Category Archives: Podcast

Daily Mass: God Speaks in our Dreams. Catholic Inspiration

Three Great Things

Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast – 18th of December in Advent

God sends the angel Gabriel to speak to Joseph in his dreams – the unguarded place in our mind where our personal walls and fences drop as we sort out problems.  Perhaps like Joseph, we might look for the Lord to speak in our dreams..as we seek new ways to live our faith.

Gods-Dreams (1)


Daily Mass: The Family Tree. Catholic Inspiration

Three Great Things

Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast – December 17th of Advent

Our extended families often have a mix of struggles, blessings, and circumstances.  Jesus is no different, and the Gospel today reminds us that just as God worked through Lord’s extended family he will work through ours.

tree of life


School Mass: A Blessing List. Catholic Inspiration

Three Great Things

Fr. Andrew’s Cathedral School Mass Homily

This time of year we often think of making a “wish list” for Christmas, but this Holy Season provides a wonderful opportunity to make a “blessing list” to remind us of the many ways that God has done good things for us!

Blessing LIst


Daily Mass: Doing the Lord’s Will

Three Great Things

Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily – Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent

A father asks his two sons to do a task:

  • The first said no, but changes his mind and did it
  • The second said yes, but never did it

Which one did the Father’s will?  The one who acted.  May we turn our “no” to God into a “yes” that is seen in our actions.

well-done-is-better-than-well-said-benjamin-franklin-300x300

 


4th Sunday of Advent – Leap for Joy

leap-foro-joy

Study:  Where do you find joy in your life?  How can you foster joy in your heart?

Pray:  Is there something in your heart that is suffering?  Ask the Lord to touch and bless your concerns.

Serve:  How can you bring joy to others?  How can you share Christ’s love with someone in need?

4th Sunday of Advent Readings

Fr. Andrew’s Homily Podcast

The encounter between two pregnant women – Mary & Elizabeth – reveals the Good News of Jesus Christ even while he was still in the womb.  Elizabeth carries her son John, a child blessed to her and her husband Zechariah in their old age.  The infant “leaped for joy” in the womb of his mother Elizabeth when Mary (and Jesus) drew near.

I like the phrase “leaped for joy” on many levels:

  • It flows directly from our notion of the Good News of Christ.
  • It speaks to a deep longing in our hearts.
  • It wakes us up to the power and beauty of life right here and now.
  • It challenges us to reconnect with joy, especially when we feel joyless.

Friends, Christmas is just around the corner…are we ready?  I’m not talking about shopping, travel plans, or food preparation – I’m talking about our hearts.  Are we ready to welcome Jesus Christ into our hearts…with JOY?

It is easy to get caught up in the distractions and stresses of life.  Life carries its own challenges, and if we are struggling with added pressure, worry, anxiety and fear it can seem overwhelming.  Sometimes we can empathize with Ebenezer Scrooge!

Yet the Gospel message transforms the listener.  Christ comes into our world to bridge the gap caused by sin.  We have the promise of new life!  Thus, in the remaining days to Christmas, I suggest the following:

  1. Cultivate gratitude for the blessings of your life.
  2. Take time for daily prayer, and offer your deepest needs to the Lord.
  3. Give yourself permission to savor the beauty and delight of the season.
  4. Make an effort to connect with loved ones…and possibly seek reconciliation with enemies.

When Christmas comes will be able to welcome the Christ child with joy?  May this last week of Advent give us the time and opportunity we need to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord.


Doorways to the Sacred – the Holy Door. Catholic Inspiration

Three Great Things

Fr. Andrew’s Jubilee Year of Mercy – Holy Door Podcast

This 22 minute presentation offers a quick overview of the Holy Door in the Jubilee Year of Mercy.  Here are 4 key points of the presentation:

  1. Old Testament roots of Jubilee
  2. The Catholic Church use of a Jubilee Year
  3. Some thoughts about a Holy Door
  4. Practical application for a pilgrim today

May this Year of Mercy transform us all!

Holy Door


3rd Sunday of Advent – What Should We Do? Catholic Inspiration

Three Great Things

Fr. Andrew’s 3rd Sunday of Advent Homily Podcast

“What should we do?” is an excellent question to keep before us in our daily prayer.  We often know what needs to be done; sometimes it’s just hard to carry out.  But there are also times when we come before the Lord searching for the direction, wisdom, and strength to live our faith with conviction and power.


Daily Mass: Help Wanted! Catholic Inspiration

Three Great Things

Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast (Thursday of the 2nd Week of Advent)

God offers to help us in the first reading today.  Will we accept it?  Will we open the door of our hearts and allow God’s grace inside?  Help Wanted!

Help wanted


Catholic Inspiration is One Year Old!

1st Podaversary I

Fr. Andrew’s Podcast – Catholic Inspiration is 1 Year Old!

I want to say a joyful THANK YOU for all who have downloaded and shared my podcasts this past year!  Here are a few quick facts:

  • One year in operation
  • 133 Podcasts
  • Sunday Masses, Daily Masses, Retreats, and Presentations
  • +21, 800 Downloads

What started initially as just a simple record of homilies has now grown to an average of 2-4 podcasts/week.  I am touched by the response I have received from people across the country, and I am honored to share my ministry here at Cathedral with you.  There is no charge for “Catholic Inspiration” and no requests for donations – this is an extension of my pastoral work here in the Diocese of Superior.

My one request: if you find these podcasts helpful – please share them with your loved ones!  Practically, that means:

  • Share these posts and podcasts with your friends on Facebook or other social media
  • Feel free to tell others who you think would like to follow (that whole “word of mouth” thing)
  • For those of you who use iTunes: go to “Catholic Inspiration” and give me a rating and review!

My only wish is for more people to draw near to Jesus Christ and one another through Study, Prayer, and Service.  May Year Two – which is blessed to coincide with the Year of Mercy – be filled with graces for us all!

1st Podaversary II


Holy Day Mass: Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Catholic Inspiration

Three Great Things

Fr. Andrew’s Homily Podcast – Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Mary, chosen by God to be the mother of the Messiah, inspires us to follow her example and say “May it be done” to what the Lord asks of us today.

Mosaic of BVM