Category Archives: Feasts & Solemnities

The Epiphany of the Lord: Receive and reveal the light of Christ! Catholic Inspiration

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On their journey to Bethlehem, the Magi encountered the newborn King and were forever changed through the process of receiving and revealing the light of Christ.

Mass Readings – The Epiphany of the Lord (#20)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

Mary keeps the presence of God before her, reflecting in her heart about her Son, the savior of the world.

Mass Readings – Mary, Mother of God (#18)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!


Study, Pray, Serve: The Epiphany of the Lord

Let’s look at the themes we find in the Mass readings for the Epiphany of the Lord.

1st Reading – Isaiah 60:1-6

  • Jerusalem will rise up and be filled with light as the glory of the Lord shines upon her.
  • The nations shall come to the holy city, bringing wealth and riches to praise God.

Psalm – 72:1-2,7-8,10-13

  • “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”
  • God will endow the king with justice, and the nations of the earth shall serve him.

2nd Reading – Ephesians 3:2-3a,5-6

  • The mystery of God’s revelation has been revealed through the apostles and those filled with the Holy Spirit.
  • The Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, in the promise of faith in Jesus Christ.

Gospel – Matthew 2:1-12

  • The Magi, guided by a star, arrive in Jerusalem and inquire about the newborn king of the Jews.
  • They are told to seek him in Bethlehem, and Herod requests that they inform him when he is found.
  • The Magi find Jesus, offering him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but are warned in a dream not to return to Herod.

Mass Readings – The Epiphany of the Lord (Year ABC, #20)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


The Holy Family: Our families become holy when Christ is in our midst. Catholic Inspiration

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The Holy Family did not have an easy life; however, they were able to face the challenges of life with the grace and strength of Jesus in their midst.

Mass Readings – Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph (#17)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, pray for us!


Daily Mass: When the innocent suffer, we call upon the Lord for the strength we need. Catholic Inspiration

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The massacre of the holy innocents demands that we acknowledge when atrocities occur, we call upon the Lord Jesus who meets us in these horrors and redeems them through his death and resurrection on the Cross.

Mass Readings – The Holy Innocents (#698)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

Holy Innocents of God, pray for us!


Daily Mass: Our lives give witness to Christ. Catholic Inspiration

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The example of John, the beloved disciple who wrote both a Gospel and three letters, inspires us to share our faith with others through the experiences we have seen and heard.

Mass Readings – Feast of St. John, Apostle and evangelist (#697)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. John the Evangelist, pray for us!


Daily Mass: Our strength comes from God in moments of trial. Catholic Inspiration

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The martyrdom of Stephen reveals the cost of discipleship, empowering us to hold on to our faith even when it is unpopular, uncomfortable, and unpleasant.

Mass Readings – St. Stephen, first martyr (#696)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


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

Here are some of the themes that we find in the Mass readings for Feast of the Holy Family.

1st Reading – Sirach 3:2-7,12-14

  • God sets a father and mother in authority and honor over their children.
  • Children revere and care for their parents when they are old, and this kindness will not be forgotten by God.

Psalm – 128:1-5

  • “Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.”
  • Those who follow the Lord will find blessings in family life.

2nd Reading – Colossians 3:12-21

  • As God’s chosen ones, we are called to live virtuously with love and peace in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • This calling is expressed in a concrete way in the relationships that exist in family life.

Gospel – Luke 2:41-52

  • Mary and Joseph find Jesus in the temple after searching for him for three days.
  • As Jesus grew in obedience, wisdom and favor, Mary kept all these things in her heart.

Mass Readings – The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph (Year ABC, #17)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Daily Mass: Mary’s response to Good News. Catholic Inspiration

Mary’s response – both to the angel Gabriel and to Elizbeth – invites us to consider how we embrace the Good News of Jesus Christ in our lives.

Mass Readings – Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (#690A)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us!


The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: God chooses and blesses us to be holy. Catholic Inspiration

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On this feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we recall that God chooses and blesses us to become holy as we draw near to the Lord and one another.

Mass Readings – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (#689)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives