disciples have their minds opened and hearts burning as Jesus is present to them in the breaking of the bread.
It is the depth of this change that bears close inspection. These people are renewed and empowered with a strength and conviction that can inspire us today. They burn with the flame of faith, and through the example and witness of their lives the Gospel message will spread like wildfire.
This is our task today. As we look to the early Church, we acknowledge that NOTHING was easy for them. Their trust in God put them in the path of tremendous obstacles, trials and persecutions. And yet with God’s grace their triumphed…and we can, too.
I’d like to suggest a simple two-step process:
The first question requires us to pause and reflect on the prayers, sacraments, fellowship and other life-giving activities that renew our hearts. The second question challenges us to step out in faith and invite those we know and love to encounter the Risen Lord. May the faith of the early Church inspire us to proclaim the Good News with passion and joy!
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 