Daily Mass: One body, many parts. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 24th Week of the Year

Paul’s analogy comparing the human body to the Church is just as critical for our lives today.  We need each other to continue the Lord mission with vitality and joy!


25th Sunday of the Year – Faith that guides and directs our lives

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Study:  Recall a time when you witnessed a leader make a decision informed by Christian faith.  How did it strengthen those affected?

Pray:  Are you troubled by an issue in business or politics right now?  Ask the Lord for guidance to proceed with your actions.

Serve:  Is there some way that you can make a difference in your local community?  How might your life help the people around you?

Mass Readings – 25th Sunday of the Year

This Sunday’s scripture readings give us a practical perspective from which to view some “real world” issues that surface in daily life.

  • 1st Reading – God’s rebuke about bad business practices
  • Psalm – “Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor.”
  • 2nd Reading – Pray for our civic leaders
  • Gospel – A parable about using wealth to secure lasting relationships

And who says the Church shouldn’t talk about Business & Politics?!  The prophet Amos offers harsh words about those who cheat to make a profit, and Timothy urges the community to pray for those in authority “that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life.”

Far from out of touch, these passages remind us yet again of the timeless quality of Scripture to speak to enduring human concerns.  Our communities rely on a strong and supportive leadership that fosters peace and prosperity.  Amid political rhetoric we are constantly reminded that we are as strong as we are united, and as weak as we are divided.

Thus the Gospel helps us understand that “God and Mammon” cannot compete with one another; rather, we put the Lord first and see our work and social interactions through the eyes of faith.  Money and natural resources are crucial for human life to thrive, and when people are cooperating and stewarding these practical elements under the guidance of a clear moral vision we discover the power that our faith in Jesus Christ brings to all aspects of our lives.

 


24th Sunday of the Year: a man had two sons… Catholic Inspiration

A man & two sons

Fr. Andrew’s Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – 24th Sunday of the Year

A man had two sons…and they both messed up.  Yet not only does the Father stay connected to his kids, he helps them understand the nature of forgiveness, mercy, and love.  Our Heavenly Father does the same for us, helping us to experience grace when we need it the most.


Daily Mass: Look for the good fruit. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Saturday of the 23rd Week of the Year

The Lord’s practical wisdom “to know a tree by it’s fruit” is immensely useful for our daily interactions with others.  We don’t judge people, but we are called to acknowledge good and bad thoughts, words, and actions – recognizing that the “fruit” of our lives can be either wholesome or destructive.


Daily Mass: Clear sight. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Friday of the 23rd Week of the Year (St. Peter Claver)

Jesus reminds his disciples that before we can point out the faults of others we have to see our own, taking the time to remove the chunk of wood in our own eye before we point out the splinter in another.


Daily Mass: The birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

As we celebrate Mary’s birth, we recall that she herself was part of a vast extended family.  As she brought Jesus into the world, she offers us an example – that we might continue to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to those in our lives.


School Mass: How will you make it a great year? Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Opening School Mass Homily Podcast

The start of a new school year is a fresh beginning, just like a plain piece of paper, and it can become anything – a prayer, composition, work of art or even an airplane!  Students are given three keys for a powerful year: daily prayer, hard work, and being the best kid they can be in their families.


Daily Mass: The Lord calls us by name. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 23rd Week of the Year

The Twelve Apostles had their share of weakness and sin, and yet the Lord called them to carry out his mission.  The Lord calls us as well – with all of our mistakes and mishaps – and invites us to trust in his mercy and love as we proclaim the Good News through the witness of our lives.


24th Sunday of the Year – The Prodigal Son

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Study:  Recall a time when you experienced a moment of profound forgiveness.  How did it change you?

Pray:  Are you holding on to anger and resentment?  Pray for God’s mercy to soften your heart.

Serve:  Is there someone you know in need of mercy?  Is there some way you can help others, especially when they are caught up in shame, embarrassment, or the awkwardness of their weaknesses and sins?

Mass Readings – 24th Sunday of the Year

We hear in the Gospel of Luke the familiar parable of the The Prodigal Son.  It’s worth a moment to touch on a few key points from this passage:

  1. The younger son asks for his inheritance before his time (what kind of person does this?)
  2. The younger son completely wastes the entire inheritance; he has no excuse
  3. The younger son hits “rock bottom” and figures it’s better to be a servant with his dad than starving with the pigs
  4. The Father’s mercy is overwhelming: ring, robe, sandals, fatted calf, and a party
  5. The older son is furious – this is not justice!
  6. The Father is also merciful to his older son as he teaches him about mercy

What a powerful parable!  In this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy it seems appropriate to dwell on the divine mercy of God and recall our need to return to the Lord in our moments of weakness and sin.

Like both brothers in the parable, we all sin and fall short of God’s grace; yet like the brothers, we also have a Father who loves and welcomes us whenever we seek to turn back.  Both brothers could speak to their Father – in either humility or anger – and the Father responds to both with tenderness.

Today I would like to suggest two key points for our reflection in the light of this passage:

  • How are my sins keeping me from God and others in my life?
  • What steps do I need to take to return to the Lord and receive his grace?

God longs to welcome us back, and when we can humbly embrace our mistakes and sins we discover a grace beyond anything imaginable.  May we have the courage to examine our hearts and return to the Lord – the source of all mercy.

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23rd Sunday of the Year: How much does it cost? Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Sunday Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – 23rd Sunday of the Year

“How much does it cost?” is a common expression that has enormous practical use, and Jesus reminds us that there is a cost for following him…nothing short of our entire lives.