On this feast of the Rosary we recall the power of the Lord’s Prayer in the context of the ministry and life of Jesus. May this beautiful prayer draw us closer to the Lord through the intercession of his mother, Mary.
Mass Readings – Our Lady of the Rosary
The image of Martha’s sister, Mary, sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to his words inspires us to draw near to the Lord in silence and let His grace fill our hearts.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 27th Week of the Year
The parable of the Good Samaritan highlights the daily opportunities we have to love one another as God loves us.
Mass Readings – Monday of the 27th Week of the Year
Study: How do I respond to the Lord’s call to the Eucharist?
Pray: Take time each day to listen to the Scripture readings for daily or weekly Mass – it is a powerful way to prepare for the Eucharist.
Serve: Is there someone who you can bring to Mass? Perhaps the fellowship or hospitality may help another to grow in faith.
Mass Readings – 28th Sunday of the Year
Two themes surface in the readings today that require further reflection:
1. God prepares a banquet for us
2. God invites us to come to the feast
The imagery of the banquet feast is found in the readings from Isaiah, the Psalms, the Matthew’s gospel. There are several points of interest here:
* God does the cooking! (Not us!)
* The food is the finest quality (rich & choice)
* The banquet is an important event (you better show up)
The fact is, when God throws a feast it is lavish in every detail. The event is on a grand scale with the best food and drink. What’s more, the Lord is the host of the meal! God prepares a banquet in every respect – as Chef, Host, Servant, Substance, and Lord.
The “feast” has more than just one meaning. This banquet is first of all the great gathering at the end of time when we join the Lord in heaven. This “heavenly banquet” is the final celebration when all the saints unite in the glory of the risen Jesus; what a meal that will be!
Furthermore, since the resurrection of Jesus, Christians have gathered together for the Lord’s supper, where Christ himself feeds us with his Body and Blood. Here on Earth we are “saints in the making” who strive to follow the Lord through the struggles of life. This Eucharist is the feast that gives us the strength we need to face each day with faith, hope, and love.
Both of these banquets – one on heaven, the other on Earth – are presented by the Lord. We receive Christ’s body and blood so that we might follow the Lord through this world to the world that has no end.
Now the second point is this: Do we come and attend? If Christ has prepared a banquet for us in heaven and on earth, then do we respond to the Lord’s call by receiving his heavenly food on earth, and living on this earth as citizens of heaven?
Today the Lord calls us to the great banquet that will happen at the end of time. This feast is the final goal of our journey of faith. For this journey we need strength, and the Lord provides each week for the spiritual food we need to continue on our way.
May we come and receive with open hearts!
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Note: This blog was originally published on October 6, 2014.
Operating a vineyard means being mindful of hard work, fruitfulness and the owner; the same is true for our souls!
Mass Readings – 27th Sunday of the Year
As the 72 disciples return from their mission, they comment about their success over evil. May we follow their example as we call upon the name of Jesus for the strength we need to face our struggles.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 26th Week of the Year
We call upon our Guardian Angels as we grow in grace and follow their example to help and serve one another.
Mass Readings – The Holy Guardian Angels
As the Lord sends out the 72 disciples in pairs, we discover that we are stronger when we work together.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 26th Week of the Year
The Lord makes it clear that hanging on to His hand will require us to let go of everything else…
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 26th Week of the Year (St. Jerome)
The Bible names these three angels as particular instruments in God’s plan of salvation; may their presence inspire our faith as we follow Jesus Christ.
Mass Readings – The Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 