Mass Readings – The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Mary’s assumption into Heaven reveals her crucial role in the Church. As the Mother of God her “fiat” to the Angel Gabriel proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and her fidelity to God’s will as she stood at the Cross offers us a profound example as we strive to live our faith in the midst of difficulty.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – 19th Sunday of the Year
Fear is a part of life, yet our response determines the impact it will have upon us. Peter’s experience of fear reminds us that we have an opportunity today to call upon the Lord for the courage we need to face our fears with the power of faith.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 18th Week of the Year
Jesus heals a child that could not be helped by this disciples. Why? Their faith was not strong enough. As the disciples sought to strengthen their faith we can learn from them, training our “spiritual muscles” to become strong as we turn to the Lord for wisdom, strength and guidance.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 18th Week of the Year
The faith of the Canaanite woman was steadfast, and Jesus acknowledges her conviction with joy. May her example inspire us to hold fast to faith in our moments of need.
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Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 18th Week of the Year (St. Dominic)
Caught in the storm Jesus exhorts his disciples to take courage and discard fear. What a great reminder for us today! When fear threatens to choke our lives may we turn to the one who offers us strength and wisdom to carry on.
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Christ Walking on the Water, Julius Von Klever, 1880.
Study: Recall a moment in life when you were doubtful or afraid. How did you face it?
Pray: Ask the Lord for the strength and wisdom to face doubts and fears.
Serve: Is there someone in your life who is struggling with doubts or fears? How might you help them?
Mass Readings – 19th Sunday of the Year
This Gospel story (Matthew 14:22-33) follows immediately after the feeding of the 5000. Here’s a quick recap:
* Jesus hears of the death of John the Baptist
* Jesus seeks solitude in a deserted place
* The crowds find Jesus; he ministers to them
* Jesus feeds the hungry with fishes & bread
After the people have eaten, the Lord makes the disciples get into a boat while he dismisses the crowd. The following events occur:
1. The disciples are in the boat on the water
2. Jesus goes up the mountain to pray alone
3. The wind and the waves are getting strong
4. Late at night Jesus comes on the water
5. Seeing Jesus, the disciples are terrified
6. Jesus, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”
7. Peter to Jesus “Command me to come to you.”
8. Peter goes to Jesus, is frightened and sinks
9. Jesus rescues Peter “Why did you doubt?”
10. The disciples: “Truly you are the Son of God!”
Note that Matthew’s Gospel differs from Mark’s account (6:45-52) in three ways:
1. The dialogue between Jesus and Peter
2. Peter walking (sort of) on the water
3. Confession of faith – Jesus the Son of God
The story speaks of Peter’s desire to follow Jesus, even as it clearly shows his human weakness. Peter tries, fails, and calls upon Jesus to save him in his need. As a result, the disciples recognize the Son of God in their midst.
The early Church took this passage to heart. Like the boat tossed on the waters, early Christians knew all too well the dangers of faith – risking their lives to follow Jesus. Like Peter, they had their moments of weakness; like Peter, they called upon the Lord in their need.
We can see ourselves in this situation as well. There are times when we desperately want a strong and steadfast faith; we seek the Lord and desire to follow His path for our lives. Yet we are also aware of our limitations, failures, and fears. May we, like Peter, call upon Jesus in our need; may we trust in the Lord’s strength and love to save us.
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Mass Readings – Friday of the 17th Week of the Year (St. John Vianney)
Jesus returns to the village where he grew up and encountered the disbelief of those who were trapped in the past. All of us are works in progress and every day provides us with one more opportunity to grow as Sons & Daughters of God…even if those who knew us as children fail to see how far we’ve grown.
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Mass Readings – Friday of the 16th Week of the Year
As Jesus explains the meaning of the parable of the sower, he provides us with an opportunity to reflect on what needs to be removed from our hearts as we cultivate our lives for the Lord.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Study: What are some virtues that you would like to cultivate in your life? What are some vices that need to be weeded out?
Pray: Everyday provides a new opportunity for personal growth. Ask the Lord for the strength and wisdom to grow in holiness.
Serve: Name one little thing you can do for another; now make it happen.
Mass Readings – 15th Sunday of the Year
Since returning to the Cathedral as rector eight years ago, one thing I miss is gardening. Time is precious, and my current work does not readily lend itself to the effort it takes to keep a garden. Yet all things being equal, there is no other place in the summer that I would rather be than rooting around in the dirt – picking weeds, pruning, staking, watering, hoeing, and “looking at” the plants.
Gardening is a metaphor that teaches us about ministry and life. Spending time in the garden forces us to slow down and attend to a cycle that is not our own. We pay closer attention to the wonder and beauty of nature, and we can be surprised and amazed by what we see.
Plants truly are hopeful optimists in a world of pessimism. Every year flowers and vegetables produce thousands of seeds, each seed capable of new and beautiful life. Yet for all these seeds only a few survive. Some are taken as produce, some by the weather, and some by the rabbits!
Nature knows that life is difficult. There are so many obstacles and challenges in the world that it is essential to cast hundreds and thousands of seeds, just so that a few might be able to continue the cycle of life. The power of nature is that even a few seeds can change the landscape, bringing nourishment and beauty to the earth.
Jesus knew this. He spoke to hundreds and thousands of the hope and life that are possible in His Father’s Kingdom. He cured countless people and preached tirelessly to any who would hear. Like the garden plants, he cast LOTS of seed.
Yet many people did not act on his message. Many mocked him, plotted against him, or simply walked away. Some got excited for a time, but then they got bored, discouraged, or caught up in other interests. Simply put, much of the seed cast by Jesus was lost or destroyed.
Yet in his parable to the crowds Jesus shows his tremendous hope. It only takes a few seeds for an incredible harvest! A 30x, 60x, or 100x harvest was amazing in the ancient world (and it is not too shabby today!). For those who heed the word of God, they, too, will yield a crop that will defy worldly doubt.
As the Master Gardener, the Lord continues to work in our lives. The invitation today is that our faith will take root and flourish in our hearts. We are given the chance to garden our souls, fostering a faith that is worthy of the Lord’s harvest.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 13th Week of the Year
During the storm on the sea the disciples cry out in fear. Jesus calms the storm and comforts them, reminding us that when fear threatens to overwhelm us we seek the one who gives us strength.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
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Happy 4th of July!
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
