The parable of the two sons reveals the power of our actions to define ourselves in the context of the unique aspects of our lives.
Mass Readings – 26th Sunday of the Year
Tag Archives: Faith in action
26th Sunday of the Year: What are we doing with what we’ve been given? Catholic Inspiration
4th Sunday of Easter: We follow the call of the Shepherd. Catholic Inspiration
Psalm 23 proclaims “The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.” Through love, knowledge and action we draw near to our Shepherd and are guided by Him on our journey through life.
Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Easter
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Daily Mass: The quiet action of St. Joseph. Catholic Inspiration
St. Joseph responds to the Angel Gabriel with swift and silent action. His response to God’s call inspires us to look for opportunities to put our faith into daily practice.
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25th Sunday of the Year: The guiding power of faith.
Study: Recall a time when you witnessed a leader make a decision informed by Christian faith. How did it strengthen those affected?
Pray: Are you troubled by an issue in business or politics right now? Ask the Lord for guidance to proceed with your actions.
Serve: Is there some way that you can make a difference in your local community? How might your life help the people around you?
Mass Readings – 25th Sunday of the Year
This Sunday’s scripture readings give us a practical perspective from which to view some “real world” issues that surface in daily life.
- 1st Reading – God’s rebuke about bad business practices
- Psalm – “Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor.”
- 2nd Reading – Pray for our civic leaders
- Gospel – A parable about using wealth to secure lasting relationships
And who says the Church shouldn’t talk about Business & Politics?! The prophet Amos offers harsh words about those who cheat to make a profit, and Timothy urges the community to pray for those in authority “that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life.”
Far from out of touch, these passages remind us yet again of the timeless quality of Scripture to speak to enduring human concerns. Our communities rely on a strong and supportive leadership that fosters peace and prosperity. Amid political rhetoric we are constantly reminded that we are as strong as we are united, and as weak as we are divided.
Thus the Gospel helps us understand that “God and Mammon” cannot compete with one another; rather, we put the Lord first and see our work and social interactions through the eyes of faith. Money and natural resources are crucial for human life to thrive, and when people are cooperating and stewarding these practical elements under the guidance of a clear moral vision we discover the power that our faith in Jesus Christ brings to all aspects of our lives.
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Note: This post was first published on September 12, 2019.
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24th Sunday of the Year: Walking in faith
Study: Recall a time when you had to carry out a difficult task. Where did you find your strength? How did others respond to your actions?
Pray: Consider the challenges before you right now and ask the Lord for the wisdom and courage you need.
Serve: Is there someone in your life who is walking a difficult path? How can you help them?
Mass Readings – 24th Sunday of the Year
My dad often used the saying:
“He can talk the talk, but can he walk the walk?”
It was a favorite line of his when he heard a lot of words but didn’t see much action. Fact is, most of the time our words signal our behavior; our actions prove it.
The Letter of James puts this notion of action into the context of faith: we demonstrate our faith by the works of daily life. Talking about our love for the Lord is good, but showing it consistently is crucial. Let’s face it – as disciples we are at our best when we are living examples of the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Of course, sometimes living our faith is difficult, challenging, and painful. There are times when we are tested to keep going in the right direction, to stay true to our values and purpose, and to hang in there when we might be tempted to stop. Not only are we living witnesses, but the proof of our faith is often revealed in our actions when times are toughest.
Both Isaiah and Jesus testify that some paths will demand everything we have, even our lives. In these moments we trust completely in God for the wisdom, courage, and power we need.
As we walk the walk of faith we remember that we do not do it alone: the Lord continues to put people in our lives and strengthens us through Sacraments, Scripture, Prayer, and Fellowship. What’s more, there are times when we are called upon to support others on their walk – giving strength to those who struggle.
Whether we are leaning on another or lending a helping hand to someone in need…may we walk the walk, with Jesus Christ by our side.
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Note: This post was first published on September 8, 2015.
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Daily Mass: The greatest must be a servant. Catholic Inspiration
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Lent
Who are the greatest among us? Those who serve and act as instruments of the grace and power of Christ. May we all become great!
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks- Daily Mass: We want to see Jesus
- The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Daily Mass: We offer our lives to the Lord
- Daily Mass: Behold your Mother
- Study, Pray, Serve: The Most Holy Trinity
- Pentecost: Come, Holy Spirit, and kindle in us the fire of your love!
- Daily Mass: Paul in Rome
- Daily Mass: What others say about Paul
- Daily Mass: Paul in Jerusalem
- Daily Mass: Paul's farewell, Part II
Three Great Things 