The parable of the sower teaches us of the crucial need to cultivate the garden of our hearts with care and diligence.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the the 3rd Week of the Year
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Category Archives: Ordinary Time
Daily Mass: The Lord considers us part of the family. Catholic Inspiration
The words of Jesus inspire and humble us: “Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.” May our lives be worthy of this high calling!
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 3rd Week of the Year
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3rd Sunday of the Year: We seek unity in Jesus Christ. Catholic Inspiration
We don’t have to look very hard in our world today to see division and dischord tearing at the fabric of our relationships. The same dynamics were happening in the letter to the Corinthians, and St. Paul gives us some practical tips for fostering the hard work of unity in the name of Jesus Christ.
Mass Readings – 3rd Sunday of the Year
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Daily Mass: Called by name. Catholic Inspiration
The call of the Twelve Apostles in the Gospel of Mark reminds us that a call by Christ is personal. The Lord knows our hearts and calls us as unique individuals to offer our lives for particular service in the world.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 2nd Week of the Year
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Daily Mass: Trust in God casts out fear. Catholic Inspiration
The Psalm Response today offers comfort and practical support as we trust in the Lord and reject the temptation to fear.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 2nd Week of the Year
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Daily Mass: David and Goliath. Catholic Inspiration
We all know the story of David and Goliath…it’s one of the first we learn as kids. Yet this classic underdog situation reminds us that with God’s help we can face whatever challenges come our way.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 2nd Week of the Year
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Daily Mass: God sees the heart. Catholic Inspiration
In the exchange between God and Samuel, we hear an important insight: “Not as man sees does God see, because he sees the appearance, but God looks into the heart.” In light of this observation, may we focus on how we look on the inside!
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 2nd Week of the Year
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3rd Sunday of the Year: The Light and the Darkness
Study: When in your life have you experienced moments of darkness? Where did you find the light to guide your way?
Pray: Are you struggling with the darkness today? Pray that the Lord will shine radiant light into your life.
Serve: Do you know someone who seems “in the dark” right now? How can you bring the light of Christ to others?
Mass Readings – 3rd Sunday of the Year
The readings offer several rich themes this week:
- 1st Reading – The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light
- Psalm – “The Lord is my light and my salvation.”
- 2nd Reading – Agree in what you say, and let there be no divisions among you
- Gospel – John the Baptist dies, and Jesus embarks on his public ministry
The 1st reading from the prophet Isaiah, the Psalm, and the Gospel of Matthew all reference light and darkness. The imagery speaks to us on many levels:
- Light is necessary for sight
- Light brings comfort and consolation
- Light is a sign of God’s grace and presence
And yet we know that darkness is also part of our existence. In our modern world we often do all that we can to drive the darkness away, but if you have ever been out in the country (away from all the city lights) you begin to get a sense of what most people were acquainted with through human history.
Things hide in the dark. Crime often occurs in the dark. Fear, anxiety, worry and distress often increase in the darkness. While the darkness is not bad in itself, we often associate it with many challenges and concerns that form the landscape of our our hearts.
Today we hear once again how God’s light casts out all darkness. God’s grace offers us hope, peace, and strength to face the darkness of life with conviction and trust. We know that life is not easy; we face our burdens confident that the Lord will light our way.
Where is the darkness in your life right now? Face it with the light of Jesus Christ! Let the Lord’s light shine in our hearts and lives, offering us the wisdom and direction we need to live our faith today.
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Note: This post was first published on January 16, 2017.
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2nd Sunday of the Year: Here am I Lord, I come to do your will. Catholic Inspiration
Isaiah, Paul and John the Baptist all offered their lives in service for the Lord. As we follow their example, may the words of the Psalmist, “Here am I Lord, I come to do your will” echo in our hearts!
Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of the Year
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Daily Mass: Jesus calls sinners (thank God!) Catholic Inspiration
The call of Levi offers us hope. As Jesus calls and reaches outs to sinners, we know that the Lord lovingly calls us – in spite of our sins – to follow him along the path of new life.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 1st Week of the Year
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks- 25th Sunday of the Year: It's not too late to turn to the Lord!
- Daily Mass: An insight into our temptations
- Daily Mass: What will we offer to the Lord today?
- Daily Mass: We approach Christ in need of mercy and forgiveness
- Daily Mass: We live our faith with zeal and conviction
- Daily Mass: Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows
- Daily Mass: The Exaltation of the Holy Cross of Christ
- Study, Pray, Serve: 25th Sunday of the Year
- 24th Sunday of the Year: It's all about forgiveness
- Daily Mass: The Lord offers two practical spiritual insights
Three Great Things 