Category Archives: Feasts & Solemnities

Study, Pray, Serve: The Epiphany of the Lord

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Here are some key themes for the readings of the Epiphany of the Lord.

1st Reading – Isaiah 60:1-6

  • Amid the darkness of the world, the light shines upon the people.
  • God is the source of this light, and by it we see the Lord’s glory.

Psalm – 72:1-2,7-8,10-13

  • “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”
  • God is the source of justice, and the Lord will rescue the poor and have pity on the lowly.

2nd Reading – Ephesians 3:2-3a,5-6

  • Jesus Christ is God’s revelation to the world.
  • This revelation is now universal – for both Jews and Gentiles alike.

Gospel – Matthew 2:1-12

  • The Magi travel to Jerusalem and ask, “Where is the newborn king?”
  • King Herod calls the Magi secretly and sends them to Bethlehem to find him.
  • The Magi follow the star and greet the infant Jesus with joy.

Mass Readings – The Epiphany of the Lord

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Catholic Inspiration

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The Gospel of Luke recounts how Jesus is reunited with Mary and Joseph after they searched for three days to find him. May our families also be reunited with the Lord in “his Father’s house” as we encounter Christ in prayer and sacrament.

Mass Readings – Holy Family

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Study, Pray, Serve: The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

There are several options for the Feast of the Holy Family. Here are some key points to consider for your preparation for Mass.

1st Reading – Sirach 3:2-7,12-14

  • This passage is an exhortation regarding family life and relationships.
  • God is the origin of family life, and authentic care within the family gives glory to God.

1st Reading – 1st Samuel 1:20-22,24-28

  • Hannah’s birth of Samuel becomes a model for the birth of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel.
  • Samuel will grow and become a prophet for the nation.

Psalm – 128:1-5

  • “Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.”
  • The psalm speaks of blessings within the context of family life.

Psalm – 84:2-3,5-6,9-10

  • “Blessed are they who dwell in your house, O Lord.”
  • The home becomes a place where God dwells among a family.

2nd Reading – Colossians 3:12-21

  • The first part of the passage offers advice regarding how we interact with one another.
  • The second part of the passage speaks directly to relationships within the family.

2nd Reading – 1st John 3:1-2,21-24

  • We are children of God, configured through our love for Jesus.
  • As disciples of the Lord, we now are called to love one another.

Gospel – Luke 2:41-52

  • After searching for three days, Joseph and Mary discover Jesus in the Temple among the teachers.
  • Jesus, while being obedient to his parents, displays an advanced knowledge and wisdom.

Mass Readings – Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (with all options)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Catholic Inspiration

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There is a sharp contrast between the Book of Genesis and the Gospel of Matthew. Whereas Adam and Eve experience the devastating consequences of sin, Mary embraces the words of the angel Gabriel and accepts God’s plan for salvation history. May her words inspire us to say “Yes!” to the Lord today.

Mass Readings – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. Mary…pray for us!


Daily Mass: The call of St. Andrew the Apostle. Catholic Inspiration

The photo is taken from the Church of St. Andrew – Capri, Italy

As Jesus calls Andrew to follow after him, we are reminded that the Lord’s call echoes in every generation…inviting us to draw near to Christ as we invite others to join us along the way.

Mass Readings – Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. Andrew…pray for us!


Thanksgiving Day

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There are some options for the readings today, but a common theme is appropriate: What are you thankful for today? Start with God…and keep going!

Mass Readings – Thanksgiving Day

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. Catherine of Alexandria…pray for us!


Jesus Christ: Our King who offers his life for his kingdom. Catholic Inspiration

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We claim Jesus Christ as King of the Universe, and this title establishes his reign over our hearts. Yet this king does not come to be served; rather he offers his life that all the inhabitants of his kingdom might have the hope of eternal life. Our response? Let us pledge our lives to our King!

Mass Readings – The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Study, Pray, Serve: Christ the King

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Let’s take a look at some of the main themes from the readings for the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe.

1st Reading – Daniel 7:13-14

  • The Son of Man comes before the Ancient One to receive dominion, glory and kingship.
  • His kingship shall not be destroyed, and all peoples, nations and languages serve him.

Psalm – 93:1-2,5

  • “The Lord is king; he is robed in majesty.”
  • The Lord’s splendor and throne is everlasting; his decrees are worthy of trust.

2nd Reading – Revelation 1:5-8

  • Christ, the faithful witness and firstborn of the dead, loves us and has freed us by his blood.
  • The Lord, who is the Alpha and the Omega, comes with God’s might amid the clouds.

Gospel – John 18:33b-37

  • Pilate questions Jesus to see if he is the King of the Jews.
  • Jesus claims his kingship does not belong to this world, but yes! He is a king!

Mass Readings – The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Daily Mass: You are a temple, and God’s Spirit dwells in you. Catholic Inspiration

On this Feast of the Lateran Basilica – the Cathedral of Rome – we look to St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians for inspiration. As we honor the building that signifies the universal Church, we reaffirm our daily commitment to cleansing the temple of our hearts.

Mass Readings – Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

Holy Mother Church…pray for us!


The Commemoration of all the Faithful Departed…All Souls. Catholic Inspiration

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Today we remember all our beloved dead and we entrust them to the tender care of Christ’s divine mercy. Living and deceased, we are all held in the hands of God, and we pray for the repose of the souls of those who have passed from this life…that they will be united in love with the Lord in Heaven.

Mass Readings – All Souls

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord. Let Perpetual Light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. May their souls and the souls of all the Faithful Departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.