John’s death vividly reveals the potential price tag for our faith. Yet we can find new strength to face the injustices of life through our conviction that we are made for more…in this life and in the life to come.
Mass Readings – The death of John the Baptist
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Sometimes we might be tempted to downplay the presence of evil and final judgment…no so, today, in the Gospel of Matthew! The Lord explains a parable with grim consequences for those who choose to follow the path that leads to death and eternal damnation.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 17th Week of the Year (St. Ignatius of Loyola)
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Sometimes we can take for granted the time we have on earth, delaying important and even crucial tasks until it is too late. The Lord reminds us that in the end there will be a harvest…and the crop we grow will determine our destination in eternal life.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 16th Week of the Year
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This feast day fosters both personal piety and a communal connection within the Church to Jesus Christ, our savior, redeemer, brother and friend. The Lord offers his heart for the salvation of the world as he gives his life on the Cross. May the love in his heart fill up what is lacking in ours!
Mass Readings – Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
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Study: Recall a time when you had to confront your sinfulness. What were the obstacles you faced?
Pray: Consider adding an Examination of Conscience to your daily prayer.
Serve: How can you extend mercy and forgiveness to others right now?
Mass Readings – 10th Sunday of the Year
There are a number of themes that surface in the Scripture readings this week:
Sin is real. While we do not live in a world that wants to call attention to the times when we choose something contrary to the will and commandment of God, we know by experience and observation that it happens everyday. What’s more, we often find ourselves hearing a thousand different excuses for the shortcomings and failures of those around us…offering every possible reason why:
and so it goes…
Yet what we find in the first reading is a clear acknowledgement of the sin of Adam and Eve through the temptation of the serpent. In their weakness our first parents fell from grace and transmitted original sin into the spiritual DNA of humanity. In our moments of humble insight we understand just how wounded we are and how easy it is to slip into behaviors that lead us away from God and one another.
The Lord, however, does not leave us in this plight alone. Rather, the Psalmist reminds us that the Lord extends mercy upon us, and St. Paul teaches that the spirit of faith empowers us to face the trials of this life with the gift of grace.
The source of this grace is found in Jesus Christ, who claims us as his family through our willingness to do the will of the Heavenly Father. In other words, God sends his Son to give us the help we need to return to Him!
Yes there is sin. But we draw near to the one who overcomes the power of sin and restores what was lost. May we call upon God for the grace we need to acknowledge our sins, accept the Lord’s mercy, and live in the light of Jesus Christ!
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Photo Credit: Son of God, 2014.
The Lord gives us eternal life, and as we focus on Heaven we have the opportunity to live for the Lord here on earth. We are pilgrims passing through this world, and all that we say and do is guided by the simple fact that this life is homework to prepare us for the life to come.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 4th Week of Easter
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The Lord teaches the people that those who eat His flesh and drink His blood have eternal life. May our frequent reception of Holy Communion strengthen us with God’s grace in the messiness of life and inspire us to live for Jesus Christ.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter
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