This homily was part of a Communal Penance Service at the Cathedral on November 29, 2022. Reflecting on the Parable of the Lost Son, we take time this Advent to “Come to our senses” and return to the Lord.
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Category Archives: Retreats/Reflections
The power of the Eucharist in the modern world. Catholic Inspiration
The sixth and final installment about the Eucharist examines the “Road to Emmaus” from the Gospel of Luke as a model for understanding how the Mass can powerfully impact our spiritual lives in the modern world.
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Eucharistic Adoration. Catholic Inspiration
In this fifth installment of a six part series on the Mass, we explore the powerful prayer of Eucharistic Adoration.
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Getting the most out of Mass. Catholic Inspiration
This presentation offers a number of practical tips for people of all ages to experience more fully the power and grace of the Eucharist.
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Study, Pray, Serve: 4th Sunday of Lent
Let’s explore some of the major themes in the readings for the 4th Sunday of Lent.
1st Reading – Joshua 5:9a,10-12
- The people of Israel no longer eat manna; they now eat the produce of the land of Canaan.
- This marks a new transition as the the Lord has “removed the reproach of Egypt” from them.
Psalm – 34:2-7
- “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.”
- The Lord, who brings blessings and deliverance, is the source of our hope and joy.
2nd Reading – 2nd Corinthians 5:17-21
- Whoever is in Christ is a new creation.
- As ambassadors for Christ we are given the ministry of reconciliation with one another.
Gospel – Luke 15:1-3,11-32
- The parable of the Prodigal Son reveals God’s goodness, patience, and desire for our reconciliation.
- The Father reaches out to both his wayward younger son and his angry, stubborn older son.
Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Lent
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Note: These are the readings for “Year C” in the Lectionary for Mass. On the 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays of Lent, parishes may use the “Year A” readings at Masses that include members of the RCIA process.
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How posture shapes our prayer at Mass. Catholic Inspiration
For some people, going to Mass can seem like a “Catholic workout” of genuflect-stand-sit-kneel…repeat, repeat. Yet these postures all have a crucial part to play in our prayer as they form our faith. In this third of six presentations on the Eucharist, we discover how different postures enhance the depth and power of the sacraments.
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The structure and flow of the Mass. Catholic Inspiration
In this second of six presentations we hear about some of the key elements that have been a part of the Mass from the very beginning of the Church, in particular the reading of Sacred Scripture and the elements of bread and wine that become the Body and Blood of Christ.
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The Mass: Why we do what we do. Catholic Inspiration
In this first of six presentations we explore how the Lord Jesus defines the Eucharist as his Body and Blood and commands his disciples to receive it. May we renew our commitment to Christ and draw near to the altar to receive this awesome sacrament.
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Getting our heads and our hearts ready for Lent. Catholic Inspiration
We have some time to reflect on what we will do to enter into the spiritual powerhouse of Lent. This presentation offers some practical and classic concepts that can be applied to the unique circumstances of our lives. May we call upon Heaven for help as we prepare for this season of grace!
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Christmas Reflection. Catholic Inspiration
Why is Christmas so important? Fr. Andrew offers a short reflection on why we cherish this Holy Season.
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Three Great Things 