Mary’s Magnificat of praise inspires us to live our faith with joy and power as we face all the circumstances of life.
Mass Readings – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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Category Archives: Feasts & Solemnities
Daily Mass: We are called to serve one another. Catholic Inspiration
The Lord reminds us today that if we want to be great in Heaven then we have to serve one another here on earth.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 16th Week of the Year (St. James, apostle)
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Daily Mass: The doubt (and faith) of St. Thomas. Catholic Inspiration
St. Thomas is known for his doubts about the resurrection of Jesus. However, once he saw the Risen Lord he boldly proclaimed “My God and my Lord!” This very real portrait of Thomas inspires us in the midst of our doubts to draw near to Christ and proclaim the Good News in our daily lives.
Mass Readings – St. Thomas, apostle
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St. Peter & St. Paul…pray for us! Catholic Inspiration
These two heavy hitter saints were far from perfect, and yet God worked in and through them to accomplish marvelous deeds. Their example serves as our inspiration: God patiently works with us! As we look to Sts. Peter & Paul may we embrace the gifts of life and faith as we follow Jesus Christ.
Mass Readings – Solemnity of Saints Peter & Paul (Mass of the Day)
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
The Birth of John the Baptist. Catholic Inspiration
John the Baptist offers a strong and potent example of Christian witness for us today. John’s life served as a preparation for the messiah; he recognized the Lord from the very beginning and he embraced God’s call with fierce commitment. Now it’s our turn!
Mass Readings – The Nativity of John the Baptist (Vigil Mass)
Mass Readings – The Nativity of John the Baptist (Mass of the Day)
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
The birth of John the Baptist
Study: Recall a time when you were specifically chosen to carry out an important task. How did you respond?
Pray: Is there a challenge or difficulty facing you right now? Ask the Lord for the grace you need to carry it out.
Serve: Is there someone in your life that is having a tough time? How can your words inspire and encourage?
Mass Readings – The Birth of John the Baptist
John the Baptist is a powerful prophet, calling the people to repentance and directing them to Jesus. Let’s start with an overview of the readings this week:
- 1st Reading – Isaiah recognizes how he was called from the womb to serve the Lord
- Psalm – “I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.”
- 2nd Reading – St. Paul speaks about how John was the herald for Jesus
- Gospel – We hear about John’s birth and how Elizabeth names him
While I have always been fascinated by this fiery prophet, I sheepishly wonder if I would want to be in deep conversation with him for very long! John conveys an urgent and intense conviction – now is the time for repentance – and I have always imagined that he would have the ability to look right through a person into the heart.
Yet this is exactly the instrument that was needed to prepare the way for Jesus. Chosen by God, John’s birth, life, ministry and death all serve as a crucial preliminary step for people to encounter the mission of Christ. John blazes the trail; Jesus leads people along the way.
John’s birth also teaches us that just as John was prepared for a specific mission, so we are also called by God to offer our lives in the world. As sons and daughters of the Lord, our lives are a blessing that is meant to be shared. We have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and now we have work to do that falls to our particular situation in life.
How are you being called to offer your life today? How do you see the Lord at work in your words and actions? May the example of John strengthen our resolve to share the gift of our lives!
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Catholic Inspiration
This feast day fosters both personal piety and a communal connection within the Church to Jesus Christ, our savior, redeemer, brother and friend. The Lord offers his heart for the salvation of the world as he gives his life on the Cross. May the love in his heart fill up what is lacking in ours!
Mass Readings – Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
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