Mass Readings – The Nativity of St. John the Baptist
As the herald of Jesus, John directs people to prepare for the coming of the messiah. His birth, words and actions all point others to the Lord…and inspire us to do the same as modern days disciples.
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Mass Readings – Saturday of the 10th Week of the Year
St. Paul reminds us that we live for the Lord, offering our lives as His ambassadors and sharing the love that we have received through a life of grace.
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Mass Readings – Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter
The first reading offers specific details of location, people and occupation – reminding us that the Lord works through the particular aspects of every human life…including our own!
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
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Note: in my diocese the Feast of the Ascension is transferred to the 7th Sunday of Easter.
Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Easter
In our moments of need we can learn from the Psalmist and say “The Lord is my shepherd” as we face the challenges of life. What’s more, as we follow Jesus Christ we offer our lives to help one another to seek the Lord as well.
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Mass Readings – Saturday of the 3rd Week of Easter
The first reading and the Gospel are at opposite ends of how people respond to the call of faith. In the first reading Peter’s prayer in the name of Jesus restores a dead woman, Tabitha, to life; in the Gospel the invitation of the Lord to eat his body and drink his blood causes many to walk away. It begs the question: How’s your faith? Is it vibrant or feeble, building others up or filled with doubts?
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The Easter Season lasts 50 days, and many people ask, “Now what do I do?” This glorious season is meant to transform us by the light of the Risen Lord. Here are three key points from this Monday Conversation (22 Minutes):
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Study: Recall a time when you experienced death. How has this experience shaped the way you live?
Pray: Is there a life and death situation near you right now? Call upon the Lord for grace.
Serve: Do you have someone in your life who is facing a life and death situation? How can you help them?
Mass Readings – 5th Sunday of Lent
Let’s take a step back and look at the these readings:
Life and death. Throughout the readings this week these powerful realities weave together, reminding us that how we live and face our death has eternal consequences.
Throughout the earthly ministry of Jesus he consistently taught that our lives provide precious opportunities to serve and care for one another. Forgiveness, mercy, compassion, service, healing and outreach to the poor are themes that surface repeatedly throughout the Gospels. WHAT we do and HOW we do it reveal the depth of our discipleship and our willingness to follow the Lord through this life.
Yet we also know that death is an experience that comes to us all. We have stood at the graves of our loved ones, grieved for those who have gone before us, and dealt with the ache in our hearts when someone we care about is no longer with us. Death reminds us that our opportunity to share our lives on earth has a limit, that we only have so much time on this rock before we are called into eternity.
And the fact that something awaits us after death is a conviction that shapes both how we live and die. God gives us immortal souls, created to be united in the great Heavenly chorus. Yet even this is a choice; out of love the Lord gives us the freedom to choose…will we follow the Lord or a different path?
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
