Tag Archives: Hope

Study, Pray, Serve: 3rd Sunday of Lent

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Here are some of the themes that we find in the Mass readings for the 3rd Sunday of Lent.

1st Reading – Exodus 17:3-7

  • In their thirst for water, the people grumble against Moses.
  • At the Lord’s command, Moses takes his staff and strikes a rock, from which water flows and the people are able to drink.

Psalm – 95:1-2,6-9

  • “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”
  • Unlike the Israelites who grumbled, we are exhorted to come before the Lord in joyful worship with thanksgiving.

2nd Reading – Romans 5:1-2,5-8

  • Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
  • God proves his love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us.

Gospel – John 4:5-42

  • Jesus, sitting at a well in the town of Sychar in Samaria, encounters a woman and converses with her.
  • Jesus announces that he is the Christ, and the woman tells others about Jesus…and they come to believe that he is the savior of the world.

Mass Readings – 3rd Sunday of Lent (#28)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Study, Pray, Serve: 2nd Sunday of Lent

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Let’s explore some of the themes we find in the Mass readings for the 2nd Sunday of Lent.

1st Reading – Genesis 12:1-4a

  • God sends Abram forth from his kinsfolk to a new land.
  • God promises that he will make Abram a blessing, and he will become the father of a great nation.

Psalm 33:4-5,18-20,22

  • “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.”
  • With hope in his kindness, we wait upon the Lord, who loves justice and right.

2nd Reading – 2nd Timothy 1:8b-10

  • We bear our share of hardship for the Gospel with the strength that comes from God.
  • God saves and calls us to a holy life, through the appearance of our savior, Christ Jesus.

Gospel – Matthew 17:1-9

  • Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a high mountain where he is transfigured in glory.
  • The disciples see the Lord conversing with Moses and Elijah.
  • From a bright cloud they hear the Father’s voice, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of Lent (#25)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Daily Mass: Some insights about fasting. Catholic Inspiration

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Jesus and Isaiah shed light on the spiritual power and application of fasting.

Mass Readings – Friday after Ash Wednesday (#221)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Study, Pray, Serve: 1st Sunday of Lent

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Here are some of the powerful themes that surface in the Mass Readings for the 1st Sunday of Lent.

1st Reading – Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7

  • God breathes life into the man who is formed from the clay.
  • In the garden in Eden, God plants many trees, including the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
  • The serpent tempts Eve to eat the forbidden fruit, and she and Adam eat it.

Psalm – 51:3-6,12-13,17

  • “Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned.”
  • Acknowledging our sins, we call upon the Lord for mercy and ask for a clean heart and a steadfast spirit.

2nd Reading – Romans 5:12-19

  • Through the transgression of one man (Adam) condemnation came upon all, so, through one righteous act (Jesus) acquittal and life came to all.
  • Through the disobedience of the one man (Adam) the many were made sinners, so, through the obedience of the one (Jesus), the many will be made righteous.

Gospel – Matthew 4:1-11

  • Jesus is led by the Spirit into the desert, where he fasts for forty days and nights and is then tempted by the devil.
  • The first temptation: command stones to become bread. Jesus rejects this, citing Deuteronomy 8:3.
  • The second temptation: jump off the parapet of the temple. Jesus rejects this, citing Deuteronomy 6:16.
  • The third temptation: worship Satan and receive the kingdoms of the world. Jesus rejects this, citing Deuteronomy 6:13.

Mass Readings – 1st Sunday of Lent (#22)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Daily Mass: Our hearts yearn for healing in body, mind, heart, and soul. Catholic Inspiration

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The crowds swarm around Jesus, seeking healing for themselves and their loved ones.

Mass Readings – Monday of the 5th Week of the Year (#329)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Study, Pray, Serve: 6th Sunday of the Year

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Here are some of the themes in the Mass readings for the 6th Sunday of the Year.

1st Reading – Sirach 15:15-20

  • Trusting in God and following the commandments bring us life and salvation.
  • God understands all our deeds and no one has license to sin.

Psalm – 119:1-2,4-5,17-18,33-34

  • “Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!”
  • Those who are blameless and observe the Lord’s decrees will live.

2nd Reading – 1st Corinthians 2:6-10

  • Paul preaches the wisdom of God as it has been revealed through the Spirit.

Gospel – Matthew 5:17-37

  • Jesus teaches how his commandments far exceed the precepts of the law.
  • The Lord speaks forcefully about killing, adultery, divorce and false oaths.

Mass Readings – 6th Sunday of the Year (#76)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Daily Mass: Christ responds with compassion to the needs in our hearts. Catholic Inspiration

The Lord responds to both the needs of the Twelve and the crowds, revealing his compassion, pity, and concern for our souls.

Mass Readings – Saturday of the 4th Week of the Year (#328)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Daily Mass: How our faith helps us face evil in the world. Catholic Inspiration

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The death of John the Baptist offers a stark reminder that following Jesus will come with a cost as we face evil in this life with our faith in Christ that will guide and sustain us to eternal life.

Mass Readings – Friday of the 4th Week of the Year (#327)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. Paul Miki & Companions, pray for us!


Daily Mass: We lean on the Lord to accomplish the task at hand. Catholic Inspiration

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Jesus sends out the Twelve with his authority and directs them to rely on God’s grace for what they need as they carry out their ministry.

Mass Readings – Thursday of the 4th Week of the Year (#326)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. Agatha, pray for us!


Daily Mass: Living our faith in the midst of our family. Catholic Inspiration

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Jesus returns to his “native place” and experiences the lack of faith from the people who watched him grow up, causing the Lord to comment how hard it can be to live for the Lord with those who know us well and are unable to accept change.

Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 4th Week of the Year (#325)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives