Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily (Tuesday of the 34th Week of the Year)
How do we face the changes of life? How do we look to the future with hope? The Answer: with the help of Jesus Christ!
1st Sunday of Advent – Be Vigilant
Study: Name a time when you had to be vigilant. What gave you strength to remain alert, disciplined, and prepared?
Pray: Is there something in your life that requires vigilance right now? Pray for the strength to remain focused.
Serve: Does someone in your life need support to remain vigilant? How can you help them?
The Gospel reading paints a dark picture – filled with worry, anxiety, dismay, and fright. It warns that some might foolishly respond with drunkenness, others by getting drowsy and paying no attention. Here’s the proper approach:
“Be vigilant at all times
and pray that you have the strength” – Luke 21:36
Be vigilant. But what does that mean? Here are some key points:
- Alert: focused, paying attention, aware
- Disciplined: steadfast, consistent
- Prepared: ready, able to act instantly
The idea is that we are actively engaged in the present moment – watching and waiting – so that when the situation requires our effort we can swiftly give our best. It takes a lot of energy, effort, and concentration…but then again, at stake is our preparation for the savior of the world.
So as we step into this Advent – where do you see the need for vigilance in your life? Are there situations or relationships that require attention? Are there details that need to be addressed? If the Lord came today are we ready to greet him, or would we be caught unprepared?
This holy season provides us with the gift of time to become vigilant – alert, disciplined, and prepared for the Lord’s return.
Happy Advent!
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The image is from The Passion of the Christ – The Resurrection of Jesus – Easter Day. May we all have that expression on our faces as we wait for the Lord!
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Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe – Catholic Inspiration
Fr. Andrew’s Christ the King Homily Podcast
Christ, our Savior, Lord, and Friend…is also our King. What’s more, the King has given us some very specific commands – here are three:
- Love one another
- Forgive one another
- Receive the Eucharist
As we follow the King may we carry out his commands!
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Daily Mass: Jesus Wept. Catholic Inspiration
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast (Thursday of the 33rd Week of the Year)
Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem. He sees the tribulation that will come, and he opens his arms to embrace the sadness…that he might touch it and bless it. May we turn to the Lord in our moments of sorrow and allow his grace to guide us. Sorrow is not the end, and with God’s help we will face our tears with hope.
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School Mass: Grandparents’ Day. Catholic Inspiration
Fr. Andrew’s Cathedral School Mass on Grandparents’ Day
Grandparents are a precious gift that God gives to us. May the time we share and the memories we build with our grandparents inspire us as we live our lives with their example of love.
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Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe
Study: Recall a time when you carried out a difficult command. What gave you strength?
Pray: Is there a difficult situation facing you right now? Draw near to Christ in the Eucharist for wisdom and courage.
Serve: Actions speak louder than words…so how can your actions today show others that Christ is your King?
Readings for the Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe
We conclude the Church’s liturgical calendar with this Feast in honor of our Lord. The title is one that speaks to a role that appears in history, literature, and culture: the KING.
Here are some common key points to remember:
- The King is recognized as ruler
- The King’s power is acknowledged
- The King’s decrees are to be obeyed
Sounds simple, right? So how do we apply these concepts to Jesus? Consider this:
- If Christ is the ruler of my life, then all my words and actions must align with Him.
- I turn to Christ for strength in my moments of powerlessness.
- I act on Christ’s commands, obeying His teaching and precepts.
Practically, I suggest that we focus this week on three key commandments that Christ gave us:
- Forgive one another. Reread chapter 18 in Matthew’s gospel for a review.
- Come to Mass. Check out chapter 6 in John’s gospel, or Mt. 26:26-28.
- Love one another. Try John 15:12-17 for a refresher!
Remember: the King commands us to forgive, receive Him in the Eucharist, and love one another. These are not suggestions, or helpful hints when we have free time! These are commands…and as we acknowledge that Jesus is our King we also know that we can draw near to the Lord for the strength and wisdom we need to carry them out.
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This icon of Christ Pantocrator is on loan to the Cathedral of Christ the King from Fr. Andrew Ricci. “Pantocrator” may be literally translated into “Ruler of All” or “Almighty” and it is an ancient way of depicting Jesus.
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33rd Sunday of the Year – No One Knows the Hour – Catholic Inspiration
Life offers difficulties and multiple uncertainties. What’s more, no one knows the hour when we will be called by God out of this world. So how do we live?
Answer: Fully alive in the present moment!
How?
- What’s your “bucket list” of unfinished business? Get ‘er done.
- Perform a daily diagnostic. It’s called an Examination of Conscience.
- Dare to share your heart. Say “I love you” to the people in your life!
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Christ Renews our Lives. Catholic Inspiration
Fr. Andrew’s Presentation (31 minutes)
This talk was given to Confirmation students from the Cathedral and St. Francis Xavier parishes on November 11, 2015.
Note these four points:
- God made us to be united with Him
- Sin destroys our relationships with God and one another
- Christ restores the relationship through his life, death, and resurrection
- Each of us can choose to accept the gift of Christ and live as his disciple
This message is not just for kids preparing to be confirmed! May all of us see the beauty of life, confront our struggles, and embrace the gift of Christ’s saving grace.
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Daily Mass: God’s Wisdom in our Lives. Catholic Inspiration
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily (Thursday of the 32nd Week of the Year)
God’s Wisdom brings light to our lives, helping us see clearly and inspiring us to shine with the grace and love of Christ.
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Daily Mass: The Example of St. Leo the Great. Catholic Inspiration
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Podcast Homily (Feast of St. Leo the Great)
St. Leo’s life offers us three points to consider for our own faith:
- We are committed to a long journey
- There are challenges without
- There are challenges within
St. Leo, PRAY FOR US! Help us to turn to Jesus Christ as we face the blessings and burdens of life.
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks- Daily Mass: The Lord sends the Twelve on their way
- Daily Mass: We are invited into the family of Jesus
- Daily Mass: The call of St. Matthew
- Study, Pray, Serve: 26th Sunday of the Year
- 25th Sunday of the Year: It's not too late to turn to the Lord!
- Daily Mass: An insight into our temptations
- Daily Mass: What will we offer to the Lord today?
- Daily Mass: We approach Christ in need of mercy and forgiveness
- Daily Mass: We live our faith with zeal and conviction
- Daily Mass: Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows
