Mass Readings – 16th Sunday of the Year
Every gardener encounters weeds, and the Lord uses this image in the Gospel of Matthew to remind us that in the garden of our hearts we have a daily opportunity to pull out what does not belong.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Note: I couldn’t stop with just one picture! These are taken from my dad’s garden in Cumberland, WI.
Mass Readings – The Feast of St. Mary Magdalene
The Gospel of John recounts how Mary Magdalene was the first to meet the Risen Lord. Her conversion and witness inspire us: no matter what our past has been, God’s grace can touch our hearts and change our lives!
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
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Photo credit: The Passion of the Christ, 2004.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 15th Week of the Year
Speaking with the pharisees, Jesus offers an insight into God’s compassion and mercy when he says, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” Today we have the opportunity to offer to Christ the gift of mercy as we lovingly respond to the weaknesses of those around us, as we claim the Lord’s mercy for ourselves.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 15th Week of the Year
Jesus reminds us in the Gospel of Matthew that there are consequences for our actions that will take place in the final judgment. With this awareness in mind, we have the opportunity today to repent of our sins and turn to the Lord for his mercy and forgiveness.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Study: Consider your life right now. What is flourishing in your heart, and what needs to be pulled out?
Pray: Ask the Lord for wisdom to know how to grow in grace.
Serve: How might you be an example for another person? How might your work to root out sin inspire someone else to grow closer to the Lord?
Mass Readings – 16th Sunday of the Year
Several powerful themes surface in the readings this week.
A common pattern emerges from these themes as we discover that in the midst of injustice, sin, weakness and evil the Lord comes with justice, forgiveness, strength and power. Simply put, God gives us grace to confront the weeds in our lives.
So that begs the question: Where are the weeds in our hearts today? What struggle are we facing that requires the Lord’s mercy and love? Perhaps we might step back and pause this week to reflect on the state of our soul, so that we can honestly assess what is growing and what needs to go.
Jesus Christ knows our hearts and loves us unconditionally. As we look at the garden of our hearts may we trust that the one who knows us completely will help us root out what does not belong and help us grow as Sons and Daughters of God.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Divorce touches our lives in many ways and on many levels. Fr. Andrew offers some pastoral food for thought regarding how we offer healing to those facing divorce and support for couples working on their marriage. (40 Minutes)
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 13th Week of the Year
“Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.” As Jesus says these words to the paralytic we find that the mercy of Christ is greater than all our sins…and we are inspired to draw near to the one who loves us completely.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
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Photo Credit: Jesus of Nazareth, 1977.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 12th Week of the Year
A leper comes to Jesus and receives healing, encouraging us to look into our hearts to discern where we are wounded so that the Lord might heal us as well.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 11th Week of the Year
The Lord’s Prayer is a powerful tool for the Christian life. At 55 words this gift from Jesus provides us with key insights about how we follow the Lord with all our heart. Pray it today; pray it frequently!
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Lent
We forgive:
And so…to whom do we have to say “I’m sorry” or “I forgive you” today?
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 