The Lord Jesus ascends into heaven, not to distance us from his help, but rather to empower us to grow in grace and stature as we face the challenging transitions of life.
Mass Readings – The Ascension of the Lord
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Category Archives: Feasts & Solemnities
Study, Pray, Serve: The Ascension of the Lord
Here are some of the main themes that we find on the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord.
1st Reading – Acts 1:1-11
- The prologue (v. 1-5) serves as a transition between the Gospel of Luke and Acts, and introduces the coming of the Holy Spirit.
- The Lord then ascends into the sky, having promised the disciples the power of the Holy Spirit.
Psalm – 47:2-3,6-9
- “God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord.”
- All people rejoice and give praise to God, the Most High and great king, who reigns over all the nations.
2nd Reading – Ephesians 1:17-23
- Christ, seated in glory at the right hand of the Father in heaven, reigns over all creation.
- As his disciples, we pray for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, that our hearts will be enlightened as we follow Christ.
Gospel – Matthew 28:16-20
- The Risen Lord greets the Eleven in Galilee; even though they have doubts, they worship Jesus.
- Christ gives them the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Mass Readings – The Ascension of the Lord
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Daily Mass: The faith flourishes through our personal example. Catholic Inspiration
On this Feast of St. Philip and St. James, we hear about the many people who gave personal witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. There example inspires us to seek out ways that we can offer our own individual testimony of the Good News today.
Mass Readings – Feast of Saints Philip and James
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St. Philip and St. James, pray for us!
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The Resurrection of the Lord: Easter Day
There is an intensity in Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John as they run to discover what happened in the early morning hours of the resurrection. As events unfold they will rejoice with exultant faith that Jesus Christ is the Risen Lord!
Mass Readings – The Resurrection of the Lord: Easter Day
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Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil
As we hear the great proclamation of salvation history through the readings of this Easter Vigil, we wait upon the Lord with renewed hope and strength: Christ is alive!
Mass Readings- Holy Saturday at the Easter Vigil
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Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion
We stand before the Cross of Christ and acknowledge the darkness in our hearts. This is what inspired the love of God the Father to send his Son, to shine with heavenly light upon our world and free us from our sins.
Scripture Readings – Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion
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Holy Thursday: The Mass of the Lord’s Supper
We celebrate the gift of the Eucharist that gives us strength to serve the Lord and one another. May the Body of Christ renew our bodies and transform our lives each and every day.
Mass Readings – Holy Thursday, Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper
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Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion: Remembering our story, renewing our faith. Catholic Inspiration
Every year we hear God’s great love story when we recall the Passion of Jesus. Rather than fall into the trap of forgetfulness, we remember what Christ has done for us so that we might be renewed to offer our lives for the Lord.
Mass Readings – Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
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Study, Pray, Serve: Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
Let’s examine some of the major themes that surface in our readings for Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion.
1st Reading – Isaiah 50:4-7
- This passage of the “Suffering Servant” is interpreted by the Church to apply directly to Jesus.
- Note how it is written in the first person, from the Lord’s perspective, and points to the agony of the Passion.
Psalm – 22: 8-9,17-20,23-24
- “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
- This Psalm offers a prophecy that is fulfilled with the Passion of the Lord.
- I strongly suggest that we all read Psalm 22 repeatedly during Holy Week. For although it begins in anguish and suffering, it ends with a resounding praise of the glory of God.
2nd Reading – Philippians 2:6-11
- Jesus humbly “empties himself” and takes on our human form in order to die on the Cross for our sins.
- Because of this sacrifice, Jesus Christ is exalted above all creation, and we acknowledge him as Lord.
Gospel – Matthew 26:14-27:66
- This is the great drama of God’s love for us!
- Do yourself a favor and take time this week to slowly read and reflect on the Passion of our Lord. Seriously, just do it, and offer a prayer of gratitude for the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross.
Mass Readings – Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
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The Annunciation of the Lord: We have Good News! Catholic Inspiration
The Good News of the angel Gabriel to Mary inspires us to live this message of grace in our lives today.
Mass Readings – Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks- Daily Mass: We persevere with the faith of Christ
- Daily Mass: A case of mistaken identity
- Study, Pray, Serve: 6th Sunday of Easter
- 5th Sunday of Easter: Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life
- Daily Mass: Living for the Lord comes with a cost
- Daily Mass: Christ is our way, our truth, and our life
- Daily Mass: Christ fulfills salvation history
- Daily Mass: The power of fasting and prayer
- Daily Mass: We respond to God's presence in our lives
- Daily Mass: Peter explains how the faith extends to the Gentiles
Three Great Things 