St. Paul writes to the people of Corinth that we are servants and stewards. As we care for one another and use the resources we have received, we recognize that one day we will all stand before the Lord for judgment.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 22nd Week of the Year
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It’s a great fishing story: Christ speaks to the people from a boat, directs the nets, catches the fish…and gains new disciples! What’s more, these disciples will grow to become apostles who will continue to the Lord’s work and serve as an example for us today.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 22nd Week of the Year
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As the crowds gather around Jesus we see two central elements of his earthly ministry: healing the sick and driving out demons. The Lord’s work reveals what the demons already know; he is the Christ, the Son of God who has the power to save and set us free.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 22nd Week of the Year
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The Lord teaches with authority and power in the Gospel today. Learning is not just for school; rather, we have lessons to learn throughout life. May we look to the challenges of today and engage our faith with confidence.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 22nd Week of the Year
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Study: Recall a moment when you experienced profound healing. Then consider a time when someone was genuinely hospitable to you.
Pray: Ask the Lord to see others with the eyes of Jesus.
Serve: How can you bring healing to another today? How can you reach out and welcome someone?
Mass Readings – 23rd Sunday of the Year
Two big themes bubble up in the Scriptures this week:
Both of these themes are part of the fabric of human life. We all know firsthand experiences of illness, disease, and discomfort. We know the relief that comes from health, especially after a long period of suffering. Jesus spent a substantial portion of his ministry healing others; indeed, every encounter with the Lord brought about some type of transformative renewal.
Hospitality touches another part of our existence. It is so easy to prejudge one another! Looks, clothing, money, power, success….we can quickly get caught up in externals and fail to recognize the shining soul that dwells in the heart. James (as usual) minces no words here – he speaks bluntly, calling us to treat one another as sons & daughters of God.
Where do you see healing in your life? Where do you see hospitality? Perhaps today we can be agents of both, helping others in moments of weakness and need, and reaching out to all with the love of Christ.
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Note: This post was first published on September 1, 2015
The Lord points out that the spiritual battle happens on the inside – in our hearts – and within this precious real estate we have the opportunity each day to do our part to keep it clean.
Mass Readings – 22nd Sunday of the Year
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The parable today reveals a crucial insight: We will be measured by what we do with what we have. Comparing ourselves with others is often a waste of time; what’s crucial is using what we have been given to the best of our ability.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 21st Week of the Year
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Jesus offers a parable to the disciples about being alert and prepared, reminding us that preparation is a part of our daily life…and reveals our wisdom when we put it into practice.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 21st Week of the Year
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The Lord urges his disciples to be awake and prepared. Every day we have opportunities to stay “spiritually fit” as we call upon God’s grace for the demands we encounter.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 21st Week of the Year
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John’s death vividly reveals the potential price tag for our faith. Yet we can find new strength to face the injustices of life through our conviction that we are made for more…in this life and in the life to come.
Mass Readings – The death of John the Baptist
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