“The community of believers was of one heart and mind,” and their example – powered by their faith in the Risen Lord – inspires us to draw together as we face the challenges and obstacles in our lives today.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Easter
***************
The Acts of the Apostles reveals a powerful example of communal life that challenges us to examine our relationships at every level and interaction. Community is crucial…but not always easy! May we call upon God’s Mercy for the help to make our communities flourish.
Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)
***************
Study: Consider a time when you experienced joy in the presence of others. What caused it?
Pray: Draw near to the Risen Lord and ask for His grace in your heart to face whatever is before you today.
Serve: How can your life strengthen your family and friendships right now?
Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of Easter
The readings today give us a snapshot of some key points that surfaced shortly after the Lord’s resurrection:
What do we see? Praise, gratitude, thankfulness, sharing, community life, overcoming doubt, facing trials, and rejoicing! In other words, this is what happens to a group of people who have been transformed by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
And I want to live like this.
Frankly, I want all of us to live like this. Filled with God’s grace, empowered by the Holy Spirit, engaging life at full throttle, dealing with difficulty through the power of faith….is there any other way to live?
So…in the light of these concepts that emerged from the fledgling Church…what’s keeping us from this? Has the resurrection of the Lord “sunk in” and touched our hearts? Do we understand what it means to say “The Lord is risen! He is risen, indeed!” as followers of Jesus Christ?
Do we get it?
We all have obstacles, challenges, and the reality of temptation and sin in our lives. That was true for the Early Church as well. But note this: they changed. In the light of the Risen Lord their lives were forever altered: praising God, facing hardship, working together, filled with joy.
This is our invitation today, and it works in three simple steps:
There is no better way to journey through this life!
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
***************
Note: This post was first published on April 17, 2017.
The Lord’s answer to the question of divorce reminds us that this issue has been with humanity from the dawn of time. Our response through healing, community and engagement helps those who struggle with divorce to find new strength and direction.
Mass Readings – 27th Sunday of the Year
***************
Note: This is my 1000th podcast! Thanks for listening to Catholic Inspiration!
Jesus returns home with his disciples, but the people – limited by their thinking – cannot see him by the light of his ministry. The Lord’s rejection reminds us that we, too, have a community of our own…and we can either build it up or tear it down.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 4th Week of the Year (St. John Bosco)
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 19th Week of the Year
The Lord offers a three-step process to confront division within a relationship. It’s practical and powerful…and crucial for us to put into practice.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 11th Week of the Year
The Lord’s Prayer is a powerful tool for the Christian life. At 55 words this gift from Jesus provides us with key insights about how we follow the Lord with all our heart. Pray it today; pray it frequently!
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – The Solemnity of the Holy Trinity
A central aspect of the mystery of the Holy Trinity is the sense of communion. Communion can thus serve as a measure showing just how far we have progressed in our journey as disciples. Simply put, are we striving to build unity with one another in all aspects of our lives? Do we foster our connections with the Lord and one another? For in the end, if we are going to enter into Heaven, then we have today to remove the obstacles that keep us from communion.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 7th Week of Easter (Justin Martyr)
The Lord prays for the unity of the disciples, and how pertinent that prayer remains today! May we work tirelessly to promote our connections and relationships, building up our community at all levels in life.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – 5th Sunday of Easter
We are called to be a “living stone” in the hands of the Lord. Purchased by the blood of Christ, our lives are precious – worthy not only of redemption but as an offering through which God can transform and create something dynamic and new. May we offer our lives today and recognize in our sisters and brothers the beauty of their souls.
****************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 