Category Archives: Ordinary Time

16th Sunday of the Year: Shepherds and Sheep. Catholic Inspiration

Photo by Ekrulila on Pexels.com

The time honored words of Psalm 23 have inspired and sustained countless souls throughout salvation history. The images of shepherds and sheep continue to offer insight today as we consider how our faith in Jesus Christ challenges us at times to lead and follow.

Mass Readings – 16th Sunday of the Year

***************


Daily Mass: The departure from Egypt. Catholic Inspiration

Photo by Simon Berger on Pexels.com

As the people of Israel begin their journey out of Egypt they will experience the awkward sense of being unsettled as they make the transition from slavery to freedom. Transitions are part of our experience, and this passage from Exodus invites us to trust in the Lord as we face the uncertainty of life.

Mass Readings – Saturday of the 15th Week of the Year

***************


Daily Mass: The Passover Meal sets the context of the Eucharist. Catholic Inspiration

Today’s reading from Exodus reveals how the Lord directed the Passover Meal to Moses and Aaron. This passage thus establishes the Passover as a central part of Jewish prayer which will ultimately set the context for the Eucharist. It was during a Passover Meal with his disciples that Jesus offers the New Covenant through his Body and Blood…which frees us from the bondage of sin and leads us to eternal life.

Mass Readings – Friday of the 15th Week of the Year

***************


Daily Mass: God speaks to Moses about the promised land. Catholic Inspiration

Photo by Haley Black on Pexels.com

As God speaks to Moses about his task in Egypt, the Lord refers to a land that shall be given to the people of Israel after they have been liberated from slavery…a land flowing of milk and honey.

Mass Readings – Thursday of the 15th Week of the Year

***************


Daily Mass: The burning bush and the call of Moses. Catholic Inspiration

Photo by eberhard grossgasteiger on Pexels.com

Moses stands on holy ground in the sight of the burning bush and has an encounter with God, who commands him to return to Egypt. The awkward response of Moses prompts us to reflect on how we have experienced the Lord in our lives and consider what challenging situations we need to address today.

Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 15th Week of the Year

***************


Daily Mass: Setting the stage for the life of Moses. Catholic Inspiration

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

Todays’ first reading explores the early life of Moses, from his birth to his flight in Midian. The passage also reveals the pattern of conflict that often persists in human life.

Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 15th Week of the Year

***************


Daily Mass: Slavery and Sin in the Book of Exodus. Catholic Inspiration

Photo by lalesh aldarwish on Pexels.com

For the next three weeks we will encounter the key elements that surface from the Book of Exodus, which offers an encounter of freedom from the bondage of slavery that is crucial for both Jewish and Christian prayer.

Mass Readings – Monday of the 15th Week of the Year

***************


Study, Pray, Serve: 16th Sunday of the Year

Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels.com

Here are some of the main themes in the readings on this 16th Sunday of the Year.

1st Reading – Jeremiah 23:1-6

  • Woe to the shepherds that mislead and scatter the flock.
  • God will appoint shepherds who will protect the flock, and none shall be missing.

Psalm – 23:1-6

  • “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.”
  • God guides, protects and leads us to the Lord’s house, our final dwelling.

2nd Reading – Ephesians 2:13-18

  • Christ is our lasting peace, reconciling us to God through the Cross.
  • We are no longer far off, but have now drawn near through the blood of Christ.

Gospel – Mark 6:30-34

  • Having reported all that they have done, Christ invites the apostles to come away and rest.
  • Crowds follow Jesus, and he takes pity on them…for they were like sheep without a shepherd.

Mass Readings – 16th Sunday of the Year

***************


15th Sunday of the Year: We are chosen and sent by God. Catholic Inspiration

Photo by manu mangalassery on Pexels.com

The readings today reveal how God chooses and empowers us so that we might offer our lives for service in the world. Everyday the Lord invites…how will we respond?

Mass Readings – 15th Sunday of the Year

***************


Daily Mass: Do not be afraid! Catholic Inspiration

Photo by Dazzle Jam on Pexels.com

Having warned the Apostles of the cost of discipleship, Jesus urges them to let go of fear and follow in faith. It’s a good reminder for us all!

Mass Readings – Saturday of the 14th Week of the Year

***************