The people in the readings were tempted, even as they were striving to follow God. They show us that we need to be vigilant against temptation as we engage our faith in Christ with the support of one another.
Mass Readings – 26th Sunday of the Year
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The readings state plainly the hostility and difficulty we often find in lives. Sometimes the battle is outside ourselves, and sometimes it is within. Yet as we fight our battles, we constantly use our most powerful weapon: the grace we receive through our faith in Jesus Christ!
Mass Readings – 25th Sunday of the Year
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The Scriptures touch upon a common theme: responding with faith in a time of trial. Isaiah, James, and Peter all face difficult moments, and in their responses we can examine our own lives and consider how we draw upon our faith when life tests us.
Mass Readings – 24th Sunday of the Year
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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.
Jesus casts out a demon that was rendering a boy and his dad in torment. As the disciples admitted their helplessness, the Lord exhorts them (and us!) to grow in faith.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 18th Week of the Year
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What gives you the strength to keep going, to persevere when opposition seems overwhelming? The Canaanite woman in the Gospel of Matthew offers us an example of persistence in faith as we follow the Lord in challenging times.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 18th Week of the Year (St. Dominic)
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St. Peter’s call to Jesus across the water offers us a number of aspects of fear as it appears in our hearts. From terror to doubt, from panic to illness…Christ comes and strengthens our faith so we can respond to his saving gift of grace.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 18th Week of the Year
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