Both Isaiah and the Gospel of Matthew use the strength of rock to illustrate God’s powerful protection.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 1st Week of Advent
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Tag Archives: Catholic
Daily Mass: The Lord is our rock of protection. Catholic Inspiration
Daily Mass: The mercy of Christ wipes away our tears. Catholic Inspiration
The pity and mercy of Jesus are echoed in the prophecy of Isaiah who tells us that “the Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces.” May this compassion inspire us to respond to Christ’s call today.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 1st Week of Advent
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Daily Mass: Christ fulfills God’s plan of salvation. Catholic Inspiration
Both the prophecy of Isaiah and the proclamation of Jesus reveal how the Lord fulfills the great plan of God’s salvation.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 1st Week of Advent
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Feast of St. Andrew: We share the faith we have received. Catholic Inspiration
The call of St. Andrew inspires us to reflect on how Christ calls us by name to share the Good News with the people in our lives today.
Mass Readings – St. Andrew, Apostle
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2nd Sunday of Advent: Am I prepared?
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:
- 1st Reading – Isaiah comforts the people as God prepares the way.
- Psalm – “Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.”
- 2nd Reading – We patiently await the Lord’s coming.
- Gospel – John the Baptist preaches repentance and prepares the people for Jesus.
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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Note: This post was first published on December 4, 2017.
Monday Conversation: Advent Reflection. Catholic Inspiration
This Advent Reflection was livestreamed on the Cathedral Facebook Page on November 29, 2020. May all of us use the gift of this holy season to prepare our hearts to welcome Christ!
(Note: there is a slight distortion in the sound quality on the podcast; I apologize for any inconvenience.)
1st Sunday of Advent: Be watchful and alert! Catholic Inspiration
Mark’s Gospel offers an exhortation from Christ to be watchful and alert, always ready to respond to the Lord’s call.
Mass Readings – 1st Sunday of Advent
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Daily Mass: Vigilance is crucial in the spiritual life. Catholic Inspiration
We bring the Liturgical Year to a close with a poignant reminder to remain vigilant at all times as we follow Jesus Christ through this life.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 34th Week of the Year
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Daily Mass: The new heaven and earth. Catholic Inspiration
The first reading from the Book of Revelation sums up the end time with judgment and the fullness of God’s glory.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 34th Week of the Year
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Thanksgiving Day
Gratitude is a precious spiritual medicine which helps us truthfully and positively engage the gift of our lives, drawing us closer to the Lord and one another. Happy Thanksgiving Day!
Optional Mass Readings – Thanksgiving Day (USA)
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