The Light of Christ is like a lamp – meant to be set forth to give light to all. St. Thomas Aquinas, through his study and prayer, sought the Divine Light, and he offers us an example to follow today.
Category Archives: Feasts & Solemnities
Daily Mass: Timothy & Titus. Catholic Inspiration
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast – the Feast of Sts. Timothy & Titus
We pass on the faith that was handed to us. Like Saints Timothy & Titus, we are part of a vast chain of disciples – sharing the faith we have received so that the Good News of Jesus Christ may continue to touch hearts in our world today.
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The Baptism of the Lord. Catholic Inspiration
Fr. Andrew’s Baptism of the Lord reflection with his nieces and nephews
The baptism of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke today invites us to consider how our own baptism ignites the fire of faith in our lives. Each day we have unique opportunities to share the gift of grace that comes from our own baptism – extending the light and love of Christ in our world.
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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?
The Baptism of the Lord Readings
Fr. Andrew’s Homily Podcast
A few days 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 type this post 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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Bautismo de Cristo, Juan Fernandez Nararrete; circa 1567, The Prado, Madrid, Spain.
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Holy Day: Mary, the Mother of God. Catholic Inspiration
Fr. Andrew’s Holy Day Homily Podcast
Mary’s title “Mother of God” began when she said “yes” to the Angel Gabriel. Chosen by the Father, she bore her Son who would be the bridge between Heaven and Earth…to save and set us free. Thus, Mary was the instrument by which the Son of God came into the world.
Which is another way of saying that God works through people. God chooses the unlikely to do amazing things…with the Lord’s help.
Mary offers us an example about how we can cooperate with God’s grace. When we say “yes” to the Lord new possibilities arise. As we embark on this New Year may we be open to the Lord’s call in our lives and allow Christ to work through us to proclaim Good News in the world.
A blessed 2016 to you all!
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The Epiphany of the Lord – Light & Sight
Study: Reflect on a time when you clearly experienced God’s presence in your life. How were you guided?
Pray: Is there a challenging task confronting you today? Ask the Lord for the Light to find your way.
Serve: How can you be a Light for others? How can your life help others to see clearly?
The Epiphany of the Lord Readings
Fr. Andrew’s Homily Podcast
The Magi were guided by a star to Jerusalem. They were led by its light, and along the way inquired among the people where they might find the king and were thus directed to Bethlehem. I am struck by the two complementary components that were necessary for their journey: Light & Sight.
- Light: the star that blazed in the sky for all to see
- Sight: the effort of the Magi to use the Light to find their way.
Without light, sight is impossible. Without sight, the light is wasted. Many people saw the light of the star, but the Magi acted on it – seeking through a long journey to find the King of Kings.
God’s light continues to shine in our world today. Do we open our eyes and see with the gift of faith the wonders that the Lord sets before us? Make no mistake: we believe that Christ is present in the Eucharist, the Scriptures, and our fellowship “where two or three are gathered” in his name.
We are invited to follow the example of the Magi and seek the Lord in our lives – using our senses and resources to respond to the blessings we have have received. May we use our Sight to follow the Light!
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The Holy Family – Catholic Inspiration
Fr. Andrew’s Holy Family Homily Podcast
The Holy Family had its mix of blessings and burdens – just like every family. Yet through their struggles God was with them, guiding and guarded them in Faith, Hope, and Love…and the Lord will do the same for our families as well.
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The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
Study: What are some of the blessings you find in your family? How has your family helped you to grow?
Pray: Who in your family could use a prayer right now? Take time to pray.
Serve: Is anyone in the family struggling? How can you help?
Family. That group of people we did not pick (God did) who are with us throughout the course of our lives. Some people come from big families, others are tiny. Every family has history, blessings, struggles, and unique qualities. Parts of family life are messy – parts are bliss.
The same is true for the Holy Family. A close reading of the scriptures shows the following:
- Homeless, yet visited by Angels, Shepherds, and Wise Men
- Persecuted, yet guided by the Angel Gabriel
- Frantic with a lost child (3 Days!), yet amazed by his discovery in the Temple
- Touched by sorrow and death, yet blessed with Love, Joy, and Peace
And God was with them. Good times and bad, they carried on with the strength of the Heavenly Father who bestowed on them their Son.
May we do the same. In the ups and downs of our families we renew ourselves in the Lord (who really does understand family life) and trust that Christ will guide us in love.
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Holy Family, Matthias Stom. Circa 1640; oil on canvas; 945mm x 1245mm; Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya; Barcelona, Spain.
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Daily Mass: Thanksgiving Day. Catholic Inspiration
Fr. Andrew’s Thanksgiving Day Mass Homily Podcast
What are you thankful for today? When you count your blessings what comes to mind? Gratitude is a powerful antidote for many spiritual sicknesses. Take a moment today and consider the ways your life has been graced by God!
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Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe
Study: Recall a time when you carried out a difficult command. What gave you strength?
Pray: Is there a difficult situation facing you right now? Draw near to Christ in the Eucharist for wisdom and courage.
Serve: Actions speak louder than words…so how can your actions today show others that Christ is your King?
Readings for the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe
We conclude the Church’s liturgical calendar with this Feast in honor of our Lord. The title is one that speaks to a role that appears in history, literature, and culture: the KING.
Here are some common key points to remember:
- The King is recognized as ruler
- The King’s power is acknowledged
- The King’s decrees are to be obeyed
Sounds simple, right? So how do we apply these concepts to Jesus? Consider this:
- If Christ is the ruler of my life, then all my words and actions must align with Him.
- I turn to Christ for strength in my moments of powerlessness.
- I act on Christ’s commands, obeying His teaching and precepts.
Practically, I suggest that we focus this week on three key commandments that Christ gave us:
- Forgive one another. Reread chapter 18 in Matthew’s gospel for a review.
- Come to Mass. Check out chapter 6 in John’s gospel, or Mt. 26:26-28.
- Love one another. Try John 15:12-17 for a refresher!
Remember: the King commands us to forgive, receive Him in the Eucharist, and love one another. These are not suggestions, or helpful hints when we have free time! These are commands…and as we acknowledge that Jesus is our King we also know that we can draw near to the Lord for the strength and wisdom we need to carry them out.
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This icon of Christ Pantocrator is on loan to the Cathedral of Christ the King from Fr. Andrew Ricci. “Pantocrator” may be literally translated into “Ruler of All” or “Almighty” and it is an ancient way of depicting Jesus.
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks- Daily Mass: The stage is set for Holy Week
- Lenten Bootcamp: 6th Night - A regular review of our spiritual lives
- Daily Mass: Jesus Christ is our life
- Daily Mass: In my distress I called upon the Lord, and he heard my voice
- Daily Mass: The Annunciation reveals the power of the Good News in our world
- Daily Mass: Jesus Christ is the great I AM
- Study, Pray, Serve: Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion
- Daily Mass: Jesus teaches a lesson about mercy
- 5th Sunday of Lent: Jesus wept
- Daily Mass: Faith in the midst of division and unrest
Three Great Things 