Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday are the “Sacred Triduum” (the three sacred days) found in the heart of Holy Week. These high liturgies set forth the central elements of our faith in Jesus Christ.
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Category Archives: Feasts & Solemnities
Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord. Catholic Inspiration
The angel Gabriel was sent by God to Mary, and the world was forever changed. May this solemnity help us to recognize God’s call for our lives as we offer each day for the Lord.
Mass Readings – Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
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Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle
St. Peter, for all his mistakes and sins, is empowered by Christ with a new name and a commission to lead the Church. May his example inspire us to follow the Lord today with full and open hearts.
Mass Readings – Chair of St. Peter, Apostle
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Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. Catholic Inspiration
Baby Jesus is presented in the temple, evoking words of praised from those who recognize God in human form. Fully human and fully divine, we can draw near to the Lord who becomes like us in all things but sin, even as he frees us from sin and death by his saving action on the Cross.
Mass Readings – Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
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Daily Mass: Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations. Catholic Inspiration
Two of St. Paul’s companions, Timothy and Titus, are remembered today for their witness to Christ as they carried out the Psalm response to “proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.” May we follow their example today!
Mass Readings – Memorial of Saints Timothy and Titus
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Daily Mass: The Conversion of St. Paul. Catholic Inspiration
The conversion of St. Paul inspires us to offer our lives – no matter what mistakes we have made in the past – as we dedicate our words and actions to the proclamation of the Good News.
Mass Readings – The Conversion of St. Paul, Apostle
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The Baptism of the Lord. Catholic Inspiration
The Baptism of the Lord inspires us to claim the gift of our own baptism as we follow Christ and live the gift of life infused with faith.
Mass Readings – Baptism of the Lord
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The Baptism of the Lord
Study: Find out about your baptism. When was it? Who performed it? Who are your Godparents? Who else was present?
Pray: Thank the Lord for the gift of faith to know, love, and serve Jesus Christ.
Serve: How can you live your baptismal call today? How can your faith inspire or assist another?
Mass Readings – The Baptism of the Lord
A few years ago I was having lunch when I ran into Fr. Bob Koszarek, a retired priest from our diocese. When I asked him what brought him out for lunch he said, “I am celebrating the anniversary of my baptism.” The comment struck me, especially when he followed it up with, “Do you know the day of your baptism?”
The answer is no. Yet as I prepare for Mass this week I have made a commitment to find out. We claim (rightly so) that baptism is a crucial sacrament in the Church – the gateway to all other sacraments whereby we are configured to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Most people know if they have been baptized; my sense is that very few know the actual date.
Our faith is a precious gift – worth fighting for, worth dying for. Perhaps today we pause to recall just how precious it truly is…Jesus Christ poured out his blood on the Cross for us that we might have eternal life. His baptism was the revelation of the Trinity, where we hear the Father’s voice from heaven as the Spirit descends upon the Son in the form of a dove. Our baptism allows us to participate fully in God’s presence for the grace and guidance we need.
I invite us today to claim our baptism. Some simple steps:
- Thank the Lord for the gift of faith to know Jesus and live as a Christian disciple
- Embrace your faith through study and prayer
- Serve others in the name of Jesus Christ (and with his help and strength)
- Allow your life to bring Good News to the World
Our baptism is not a one time event. Rather, it is an ongoing expression of Christ working through us. May the Baptism of the Lord inspire us to live our faith with joy as we engage our lives with his power.
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Note: This post was first published on January 4, 2016.
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Epiphany: Shine with the Light of Christ! Catholic Inspiration
The Magi followed the light of the star to encounter the Light of the World as they responded with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. As we are drawn to the Light of Christ and encounter His grace, may we shine with His light for all to see!
Mass Readings – Epiphany of the Lord
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Mary, Mother of God. Catholic Inspiration
“And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” Mary inspires us to follow her example as we reflect on all that has happened in the last year and study these insights in the light of our faith in Christ as we embark on the New Year. Holy Mary, Mother of God…pray for us!
Mass Readings – Mary, Mother of God
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks- Daily Mass: Thomas makes a proclamation of faith in Christ
- Daily Mass: Jesus heals a paralytic
- Daily Mass: The Lord casts out demons with a word of command
- Daily Mass: Faith in the face of fear
- Daily Mass: Peter's profession of faith in Christ
- Study, Pray, Serve: 14th Sunday of the Year
- 13th Sunday of the Year: We die to sin and rise to life with Christ
- Daily Mass: A powerful example of faith
- Daily Mass: The healing touch of Christ
- Daily Mass: Will we build our lives on rock or sand?
Three Great Things 