Fr. Andrew’s Baptism of the Lord reflection with his nieces and nephews
The baptism of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke today invites us to consider how our own baptism ignites the fire of faith in our lives. Each day we have unique opportunities to share the gift of grace that comes from our own baptism – extending the light and love of Christ in our world.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast – January 7th in the Christmas season
Fr. Andrew’s nieces and nephews help him explore the reading from 1 John in Mass today. God loves us – even when we are far from perfect – and strengthens us to love each other. Sometimes it is difficult (if not downright painful) to love like Jesus…but we call upon the Lord to help us with his grace to love one another.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast – January 6th in the Christmas Season
Fr. Andrew talks with his nieces and nephews about how Jesus walked on water to the disciples during a storm. May we recall that just as Christ calmed the storm and comforted his friends, we too can draw near to the Lord in the storms and fears of our lives.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily – January 5th in the Christmas Season
The Miracle of the Fishes and Loaves reminds us that God continues to Take, Bless, Break, and Give from the little we offer and transform it into abundance. With a little help from his nieces and nephews, Fr. Andrew reminds us that every Mass participates in the grace of Jesus Christ.
Study: Find out about your baptism. When was it? Who performed it? Who are your Godparents? Who else was present?
Pray: Thank the Lord for the gift of faith to know, love, and serve Jesus Christ.
Serve: How can you live your baptismal call today? How can your faith inspire or assist another?
The Baptism of the Lord Readings
Fr. Andrew’s Homily Podcast
A few days ago I was having lunch when I ran into Fr. Bob Koszarek, a retired priest from our diocese. When I asked him what brought him out for lunch he said, “I am celebrating the anniversary of my baptism.” The comment struck me, especially when he followed it up with, “Do you know the day of your baptism?”
The answer is no. Yet as I type this post I have made a commitment to find out. We claim (rightly so) that baptism is a crucial sacrament in the Church – the gateway to all other sacraments whereby we are configured to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Most people know if they have been baptized; my sense is that very few know the actual date.
Our faith is a precious gift – worth fighting for, worth dying for. Perhaps today we pause to recall just how precious it truly is…Jesus Christ poured out his blood on the Cross for us that we might have eternal life. His baptism was the revelation of the Trinity, where we hear the Father’s voice from heaven as the Spirit descends upon the Son in the form of a dove. Our baptism allows us to participate fully in God’s presence for the grace and guidance we need.
I invite us today to claim our baptism. Some simple steps:
Our baptism is not a one time event. Rather, it is an ongoing expression of Christ working through us. May the Baptism of the Lord inspire us to live our faith with joy as we engage our lives with his power.
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Bautismo de Cristo, Juan Fernandez Nararrete; circa 1567, The Prado, Madrid, Spain.
Fr. Andrew’s Epiphany of the Lord Homily Podcast
The light of the star guided the sight of the wise men to the infant Jesus. God’s light continues to shine in our world today through Prayer, Scripture, Sacraments, and Fellowship. May we not only use our sight to recognize the Lord’s presence, but may we also shine with the light of faith to help others draw near to Christ.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast (5th Day in the Octave of Christmas)
Simeon, filled with the Holy Spirit, held the baby Jesus in his arms and praised God, saying:
“Lord, now let your servant go in peace;
your word has been fulfilled:
my own eyes have seen the salvation
which you prepared in the sight of every people,
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32)
May our eyes be open, to see God’s hand touching and blessing our lives today!
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Simeon’s Song of Praise, Aert de Gelder; circa 1700-1710, Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis, The Hague, Netherlands.
Study: Reflect on a time when you clearly experienced God’s presence in your life. How were you guided?
Pray: Is there a challenging task confronting you today? Ask the Lord for the Light to find your way.
Serve: How can you be a Light for others? How can your life help others to see clearly?
The Epiphany of the Lord Readings
Fr. Andrew’s Homily Podcast
The Magi were guided by a star to Jerusalem. They were led by its light, and along the way inquired among the people where they might find the king and were thus directed to Bethlehem. I am struck by the two complementary components that were necessary for their journey: Light & Sight.
Without light, sight is impossible. Without sight, the light is wasted. Many people saw the light of the star, but the Magi acted on it – seeking through a long journey to find the King of Kings.
God’s light continues to shine in our world today. Do we open our eyes and see with the gift of faith the wonders that the Lord sets before us? Make no mistake: we believe that Christ is present in the Eucharist, the Scriptures, and our fellowship “where two or three are gathered” in his name.
We are invited to follow the example of the Magi and seek the Lord in our lives – using our senses and resources to respond to the blessings we have have received. May we use our Sight to follow the Light!
Fr. Andrew’s Holy Family Homily Podcast
The Holy Family had its mix of blessings and burdens – just like every family. Yet through their struggles God was with them, guiding and guarded them in Faith, Hope, and Love…and the Lord will do the same for our families as well.
Midnight Mass Podcast from the Cathedral – 95 Minutes
Fr. Andrew’s Christmas Homily Podcast
Like a bridge that connects two shores, Jesus Christ comes into our world to unite us to God and one another. Fully human like us, he teaches us about God and guides us to heaven. Fully divine, he has the power to overcome sin and death and bring healing and reconciliation to our lives.
Merry Christmas!
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
