God makes possible miracles that astound our imagination in multiple ways in the readings we hear today. May we take to heart the angel Gabriel’s insight that “nothing will be impossible for God!”
Mass Readings – The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
For most people, sight is a crucial sense which we rely on consistently to understand and respond to the world around us. May we call upon the Lord for the sight we need to see the path from this life to the next.
Mass Readings – Monday of the 33rd Week of the Year
Study: Consider a moment when you were held accountable to a task. What did it feel like?
Pray: Is there something that needs to be attended to in your life? Ask the Lord for guidance to carry it out.
Serve: How can offer support to someone who is working through a challenging task right now?
Mass Readings – 33rd Sunday of the Year
On this last weekend of Ordinary Time we have some interesting readings to consider.
Our faith assures us that the world will one day come to an end. This is not meant to scare us, but rather to guide us with the knowledge that our lives have meaning and purpose as we prepare in this life for the life to come. Furthermore, when we die we understand that there will be an accounting of how we lived the precious and holy gift of life.
It’s this notion of being accountable that I suggest as a reflection today. The Book of Proverbs extols the virtues of a hard working and compassionate wife, reminding the reader that “charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting.” What lives on are the virtues, prayers, gifts of the Spirit and graces which God pours into our hearts which we share with one another.
And while we know that there will be a Day of Reckoning, we do not know the hour; this insights reminds us to follow St. Paul’s advice to be “sober and alert” each and every day – ready and eager for the Lord’s return.
What’s more, when that day comes, we will be judged with the awareness of our own unique situation. Like the three servants in the Gospel, we have all been given different talents, opportunities, resources and skills. It is neither a comparison nor a contest; rather, we will each be judged by how we worked and waited with what God put into our lives.
The invitation today: Are we prepared for the Lord’s return? Have we attended to our duties and tasks, or do we have unfinished business? Are there situations that require our attention and care? Sooner or later, the Lord will come…may he find us ready and waiting.
*************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Note: This post was first published on November 13, 2017.
The beginning of the St. Paul’s Letter to the Philippians gratefully acknowledges the power of God’s grace to empower and unite us together, offering a beautiful reflection for our lives today.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 30th Week of the Year
Jesus reminds us that just as we read the weather to determine our action the next day, so we also read the signs of life to determine how our faith will guide us…especially in a storm.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 29th Week of the Year
Sometimes the most awkward place to share our faith is around those who know us best. Drawing strength from the Lord and St. Paul in the readings today, may we authentically follow Christ with an open heart.
Mass Readings – Monday of the 22nd Week of the Year
St. Paul exhorts us to stand firm and draw our strength and encouragement from our faith in Jesus Christ.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 21st Week of the Year
The feast of the Apostle, Bartholomew, inspires us to live our faith as we go out into the world and the tell the Good News to those around us.
Mass Readings – St. Bartholomew, Apostle
The fears shown by the disciples and Peter reveal a common human experience. How we face our fears – through our values and our faith – empowers us to live our lives with conviction and power.
Mass Readings – 19th Sunday of the Year
As the disciples struggle to cast out a demon from a small child, the Lord reminds them that all things are possible if we have a flourishing faith in the Him.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 18th Week of the Year
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
