Category Archives: Podcast

Study, Pray, Serve: 22nd Sunday of the Year

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Here are some of the central themes in the Mass readings for the 22nd Sunday of the Year.

1st Reading – Jeremiah 20:7-9

  • Jeremiah is duped by the Lord, who overwhelms the prophet with a message for the people which often causes him derision and reproach.
  • Even though Jeremiah attempts to avoid his calling, God’s word is burning within him, and he must cry out.

Psalm – 63:2-6,8-9

  • “My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.”
  • Our soul sees God’s goodness, and we long to give praise and blessing to the Lord who upholds us.

2nd Reading – Romans 12:1-2

  • Paul urges us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.
  • Rather than conform to this age, we are called to be transformed by the renewal of our mind to the will of God.

Gospel – Matthew 16:21-27

  • Jesus speaks about his coming Passion, and then he rebukes Peter for attempting to avoid it.
  • The Lord then teaches that anyone who wishes to come after him must take up his cross and follow.

Mass Readings – 22nd Sunday of the Year

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


21st Sunday of the Year: We have been given the keys of faith. Catholic Inspiration

Following his profession of faith, Peter is given a new name, authority, and keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. May we accept the keys of faith that we have received from the Lord and use them wisely for the glory of God.

Mass Readings – 21st Sunday of the Year

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. Monica, pray for us!


Daily Mass: The Lord teaches us to serve one another with humility. Catholic Inspiration

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The Lord takes a teachable moment to direct his disciples to seek greatness through the service of others with a humble heart.

Mass Readings – Saturday of the 20th Week of the Year

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Daily Mass: Jesus teaches the Greatest Commandments. Catholic Inspiration

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When tested by a scholar of the law, Jesus quotes Scripture and offers two Commandments as a summary of all the rest. Our task? To love the Lord and one another!

Mass Readings – Friday of the 20th Week of the Year

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. Louis of France and St. Joseph Calasanz, pray for us!


Daily Mass: The Lord knows our hearts. Catholic Inspiration

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Nathanael is brought to Jesus, and through the discussion he acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God. 

Mass Readings – St. Bartholomew, Apostle

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. Bartholomew, pray for us!


Daily Mass: God’s generous grace. Catholic Inspiration

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Jesus offers a parable to illustrate God’s generous grace in our lives.

Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 20th Week of the Year

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. Rose of Lima, pray for us!


Daily Mass: God guides our use of wealth in the world. Catholic Inspiration

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The Lord teaches a tough message, that “it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.”  Yet when we focus on our faith in Christ, God makes it possible for us to use the gifts of wealth and power as wise stewards who promote the Good News in the world.

Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 20th Week of the Year

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray for us!


Daily Mass: The cycle of grace in the midst of our sins. Catholic Inspiration

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The Book of Judges outlines an emerging pattern in the children of Israel. For a time they draw close to the Lord, and then they fall away into temptation. Yet through it all the Lord continues to be present, raising up judges to guide the people into right relationship with God.

Mass Readings – Monday of the 20th Week of the Year

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. Pius X, pray for us!


Study, Pray, Serve: 21st Sunday of the Year

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Let’s explore some of the themes in the Mass readings for the 21st Sunday of the Year.

1st Reading – Isaiah 22:19-23

  • Shebna, master of the palace, will be cast out of office.
  • Eliakim, a servant of God, will be clothed with Shebna’s authority and given the key of the House of David to open and shut.

Psalm – 138:1-3,6,8

  • “Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.”
  • In the sight of the angels we give thanks and sing praise to God who endures forever.

2nd Reading – Romans 11:33-36

  • God’s wisdom and knowledge are deep riches that cannot be repaid.
  • God’s judgments are inscrutable; glory to God forever!

Gospel – Matthew 16:13-20

  • Peter tells Jesus that he is “the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
  • Jesus affirms that this insight is a gift from God, and he shows how Peter is the “rock” upon which the Lord will build the Church.
  • Peter is entrusted with the authority of the keys to the kingdom of heaven to bind and loose in heaven and on earth.

Mass Readings – 21st Sunday of the Year

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


20th Sunday of the Year: We are part of a vast family of faith. Catholic Inspiration

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The readings on this 20th Week of the Year reveal God’s providence to foreigners, Gentiles, and people of different cultural, linguistic, and ethnic backgrounds. As members of this vast family, may we foster ties of community and friendship as we shine with the light of faith in the world.

Mass Readings – 20th Sunday of the Year

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Catholic Inspiration Archives