The Lord’s Prayer is a powerful gift that we frequently use in many ways throughout life. Whether alone or with others, this prayer helps us draw close to God and one another. May we use it frequently!
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 11th Week of the Year (St. Aloysius)
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The Lord boldly states that we are called to reconcile with one another. That begs a simple question: who do I need to forgive in my life today? Once we recognize the essential aspect of forgiveness in our lives the next step is to call upon Christ for the grace required to make it happen.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 10th Week of the Year
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Study: Recall a time when you had to confront your sinfulness. What were the obstacles you faced?
Pray: Consider adding an Examination of Conscience to your daily prayer.
Serve: How can you extend mercy and forgiveness to others right now?
Mass Readings – 10th Sunday of the Year
There are a number of themes that surface in the Scripture readings this week:
Sin is real. While we do not live in a world that wants to call attention to the times when we choose something contrary to the will and commandment of God, we know by experience and observation that it happens everyday. What’s more, we often find ourselves hearing a thousand different excuses for the shortcomings and failures of those around us…offering every possible reason why:
and so it goes…
Yet what we find in the first reading is a clear acknowledgement of the sin of Adam and Eve through the temptation of the serpent. In their weakness our first parents fell from grace and transmitted original sin into the spiritual DNA of humanity. In our moments of humble insight we understand just how wounded we are and how easy it is to slip into behaviors that lead us away from God and one another.
The Lord, however, does not leave us in this plight alone. Rather, the Psalmist reminds us that the Lord extends mercy upon us, and St. Paul teaches that the spirit of faith empowers us to face the trials of this life with the gift of grace.
The source of this grace is found in Jesus Christ, who claims us as his family through our willingness to do the will of the Heavenly Father. In other words, God sends his Son to give us the help we need to return to Him!
Yes there is sin. But we draw near to the one who overcomes the power of sin and restores what was lost. May we call upon God for the grace we need to acknowledge our sins, accept the Lord’s mercy, and live in the light of Jesus Christ!
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Photo Credit: Son of God, 2014.
United in love with his heavenly Father, Jesus teaches the people that they will know who he is when he has been lifted up. As we gaze upon Christ on the Cross may we recognize our hope as we turn from our sins and accept his forgiveness.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 5th Week of Lent
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St. Peter asks the question that all the disciples are thinking…and Jesus drives home the point about forgiveness with a powerful parable.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent
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The Prodigal Son is a favorite parable for many, and it has layers of meaning and insight that serve us well. Whether it’s forgiveness or mercy we require, may we run to our Heavenly Father, trusting that the Lord will never give up on us.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 2nd Week of Lent
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The Lord makes is clear in the Gospel of Matthew that if someone has anything against us, we are commanded to go first and be reconciled. Seeking forgiveness and being about reconciliation may be the hardest thing we do as Christians, yet it’s essential if we seek to follow Jesus Christ.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 1st Week of Lent
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It’s a powerful prayer, and this gift from the Lord strengthens and directs our lives. Only 55 words in English; may we pray it with conviction and conversion of heart.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 1st Week of Lent
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When asked why he eats with sinners and tax collectors, Jesus offers a powerful response, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance, but sinners.” As we acknowledge our sins and seek repentance we, too, receive the Lord’s saving mercy.
Mass Readings – Saturday after Ash Wednesday
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Jesus describes the evil that can come from our hearts, reminding us that the battle is often within. As we strive to follow the Lord we turn from these sins and look to the Cross of Christ.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 5th Week of the Year
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 