Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast – Friday of the 3rd Week of the Year
The story of David and Bathsheba sounds like a Biblical soap opera, yet we are reminded that God’s grace overcomes sin – often through slow and steady growth that starts small. Like a mustard seed, our faith in Christ confronts the challenges of this world and grows into a love that casts out all sin in the light of Christ.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast – the Feast of Sts. Timothy & Titus
We pass on the faith that was handed to us. Like Saints Timothy & Titus, we are part of a vast chain of disciples – sharing the faith we have received so that the Good News of Jesus Christ may continue to touch hearts in our world today.
Fr. Andrew’s Baptism of the Lord reflection with his nieces and nephews
The baptism of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke today invites us to consider how our own baptism ignites the fire of faith in our lives. Each day we have unique opportunities to share the gift of grace that comes from our own baptism – extending the light and love of Christ in our world.
Fr. Andrew’s Holy Family Homily Podcast
The Holy Family had its mix of blessings and burdens – just like every family. Yet through their struggles God was with them, guiding and guarded them in Faith, Hope, and Love…and the Lord will do the same for our families as well.
Fr. Andrew’s Podcast – Catholic Inspiration is 1 Year Old!
I want to say a joyful THANK YOU for all who have downloaded and shared my podcasts this past year! Here are a few quick facts:
What started initially as just a simple record of homilies has now grown to an average of 2-4 podcasts/week. I am touched by the response I have received from people across the country, and I am honored to share my ministry here at Cathedral with you. There is no charge for “Catholic Inspiration” and no requests for donations – this is an extension of my pastoral work here in the Diocese of Superior.
My one request: if you find these podcasts helpful – please share them with your loved ones! Practically, that means:
My only wish is for more people to draw near to Jesus Christ and one another through Study, Prayer, and Service. May Year Two – which is blessed to coincide with the Year of Mercy – be filled with graces for us all!
Study: Where in your past have you seen ways that you made a positive difference in the lives of others? How might that pattern be repeated today?
Pray: Ask the Lord for guidance to see clearly and respond swiftly to the needs before you.
Serve: What is a little act of kindness that you can do today to help another?
We hear in the Gospel this week that the crowds ask John the Baptist a simple question: “What should we do?” His answers might be summarized in the following ways:
Pretty simple, right? Yet this homespun, practical desert wisdom is still apt for our modern world today. These direct reminders can help guide our decisions in these last two weeks of Advent – inspiring us in our everyday encounters to put them into practice.
But let’s not stop here. “What should we do?” is a good question for all of us to ask…daily. As we look around to the needs and circumstances in our lives, we have unique opportunities to make a difference. What’s more, this question is particularly useful in our daily prayer – guiding us to seek the Lord’s direction as we determine how we can speak and act as disciples of Jesus Christ.
Take a good look at the world around you. Consider some ways you can make a positive change. See seek the wisdom of our Faith. Then work as hard as you can to do something that proclaims the Good News today!
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast (Friday of the 1st Week of Advent)
Two blind men encounter Jesus…and gain their sight. May we turn to the Lord for greater sight – that what we see will inspire us to respond with the light of faith.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast (Thursday of the 1st Week of Advent)
When we listen to the Lord and put his teaching into practice, we are like the wise who build their houses on rock. May the knowledge we possess be transformed into action so that we can face the storms of life with the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ!
Nature teaches us that little seeds lead to big things. Life is a process of growth and change, and from the Gospel reading we can consider two points:
The Kingdom of Heaven is like a seed – it starts small but keeps growing! May we do the same, as individuals and united together, to grow in faith, hope, and love.
Study: Recall a time of profound change and growth in your life. What helped you become better?
Pray: Ask the Lord for the grace to face difficult challenges and embrace them.
Serve: Who in your life is confronting change right now? How can you help them?
11th Sunday of the Year Readings
Now that June is in full swing the color green is flourishing across the upper Midwest. Summer delights the eye with growth and life, and from my view along the shore of Lake Superior this is most evident in the beauty of trees.
I have walked Wisconsin forests my entire life, and I find a peace and serenity among the grandeur and power of trees. They anchor the soil, provide habitat for wildlife, shade for the weary, and a renewable resource for humanity’s handiwork.
Yet for the majesty of trees, they all start small – from a pine cone or an acorn, a “helicopter” seed or a shoot – massive trees have humble, tender beginnings.
Just like our faith.
We know from our own experience that all good things take time and effort to develop; growth and change occur through new encounters. The process reminds us of two key points:
In the first point we recognize opportunity and growth; in the second point we face obstacles with hope that these challenges will teach us new insights. Growth and change are part of life. What’s more, this change almost always begins from a small and humble beginning.
Where in your life do you have opportunities to grow? Where do you see challenges that will require new ways of thought and action? Take time to seek the Lord – to start small like a little seed – and grow in these moments into a new creation, guided and empowered to become more fully alive.
Now matter where we are in the journey of faith, may we open our hearts to God’s grace as we grow in faith, hope, and love as disciples of Jesus Christ!
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 