Mass Readings – Thursday of the 7th Week of the Year (St. Polycarp)
Our conversion of heart never stops; we are either drawing closer to Christ or farther away. As we follow the Lord we recognize our actions have consequences that affect our lives…both in this life and the life to come.
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Mass Readings – Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, Apostle
The presider’s chair in any Catholic Church is a place of authority, overseen by a bishop who is a successor to the apostles…of which St. Peter is the rock upon which Jesus builds His Church. May we draw strength from the Lord, our Great Shepherd, and offer our lives to care for those entrusted to us.
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Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 7th Week of the Year
As the Lord attempts to teach the disciples he catches them arguing about who is the greatest. His response: to set before them a child…that as they welcome the innocent and vulnerable into their midst, they welcome Him.
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Study: Reflect on a time when worry and anxiety overwhelmed you. What broke the cycle and restored your perspective?
Pray: Is there something that you are worried about right now? Bring it to prayer and ask the Lord for guidance and peace in your heart.
Serve: Do you know someone who is overly anxious? How can you help comfort, calm and support them?
Mass Readings – 8th Sunday of the Year
Worry, worry, worry! How often are we caught up in the anxieties, cares, stresses, and distractions of life! How easy it is to get spun up by things (often far outside our control) and waste time and energy that could be spent in a much more fruitful manner.
Here’s a quick overview of the readings:
Of course, just saying “Do not worry!” is not enough. It’s a simple sentence yet often difficult to put into practice. Why? Because there are many things in life we care about, and that natural concern – if left unattended – can take on a life of its own. When we let our natural cares run out of control we lose our perspective, and in turn we start to focus on the wrong priorities.
Yes, there are things that we need to worry about: making sure that our basic needs are met, attending to the natural cares of ourselves and our loved ones, doing the necessary planning and preparation so that life flows smoothly. This is part of our daily work, and as such we make the effort to do our best.
Here’s a simple question that I find often helps determine if I should worry about something: “Do I have any power to change or influence this situation?” If the issue in question is within my influence and control, then perhaps it is something that I need to attend to. But if the issue is outside my influence, then perhaps I need to let it go…worrying about it will only waste my life!
Easier said than done. That’s why I believe Jesus took the time to talk about this “useless worry” with his disciples. The Lord knows our hearts and understands how worry can overtake our lives.
So today, if we discover that worry is wasting our time and attention, may we call upon the grace of God to let it go and trust that the Lord will give us what we need to face the cares of life.
Monday Conversation – 25 Minutes
Lent provides a wonderful opportunity to implement new actions that draw us closer to the Lord and one another. As we reflect on our current situation, consider ways that speak to our interests, and integrate the sacraments of the Church, we find ourselves poised to make this the best Lent ever.
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Mass Readings – 7th Sunday of the Year
Jesus says “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” This command to love one another as God loves us will challenge our attitudes, actions and prayer as we strive to follow the Lord’s example of love.
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Mass Readings – Saturday of the 6th Week of the Year
On the mountain Jesus is transfigured, appearing to three disciples as he stands in Heaven. His transfiguration offers us hope, that as we carry our crosses and face the challenges of life we will have the strength and guidance we need.
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Mass Readings – Friday of the 6th Week of the Year
Jesus invites us to “take up our Cross” and follow him. While God does not will suffering, the Lord permits it for the sake of a far greater commandment: Love one another. As we carry our crosses today, we do so out of love for one another, as the Lord – who shows his love on the Cross – loves us.
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Mass Readings – Thursday of the 6th Week of the Year
When Jesus asks the disciples “Who do you say that I am?” Peter gets it right…and then he gets it wrong. The Lord reminds us that we are called to think as God does…and not as human beings do!
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Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 6th Week of the Year
As Jesus heals the blind man in the Gospel today, he shows how healing is often an intimate process that leads back to our relationships at home. May we set before the Lord whatever is wounded in our lives, trust in his process of healing, and renew the relationships within our families and friendships.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 