Amidst the temptations and deceits that come before us in the messy moments of life, we echo the vigilant cry of the Psalmist: “Lead me Lord, in your justice.”
A favorite photo with my mentor, Msgr. Ed Meulemans.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, there are tough messages that sometimes we are called to deliver, and sometimes we are called to receive. Through honesty, humility and love we open our hearts to encounter the transforming power of the Lord’s grace in these difficult moments.
Paul reminds us that we are servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God…called to be trustworthy as we offer our lives in this life for the day we stand before the Lord in the next.
Luke’s Gospel reveals the Lord’s drive to travel and announce the Kingdom of God, and as His disciples this same urgency underscores our need to proclaim our faith to all we meet.
The 4th century ruins of the synagogue in Capernaum, where Jesus preached the message we hear in the Gospel today.
Luke’s Gospel recounts how Jesus taught and drove out demons with “authority and power.” This is the grace that we call upon today as we follow the Lord to face the challenges of our lives.
Sometimes the most awkward place to share our faith is around those who know us best. Drawing strength from the Lord and St. Paul in the readings today, may we authentically follow Christ with an open heart.
The Lord speaks directly and to the heart: all disciples must take up their crosses and follow Him. What’s our unique cross today, and how will we carry it? May we call upon Christ for the courage and conviction we need.
John the Baptist came to point others to Jesus, and his death inspires us to face our sufferings with fervent hope in Christ through His victory on the Cross.