Mass Readings – Saturday of the 23rd Week of the Year (Sts. Cornelius & Cyprian)
Through a series of illustrations Jesus points out that our faith is witnessed through our action. Our words can indicate the state of our hearts, but the actions we carry out reveal the depth of our conviction.
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Mass Readings – Our Lady of Sorrows
Following immediately after yesterday’s Feast of the Holy Cross, the readings today focus on Mary as she endured the “sword of sorrow” as she stood at the Cross of her son. Her sorrow reaches out through time and space to all people who have been overwhelmed by grief. May her example help us to face our moments of pain with a sure and steadfast faith in Jesus Christ.
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The Descent from the Cross, Rogier van der Weyden, 1435, Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid.
Note: This is one of the most moving paintings I have ever stood before.
Mass Readings – Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
How many times throughout our lives have we made the sign of the Cross? Stop and think: at Mass; meal prayers; morning & evening prayers; special gatherings; and moments of blessing and grace. This simple action, which we teach to children at an early age, invokes a connection with the passion of Jesus.
We adorn our homes with the Cross. A crucifix is a common gift to a new home; they are placed in bedrooms and common areas as a reminder that Jesus is the source of our help and strength.
We adorn ourselves with the Cross in many ways: a crucifix on a chain; a cross in our pocket; earrings; rings; bracelets; and all the extra cards, bookmarks, figurines, and miscellaneous items that remind us that Jesus died on a Cross.
The Paschal Mystery – the death and resurrection of Christ – speaks to the heart of our faith. Out of love for us God sent Jesus, who gave his life on the Cross that we might have eternal life. Through his suffering and death, we recognize that God has made a pathway possible that we might all journey through this life to the gates of Heaven.
The Cross teaches us many lessons:
* Life is difficult, and at times painful
* Weakness and sin are part of our experience
* God identifies with our pain
* God dies that we might have life
At the core of our teaching the Cross stands as the testament of God’s love for us. On one hand the Cross is an embarrassment – after all, why would God (all powerful, all knowing, supreme) choose to be humiliated? Does that not mean that God is weak? Why could God not take away our sins in a way that showed majesty and splendor?
Yet on the other hand, the Cross is a statement that God meets us where we are in life. In our weakness, in our humiliation, in our low moments of doubt and sin God comes to us. Jesus, like us in every way but sin, understands our pain because through his Cross he shares in the suffering of the world. He knows us, and loves us even more.
Every time we make the sign of the Cross may we recall what the Lord endured for us. May the Cross be our strength as we trust in God’s love, and may we seek to follow that love as we journey through this life toward the world to come.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 23rd Week of the Year (St. John Chrysostom)
Jesus offers a series of blessings and woes, reminding us that when we are united to the Lord we are blessed…and when we drift off on our own we find ourselves in a bad place.
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Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 23rd Sunday of the Year
Jesus calls by name the Twelve Apostles from the disciples who followed him. Chosen by him, they have work to do…reminding us today that the Lord continues to call people to carry on the Lord’s saving work through the mission of the Church.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – 23rd Sunday of the Year
One of the hardest things about the Christian faith is the giving and receiving of a tough message, the kind of message that hits our hearts and requires us to grow as children of God. Whether it’s something that needs to be said or something that needs to be heard, may we call upon the Lord for the courage we need to let the message of Jesus Christ speak to our souls.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 22nd Week of the Year (St. Peter Claver)
When confronted by the pharisees about his disciples violation of the Law, Jesus cites David and his own authority over the Sabbath. Recognizing Christ as the Lord of our lives, we are inspired to put Christ at the center of everything we do as we offer our lives for him.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Photo Credit: Jesus of Nazareth, 1977.
Mass Readings – The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Church celebrates the birth of Mary out of gratitude for her cooperation with God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. As we remember the Mother of God today, may we continue to open our hearts – cooperating with God’s plan for our lives as the Lord’s disciples.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 22nd Week of the Year
When Jesus steps into the boat he changes Peter’s life forever. As the Lord teaches the crowds and invites Peter to abandon fear and follow him, we find that Christ continues to do the same in our lives, reaching out to us and welcoming us into a life of faith.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
What’s your treasure? What’s so important to you that you will make sacrifices, work hard and dedicate your life to make it happen? A new school year offers the chance for students of all ages to grow in mind and heart!
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 