The beginning of the Gospel of Matthew outlines the genealogy of Jesus, showing how God remains faithful throughout salvation history while working with broken and fragile people. May the Lord’s family tree inspire us to see Christ at work in our lives as well.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 3rd Week of Advent
Isaiah the prophet reveals how God takes the initiative as creator and redeemer, inviting us to turn to the Lord in our need and count our blessings every day.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent
The Psalm response reminds us that God is near to those who call out for help in times of need.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent
The psalm response helps us to acknowledge our need in humility as we call upon God for insight and guidance.
Mass Readings – Monday of the 3rd Week of Advent
Study: Recall a time when you had to make an important choice. What helped you?
Pray: Do you have a critical decision to make right now? Ask the Lord for guidance.
Serve: How can you assist someone who is facing a crucial situation? How can you offer support?
Mass Readings – 4th Sunday of Advent
We often think of angels as something out of a Precious Moments collection: cute, sweet and gentle. Yet the image we see in the Scriptures is often startling and overwhelming…after all, angels are always saying “Be not afraid!” when they show up.
Gabriel greets Mary and reveals the astonishing news of God’s plan for our salvation: Mary will be the mother of God as the Holy Spirit conceives a child in her womb. This is how the savior of humanity will enter into the world, taking on our likeness in all things but sin.
But note this: Mary had to respond. Although she was specifically chosen by God and prepared to become the mother of the messiah, she still had to give her consent. Her freedom to choose was essential in the plan of salvation. Why? Because the Almighty has not created us to be robotic slaves but free souls, souls that seek to grow in wisdom, courage and love.
God initiates the action, but he does not force us to act. Rather, the Lord invites us to respond so that we will grow, becoming more and more the persons we were meant to be.
This Christmas consider what the Lord is inviting you to do. Reflect on how God is working in your life and how you are being prompted to develop your life in new and powerful ways. Say yes to Jesus Christ, and see how the Lord will change your heart to become like his.
Note: This post was first published on December 18, 2017.
In this Monday Conversation Fr. Andrew offers some insights into developing our personal prayer life.
The Gospel reveals how John the Baptist was sent to testify to Christ, the Light of the world. Following John’s example, we are called to testify to the Light…so that others will find Christ in our words and actions.
Mass Readings – 3rd Sunday of Advent
On this Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we take to heart the words of the angel Gabriel as we cast out fear and follow Jesus Christ.
Mass Readings – Our Lady of Guadalupe
Isaiah reminds us that the Lord teaches and leads us, offering guidance and insight to help us find our way through this life to the next.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent
The prophet Isaiah reminds us that when we place our hope in the Lord we will have a strength that does not fade.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Advent
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 