Category Archives: Feasts & Solemnities

Study, Pray, Serve: The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

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Let’s examine some of the themes that surface in the Mass readings for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ – Corpus Christi.

1st Reading – Exodus 24:3-8

  • The people affirm that they will do everything that the Lord has told them through Moses.
  • Moses then offers a blood sacrifice and enters the people into a covenant with God.

Psalm – 116:12-13,15-18

  • “I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord.”
  • We pledge our service and sacrifice to the Lord, who has done good things for us.

2nd Reading – Hebrews 9:11-15

  • Jesus Christ is our great high priest, who offers the unblemished sacrifice of his blood.
  • As mediator of the new covenant, Christ has delivered us from death with the promise of eternal life.

Gospel – Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

  • Jesus directs his disciples to prepare the place for the Passover supper.
  • The Lord blesses bread and wine, defines it as his body and blood, and commands them to take it in his memory.

Mass Readings – Corpus Christi (#168)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


The Most Holy Trinity invites us into a communion of faith. Catholic Inspiration

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Paul’s Letter to the Romans reveals how we are adopted into the life of the Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, forging a communion here on earth that prepares us for the Communion of Saints in Heaven.

Mass Readings – The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity (#165)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. Catholic Inspiration

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The words of Jesus to John the beloved disciple apply to us as well: “Behold your Mother.”

Mass Readings – Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church (#572)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

Holy Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us!


Study, Pray, Serve: The Most Holy Trinity.

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Here are some of the themes that we find in the Mass readings for the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity.

1st Reading – Deuteronomy 4:32-34-39-40

  • Moses reminds the people of God’s grandeur, power and might when they were in Egypt.
  • The people fix in their hearts the Lord’s statutes and commandments, so that they will prosper and have long life in the land.

Psalm – 33:4-6,9,18-20,22

  • “Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.”
  • We wait for the Lord, whose word is upright, just, and trustworthy.

2nd Reading – Romans 8:14-17

  • Those who are led by the Spirit are children of God by adoption.
  • The Spirit bears witness to this relationship, and we are glorified through our suffering with Christ.

Gospel – Matthew 28:16-20

  • After the resurrection, Jesus gathers the eleven disciples, some of whom are still doubting.
  • He sends them on a great commission to baptize and teach in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Mass Readings – The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity (#165)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Pentecost: Come Holy Spirit! Catholic Inspiration

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May the power of the Holy Spirit fill our hearts, casting out fear and strengthening us to face the trials of life. Come Holy Spirit!

Mass Readings – Pentecost (#62,#63)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Study, Pray, Serve: Pentecost

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There are MANY choices for Mass readings on the feast of Pentecost, so let’s focus on the themes we find in the Gospel options.

Vigil Mass: John 7:37-39

  • Jesus quotes the prophet Isaiah, saying that he satisfies the thirsty with living water.
  • His disciples later understand that this refers to the gift of the Holy Spirit after the Lord is glorified.

Mass during the Day: John 20:19-23

  • Jesus appears to the disciples after his resurrection saying, “Peace be with you.”
  • The Lord then breathes on them saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

Mass during the Day (2nd Option): John 15:26-27; 16:12-15

  • Jesus tells his disciples that he will ask the Father to send the Advocate, the Spirit of truth.
  • The Spirit will guide the disciples in truth and glorify Christ.

Mass Readings – Pentecost (#62, #63)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Ascension of the Lord. Catholic Inspiration

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The Lord’s Ascension marks the transition as the disciples begin to do the ministry that Jesus had modeled and empowered them to do.

Mass Readings – Ascension of the Lord (#58)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Study, Pray, Serve: Ascension of the Lord

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Here are some of the themes that we discover in the Mass readings for the Ascension of the Lord.

1st Reading – Acts of the Apostles 1:1-11

  • Beginning where the Gospel of Luke ended, Acts describes how Jesus was present to the disciples for forty days after his resurrection.
  • Promising the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus commands the disciples to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth as he is lifted up into heaven.

Psalm – 47:2-3,6-9

  • “God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.”
  • The people rejoice and sing as God rules over all the nations from his throne in heaven.

2nd Reading – Ephesians 1:17-23

  • We seek the Spirit of wisdom and enlightenment to understand all that God has revealed through Jesus Christ.
  • From the time of his earthly ministry, through his death, resurrection and ascension, all power has been given to Christ over all of creation.

2nd Reading – Ephesians 4:1-13 (2nd Option)

  • We are urged to live with humility, gentleness, patience, peace, and love as we strive to unite in one body and one Spirit
  • There are many different gifts and callings, and all are necessary to work together to build up the body of Christ.

Gospel – Mark 16:15-20

  • The risen Lord commands his disciples to go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature, and they will be accompanied by many signs of power.
  • The Lord then ascends into heaven as the disciples go forth and carry out their commission.

Mass Readings – Ascension of the Lord (Year B, #58)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


The Feast of St. Mark, the evangelist. Catholic Inspiration

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The First Letter of Peter offers an exhortation to live the gift of faith with vibrant conviction in the midst of our daily lives.

Mass Readings – Feast of St. Mark, evangelist (#555)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. Mark the Evangelist, pray for us!


The Annunciation of the Lord. Catholic Inspiration

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The angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary inspires us to take to heart God’s saving work and offer our lives for the Lord.

Mass Readings – The Annunciation of the Lord (#545)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives