The Lord reminds us that when our actions serve God we build our lives on solid rock that can withstand the storms of life. Today we look at what we do and determine how we can offer our lives to Jesus Christ.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 1st Week of Advent (St. Ambrose)
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The readings describe the abundance and richness of God’s feast which nourishes the body, mind, heart and soul. Our daily need for food underscores our fundamental need for the Lord; may we today reflect on what we need and call upon Jesus with confidence.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of 1st Advent (St. Nicholas)
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Jesus rejoices in the Holy Spirit, and Isaiah’s prophecy reveals uplifting qualities about the Savior…qualities that offer us an example as we live our lives for the Lord.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 1st Week of Advent
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Study: Reflect on an experience where you were able to act in a strong and powerful way. How did you prepare for this work?
Pray: Do you see an obstacle in your life that is keeping you from the Lord or another person? Pray for the grace to prepare the way.
Serve: How can you assist someone who is working on a difficult task right now?
Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of Advent
This week we hear about John the Baptist who embodies the great call of Isaiah the prophet to “prepare the way of the Lord.” John heralds the coming of the Messiah, urging us to change our ways and prepare our hearts. Here’s a quick recap:
The stirring quality of these readings prompts us to respond decisively. God calls us to action! God comes with power! The urgency underscored in these readings today emphasizes that eternal life is at stake; what we do here on earth leads to repercussions in Heaven.
Yet we also know that careful planning frequently precedes bold action. As we follow Christ we take the time that Advent offers to reflect on how the Lord is speaking to our lives. We pause in this season because there are critical times in life that demand stillness, silence, reflection and thoughtful attention. Simply put, we slow down with the Lord so that we are ready to speed up when life switches gears.
What is God doing in our lives today? What needs preparation? How is the Lord working in and through our hearts?
Take this week and perform a simple internal spiritual inventory. Consider this one question – If God called you home tonight, would you be ready? If the answer is yes, then we live our faith with eagerness and zeal. If the answer is no, then we take time to prepare the way for the Lord.
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There are many ways to get ready for Advent, but one place to begin is at home. Consider entering into this holy season by examining where you live and determining if it is ready for Jesus Christ.
Mass Readings – 1st Sunday of Advent
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The Lord calls us to be vigilant – against drowsiness, anxiety, and drunkenness – as we pray for the strength to face our challenges in this life. For always remember: one day we will stand before the Son of Man.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 34th Week of the Year
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The prophet Daniel speaks of the Lord’s everlasting dominion, and Jesus affirms that his words are everlasting. In the midst of the distractions and frantic pace of life, may we remember the permanence and strength we receive when we join our hearts to Christ.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 34th Week of the Year
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The Lord calls Peter, Andrew, James and John by name to carry out a specific task: invite others to follow Jesus Christ. This work continues today, and our invitation is to consider how the Lord calls us to invite others to follow as well.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 34th Week of the Year (St. Andrew)
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The Lord speaks bluntly to the disciples, saying that many who follow him will suffer persecution. Yet as we persevere in faith we are reminded that God will give us what we need to keep going.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 34th Week of the Year
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“When will it end?” This common question has been with humanity since the dawn of time. When people ask Jesus, the Lord responds with two simple points of common sense:
Thus, we live each day as the precious gift it is, ready at a moment’s notice to step from this life to the next.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 34th Week of the Year
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Photo Credit: Sunshine, 2007.
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 