Paul’s Letter to the Romans outlines the problem of sin in our world and how God offers a solution through the death and resurrection of Christ. May we put our faith in the Lord today, and embrace this precious gift of eternal life!
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 28th Week of the Year (St. Ignatius)
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Catholic Inspiration Archives
Study: Reflect on the last time you encountered a difficult situation. Where did you find the strength to continue?
Pray: Are you or someone close to you going through tough times right now? Ask God for renewed strength!
Serve: Are there people you know who are struggling right now? What can you do to support them?
Mass Readings – 29th Sunday of the Year
We often tell loved ones to “hang in there” when the going gets tough. God provides us with strength for the journey, and we see examples of this in the readings this week:
Let’s face it: sometimes life is hard! In these moments we discover strength within us that we never knew before, but we also come to recognize how we need help from the Lord and those around us.
And while no one likes difficulty, it is often through our persistence in the face of obstacles that we grow and mature. Challenges can become opportunities in which we exercise our will to continue. Like athletes who train with weights, the resistance we face helps us become strong.
As you ponder these readings and consider the challenges of life, give some thought to these points:
In the midst of tough times God is present with grace, wisdom and strength. May we call upon the Lord as we face our challenges today with persistence.
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Note: This post was first published on October 10, 2016.
The Second Letter to Timothy inspires us to take the gift of faith and stir it into flame, realizing that this task requires daily attention and effort.
Mass Readings – 27th Sunday of the Year
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Study: Reflect on a moment when your faith was on fire. What people or events helped make this happen?
Pray: Is your faith struggling right now? Ask the Lord to renew the fire within your heart.
Serve: Is there someone in your life who is struggling with their faith? How can you help support them?
Mass Readings – 27th Sunday of the Year
The Second Letter to Timothy and the Gospel of Luke offer us a couple of crucial insights regarding our faith in Jesus Christ.
The words to Timothy are inspiring: “I remind you to stir into flame the gift of God…for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but of power and love and self control…Guard this rich trust with the help of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.”
We have received the grace of Jesus Christ through our sacraments, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit. There is power in these words! Our lives are transformed when we open out hearts to the fire of faith, and we receive strength to face the difficulties and challenges of life with God’s help.
Sometimes we can lose sight of the great gift of our faith. We can take it for granted, leave it uncultivated, or perhaps stop feeding it with the proper fuel. Yet when we nourish our faith in Jesus Christ, the power of the Lord’s love renews us and directs us to share our lives with others in dynamic ways. We become so much more when our faith is burning bright; indeed, we shine as sons and daughters of God.
But how does this faith start? In Luke’s Gospel the disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith, and the Lord reminds them that faith – like a seed – always begins as a tiny thing. Just as a single spark can become a roaring fire, so too, our faith can blaze forth when we willing call upon God’s help.
How do you see your faith today? Is it burning hot or only a tiny ember? We hold firm to the conviction that the Lord can take even the smallest spark and infuse it with holy fire. May we ask the Lord to touch our faith so we can glow with the love of Jesus Christ.
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Note: This post was first published on September 26, 2016.
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.
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.
The Letter to the Hebrews describes our life as a great race before a cloud of witnesses. Life is difficult, yet with God’s grace and the help of people, angels and saints we can face our struggles with the conviction that we will cross the finish line into Heaven.
Mass Readings – 20th Sunday of the Year
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The Letter to the Hebrews stresses the power of faith in the life of a Christian. Faith strengthens both the head and the heart, and as we foster our faith we are empowered with the grace we need to face the challenges before us.
Mass Readings – 19th Sunday of the Year
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