The practices of fasting, prayer and almsgiving are powerful disciplines that the Church has embraced from the teaching of Jesus, and they offer immense power in shaping and guiding our spiritual lives.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 11th Week of the Year
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The Lord teaches the disciples about love by using examples from his Heavenly Father. While it is sometimes easy to love, the real test happens when we overcome the obstacles within and without, choosing to love others as God loves us.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 11th Week of the Year
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Study: Recall a time when you were specifically chosen to carry out an important task. How did you respond?
Pray: Is there a challenge or difficulty facing you right now? Ask the Lord for the grace you need to carry it out.
Serve: Is there someone in your life that is having a tough time? How can your words inspire and encourage?
Mass Readings – The Birth of John the Baptist
John the Baptist is a powerful prophet, calling the people to repentance and directing them to Jesus. Let’s start with an overview of the readings this week:
While I have always been fascinated by this fiery prophet, I sheepishly wonder if I would want to be in deep conversation with him for very long! John conveys an urgent and intense conviction – now is the time for repentance – and I have always imagined that he would have the ability to look right through a person into the heart.
Yet this is exactly the instrument that was needed to prepare the way for Jesus. Chosen by God, John’s birth, life, ministry and death all serve as a crucial preliminary step for people to encounter the mission of Christ. John blazes the trail; Jesus leads people along the way.
John’s birth also teaches us that just as John was prepared for a specific mission, so we are also called by God to offer our lives in the world. As sons and daughters of the Lord, our lives are a blessing that is meant to be shared. We have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, and now we have work to do that falls to our particular situation in life.
How are you being called to offer your life today? How do you see the Lord at work in your words and actions? May the example of John strengthen our resolve to share the gift of our lives!
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Gardeners know that fruitful plants begin from tiny seeds that grow slowly and steadily through a process of change. God brings about transformation in a similar way in our souls: we start small, work a process of growth and the Lord gives the grace we need.
Mass Readings – 11th Sunday of the Year
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Jesus teaches the disciples to speak simply and plainly. In a world full of words it is a good reminder! May our words reflect our actions with clear transparency, helping us deepen the relationships in our lives with trust and integrity.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 10th Week of the Year
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The prophet Elijah watched and waited for the Lord. While the wind, earthquake and fire were visibly amazing, Elijah recognized God in a tiny whispering sound. It’s a good reminder for us today to be on the lookout for the Lord, for even in the smallest and simplest of experiences God is constantly present and in our midst.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 10th Week of the Year
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The Lord boldly states that we are called to reconcile with one another. That begs a simple question: who do I need to forgive in my life today? Once we recognize the essential aspect of forgiveness in our lives the next step is to call upon Christ for the grace required to make it happen.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 10th Week of the Year
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