The Holy Spirit transforms the Lord’s disciples, empowering them in the face of adversity and uniting them in love. The same Spirit continues to work in our lives today, inviting us to call out for the help and guidance we need as we journey through this life.
Mass Readings – Extended Vigil
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The angel Gabriel tells Mary to “be not afraid” as she hears the news of her role in salvation history. In our moments of doubt and fear may we follow Mary’s example and turn to the Lord with renewed faith, asking for the grace and strength we need to face our challenges with God’s guidance.
Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Advent
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Study: Recall a time when you had to make an important choice. What helped you?
Pray: Do you have a critical decision to make right now? Ask the Lord for guidance.
Serve: How can you assist someone who is facing a crucial situation? How can you offer support?
Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Advent
We often think of angels as something out of a Precious Moments collection: cute, sweet and gentle. Yet the image we see in the Scriptures is often startling and overwhelming…after all, angels are always saying “Be not afraid!” when they show up.
Gabriel greets Mary and reveals the astonishing news of God’s plan for our salvation: Mary will be the mother of God as the Holy Spirit conceives a child in her womb. This is how the savior of humanity will enter into the world, taking on our likeness in all things but sin.
But note this: Mary had to respond. Although she was specifically chosen by God and prepared to become the mother of the messiah, she still had to give her consent. Her freedom to choose was essential in the plan of salvation. Why? Because the Almighty has not created us to be robotic slaves but free souls, souls that seek to grow in wisdom, courage and love.
God initiates the action, but he does not force us to act. Rather, the Lord invites us to respond so that we will grow, becoming more and more the persons we were meant to be.
This Christmas consider what the Lord is inviting you to do. Reflect on how God is working in your life and how you are being prompted to develop your life in new and powerful ways. Say yes to Jesus Christ, and see how the Lord will change your heart to become like his.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Annunciation, Bottecelli, 1481, Uffizzi, Florence, Italy.
The Lord calls us to be vigilant – against drowsiness, anxiety, and drunkenness – as we pray for the strength to face our challenges in this life. For always remember: one day we will stand before the Son of Man.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 34th Week of the Year
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Mass Readings – Friday of the 28th Week of the Year
What are you afraid of? Jesus invites us to cast out fear and trust in God’s providence. May we honestly face our fears and call upon the Lord for the courage and conviction we require.
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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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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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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
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Christ Walking on the Water, Julius Von Klever, 1880.
