Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 31st Week of the Year
Paul reminds us in the Letter to the Romans that the commandment to love our neighbor both sums up and fulfills the law. Now all we have to do is live it each and every day.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 31st Week of the Year
St. Paul teaches that we are part of the Body of Christ, and as members of this body we work with and for one another. What’s more, Jesus explains in a parable that the Kingdom of Heaven is open to many that society might not recognize as belonging to this body.
*************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Study: Consider a moment when you saw someone act in a wise manner. What did you notice?
Pray: Wisdom is a precious gift; pray for it every day!
Serve: How can you help someone facing a tough challenge today? Ask the Lord for the wisdom to guide you.
Mass Readings – 32nd Sunday of the Year
With just a couple of weeks left of Ordinary Time, we hear about the wisdom of God repeatedly in the readings today.
When we talk about the concept of wisdom we often refer to the ability to see the big picture. Wisdom gives us the ability to “see around corners” and anticipate circumstances; this particular virtue allows us to step back and take in events, seeing how they relate and connect with other situations.
And God offers it to us! This is a precious spiritual gift, one that comes through the power of the Holy Spirit, and it helps us live each day in a vibrant manner. Without wisdom we can speak and act in ways that might have disastrous results, especially if we would have considered the ramifications and consequences that followed if we’d have only thought about other factors.
In order to apply wisdom to our lives we begin first with a strong foundation of prayer. The closer we draw to Jesus, the closer we connect with the source of all wisdom and understanding. As we thirst for the Lord we are nourished and sustained with God’s grace as we see with the eyes of Christ.
Wisdom then requires our action. Once we have insight we can then proceed to act in a manner that is guided by the nuances and sensitivities that confront us. We can act decisively and deliberately, aware of the situation and able to adjust and respond as needed.
This precious spiritual gift is for the asking…so ask! May we all call upon the Lord for this grace as we live our faith each day.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – 31st Sunday of the Year
Both the prophet Malachi and Jesus exhort the people to take to heart God’s commands. As we Listen, Learn and Live we grow as disciples; may we draw near to the Lord, the Church and one another…listening for the wisdom that will help us put our faith into practice.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 30th Week of the Year
As the Lord observes people positioning themselves for places of honor at a banquet, he uses the opportunity to teach about pride and humility, inviting us to avoid making comparisons and seeking a simple approach.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Friday of the 30th Week of the Year
Jesus uses a healing as an opportunity to teach about how we can put God first in our lives, even when it means we break a few rules.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)
(Note: there are many choices for today; this link offers a few options.)
Today we pray for all who have died, sometimes still grieving their loss, and sometimes smiling as their memory warms our hearts. What’s more, our prayers are part of the communion we share in Jesus Christ, and we offer them for those who have gone before us…that they might meet us one day in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let the perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – The Solemnity of All Saints
When athletes compete in a stadium, the cheering crowd inspires and encourages them to do their best. In a similar way the saints inspire us with their example – they cheer us on from Heaven – and at the same time remind us that we can join them as we embrace the challenges of this life with our eyes fixed on Jesus…our coach, trainer, medic, and greatest fan.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 30th Week of the Year
Like a mustard seed and some yeast, the Kingdom of God grows and transforms into something entirely new. What’s more, this process happens as we offer our lives…following the example of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Study: Name someone who was a good mentor to you, someone you trusted and listened to. What did they say that spoke to your heart?
Pray: What lessons is the Lord putting in your life today? Pray for the grace to hear what God offers.
Serve: Do you know someone who is dealing with a tough situation? How can you help them listen and act with the gift of God’s grace?
Mass Readings – 31st Sunday of the Year
Let’s begin with an overview of the readings,
How do we learn? How do we integrate life long lessons and grow? The process generally works in two steps. First, we listen – absorbing new information and teasing out ideas, concepts, distinctions, and insights. Second, we apply our learning through action as we internalize the information and use it in our daily experiences.
In the first reading the prophet Malachi speaks bluntly: we are called to hear God’s word, take it to heart and apply it to our lives. This is particularly pressing for the priests to whom these words are directed. They are the examples and teachers of the people.
The Psalmist helps us keep our focus. In the midst of the distractions and frenzy that can surface in our lives we turn to the Lord as the source of inner peace. When our soul is longing for calm, serenity and gentleness we turn once again to Jesus Christ.
St. Paul reminds the Thessalonians that they received the word of God, and this hearing occurred through the gentle and loving example of others. Now it is their turn to pass on the gift of faith through the example of their lives.
Finally, Jesus distinguishes between the teaching and example of the scribes and Pharisees. The people are called to listen closely to what they say, but be very guarded in following their example. The point: the lessons we take to heart must be rooted in the Lord.
So today…what’s the message that God offers you? What do you need to hear? Through prayer, Scriptures, sacraments, fellowship and daily life we continue to encounter life-long lessons in faith. Our invitation is to listen, and then put it into practice.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 