St. Paul reminds us that we hold a treasure from God in our fragile, human hands. As disciples of Jesus Christ we always recognize two issues: on one hand we are inheritors of God’s glory; on the other hand we are weak and prone to sin. May we accept God’s grace and allow the Lord to touch our lives with his healing love.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 10th Week of the Year
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Catholic Inspiration Archives
Jesus reminds us that we are salt and light – disciples called to live our faith in the world – so that when people see our good deeds they will give praise to our Heavenly Father. May we offer our lives today, trusting that the Lord will take our offering and bless it with grace to continue Christ’s mission in the world.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 10th Week of the Year (St. Barnabas)
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The first reading and the Gospel feature elements about Peter and Paul. Both of these men are giants in the early Church, and through their example we recognize that God continues to call new disciples in every generation.
Mass Reading – Saturday of the 7th Week of Easter
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We can place ourselves in the Gospel of John as Jesus invites Peter to follow him. Out of love for the Lord we, too, will be called to make our sacrifices as we put our faith into practice.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 7th Week of Easter
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Jesus prays for his current and future disciples that they will be one – united to God and one another – as they journey through life. May our unity flourish in the love of Christ as we draw nearer each day to the Lord.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 7th Week of Easter
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The disciple Apollos was boldly speaking about Jesus when he encountered other disciples who took him aside and fostered his faith. Throughout our lives we are called to speak and listen as we grow closer to the Lord.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 6th Week of Easter
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St. Paul’s example in Corinth reminds us that every moment of our day offers opportunities to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. People are always watching and listening; what is the message they receive from us today?
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 6th Week of Easter
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Jesus teaches in plain language that just like a vine and its branches, when we are connected to Christ we thrive and bear fruit. Today we consider not only how we can continue to draw closer to the Lord, but also how we might share our lives to bring glory and praise to God in the world today.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter
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Study: Recall a time when you experienced a profound sense of peace. What made this possible?
Pray: Ask for God’s peace to touch your life and the those you love.
Serve: Consider ways you can share the peace of Christ with others. Be an instrument of peace today.
Mass Readings – 6th Sunday of Easter
I find the words of the Lord in the Gospel tremendously comforting:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.” (John 14:27)
How often do we need to hear these words! How often do we find ourselves disturbed and upset by the frustrations and fears of life?! And yet, Jesus – who knows us better than we know ourselves – consoles and comforts us with a peace that flows on the wings of the Holy Spirit from the heart of Heaven.
We crave peace: in our hearts, our homes, our work, our community. There is a tranquility that comes when we are united with one another, free from discord, doubt and misunderstanding. God’s peace empowers us to walk through the challenges of life with a quiet conviction that we will face whatever comes before us with the guidance of Christ.
Two key thoughts thus emerge:
Are there parts of my life that hunger for peace? Bring them to prayer. Are there ways that I can be an instrument of peace, in my own life and in the lives of others? Act now. God’s peace is for the asking and the Holy Spirit is present to renew us with this blessed gift.
May we leave behind our fears and anxieties, turning to Christ for the strength and guidance we need to embrace our lives with joy.
Peace be with you!
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Catholic Inspiration Archives
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Note: This post was first published on April 26, 2016.
As Master and Teacher, Jesus shows the disciples the path of humble service. We follow the Lord’s example every time we offer our lives in care and compassion for those around us…giving glory and praise to God.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 4th Week of Easter
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
