The parable in the Gospel of Matthew shows a variety of responses to an invitation. The same is true for our response to the Lord’s invitation to live our faith. What will we do today?
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 20th Week of the Year
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Like a coach who calls a play that leads to action on the field, God calls us to a life of faith by what we think, speak and do. May we hear the Lord’s call in our lives today and respond with full hearts!
Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of the Year
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Mass Readings – Saturday of the 26th Week of the Year (Our Lady of the Rosary)
The 72 disciples return to Jesus, rejoicing at how their lives – empowered by Christ – have made a difference. Their “yes” to the Lord inspires us to do the same, offering our lives so that Christ can work through us in the world today.
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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast
Friday of the 26th Week of the Year (St. Jerome)
In the Book of Job we hear of God’s power and might; Luke’s Gospel shows Jesus chastising the towns that refused to accept his message. Our response today: to call upon the Lord to guide us with wisdom and strength!
Fr. Andrew’s 5th Sunday of the Year Homily Podcast
God keeps calling, inviting us to respond. What’s holding us back? What grace do we need to pray for so that we can offer our hearts to the Lord and one another? Here I am Lord! I come to do your will.
Study: Recall a moment where you felt that God was prompting you to action. What motivated you to act? What held you back?
Pray: What grace do you need to carry out your current tasks? Storm heaven for the strength you require.
Serve: How can you make an ordinary action extraordinary? How can you do a little thing with great love?
5th Sunday of the Year Readings
Fr. Andrew’s Homily Podcast
The readings incorporate the theme of being sent on mission:
In all these cases some common points surface:
These are beautiful thoughts as we sit on the doorstep of Lent! Friends, God continues to call us – providing grace – that we might respond and offer our lives for service in the world. So let’s turn these points around from our perspective:
May our words follow the example of Isaiah in the first reading today: Here am I, Lord…send me!
Fr. Andrew’s Holy Day Homily Podcast
Mary’s title “Mother of God” began when she said “yes” to the Angel Gabriel. Chosen by the Father, she bore her Son who would be the bridge between Heaven and Earth…to save and set us free. Thus, Mary was the instrument by which the Son of God came into the world.
Which is another way of saying that God works through people. God chooses the unlikely to do amazing things…with the Lord’s help.
Mary offers us an example about how we can cooperate with God’s grace. When we say “yes” to the Lord new possibilities arise. As we embark on this New Year may we be open to the Lord’s call in our lives and allow Christ to work through us to proclaim Good News in the world.
A blessed 2016 to you all!
