Yesterday’s celebration of All Saints inspires us today to pray for All Souls. We remember our faithful departed and commend them to the loving mercy of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. On this sober feast we recall that one day we will all make the journey from this life to the next, and we ask God for the grace to carry on.
Mass Readings – The Commemoration of All Souls
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The victory of the Saints stands as a reminder for us. For just as Christ sustained the Saints in their trials, so God will also walk with us. They inspire us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as we encounter the obstacles of life…so that one day we will join their ranks in Heaven.
Mass Readings – The Solemnity of All Saints
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The Last Judgment, Michelangelo, 1536-1541, Sistine Chapel, Rome.
Our Guardian Angels are present to help us face the challenges of this life. May we listen to their guidance and ask for their help in time of need.
Mass Readings – Guardian Angels
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The feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael reminds us that God sends us help and encouragement. May the power of the angels strengthen us on earth until the day when we join them in heaven.
Mass Readings – Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, archangels
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The Lord invites Matthew with a simple invitation, “Follow me.” May his example inspire us to listen to the Lord’s call in our lives and respond with joy.
Mass Readings – St. Matthew, Apostle
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Throughout her life Mary had moments of profound sorrow: the death of the Holy Innocents; the flight into Egypt; relocation to Nazareth; the rejection and betrayal of her Son; his horrific death on the Cross. Yet Mary’s faith in God inspires us to recognize that in these painful moments God is near, offering us the strength we need to carry on.
Mass Readings – Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows
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The crucifixion of Jesus reveals the depth of God’s love as Christ endured suffering and anguish which connects with all aspects of human cruelty, evil and sin. Furthermore, in the light of the Cross we can face the crosses of our own lives with hope: for just as Jesus was victorious over his Cross, the Lord will help us carry our own.
Mass Readings – The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
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On this feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we read in Luke’s Gospel of the birth of Jesus…mindful that if Mary had not been born then God’s plan for our salvation would not have taken place.
Mass Readings – The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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John’s death vividly reveals the potential price tag for our faith. Yet we can find new strength to face the injustices of life through our conviction that we are made for more…in this life and in the life to come.
Mass Readings – The death of John the Baptist
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On this feast of St. Augustine (the patron of my Diocese) we pause to reflect on God’s love for us. God is love, and this love is meant to find a home in our hearts and then flow out into the lives of those we meet.
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