Mass Readings – The Octave of Christmas: Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
Our knowledge of Mary flows from our knowledge of her Son, and her example teaches us how to be living witnesses in the face of adversity as we continue to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world.
Happy New Year!
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast
Mass Readings – The Holy Family
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph helps us see how God works through each of our families. We face our struggles, make sacrifices, support each other, and receive blessings with gratitude…and through it all we grow in grace.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast
Mass Readings – The Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs
Surrounded by the glory of Christmas, we have a chilling reminder of the reason why the Lord came into our world. Fueled by rage, jealousy, and hate, King Herod attempts to kill the Christ Child by having every baby boy under two killed in the region around Bethlehem. The senseless violence strikes a chord in our hearts to protect life, inspiring us to proclaim the Prince of Peace in our world today.
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Photo Credit: La Stampa
Fr. Andrew’s Holy Day Mass Homily
Mass Readings – Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mary’s “yes” to God offers us an example, for as she participated in God’s plan of salvation so we, too, have a daily opportunity to let the Lord’s work be done through our words and actions.
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Madonna and Child with Sts. Mary Magdalene, John the Baptist, Francis of Assisi, Catherine of Alexandria, Cosmas and Damien; Botticelli; 1470; Uffizi; Florence, Italy.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast
Mass Readings – The Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle
The call of St. Andrew reminds us that the Lord continues to invite us to follow him and proclaim the Good News so that others can experience the saving love of Christ.
Note: these pictures were taken in Amalfi on my recent visit in Italy. Andrew is the patron saint of the town and the Cathedral.
Mass Readings – The Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe
He is the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords…and yet he came into our world to teach us about his heavenly Father with compassion and tenderness. May we draw near to his Divine Mercy, and say the words of the Good Thief, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom!”
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Note: this image (above and below) is the great icon of Christ the King located in the main apse of the Cathedral in Superior. The pictures don’t do it justice, so if you are ever near the shores of Lake Superior, come and pray with us and see it for yourself.
Study: Consider a crucial time when you asked and received help. How did it feel?
Pray: Is there anything that is keeping you from receiving God’s grace? Ask the Lord for the courage to ask!
Serve: Do you know someone who is struggling to receive mercy or forgiveness? How can you help them grow in faith?
Mass Readings – The Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe
The Gospel image is both brutal and tender, revealing God’s saving grace and mercy in the midst of the Passion of the Cross. The good thief (who tradition names Dismas) calls upon the Lord saying, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
How these words speak to my heart! In a single phrase the King of Kings and Lord of Lords becomes approachable as Christ bridges Heaven and Earth, crushes Hell and invites us to enter into eternal life: “Today you will be with me in paradise!”
The good thief shows both humility and boldness. He knows his sins, and yet he speaks to the Lord with a gentle conviction, asking for a grace that he cannot achieve on his own. His trust inspires us as we acknowledge our own sins and draw near to the one whose death and resurrection saves and sets us free.
May these words strengthen our faith as we call upon the Lord. May they help us to seek Christ before all else as we repent and call upon God’s grace. May we truly say:
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom!
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast
Mass Readings (Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome)
We recall in the readings about the importance of having holy places to pray, so that we can become a holy people – dedicated to the Lord.
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Today I begin a pilgrimage with 53 others to Italy! During our stay we will be in Florence, Assisi, Sorrento, Pompei, and Rome (where we will pass through all four Holy Doors for the Year of Mercy.) Ciao!
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast
Mass Readings – The Commemoration of All Souls (a selection from the many readings offered)
We remember all the faithful departed today, following the command of Jesus to pray always for one another to God who is Lord of the living and the dead. May they rest in peace.
Fr. Andrew’s Feast of All Saints Homily Podcast – with the kids from Cathedral School
Mass Readings – The Solemnity of All Saints
Young and old, rich and poor, male and female…they faced their challenges in life as they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus Christ and now they pray for us with the choirs of angels in heaven. May the examples of the saints inspire us to lives – in the midst of the messiness and imperfection of life – with hope they we will one day join them!
And here are some Cathedral School 3rd Grade saints in the making…!
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 