Jesus gives power and authority to the disciples to carry on his saving work as they place their trust in him. Following their example we, too, have an opportunity to carry on the mission of the Lord as we offer our lives guided by God’s grace.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 25th Week of the Year
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The Lord Jesus makes it clear that we are part of his family when we act on the Word of God in our lives.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 25th Week of the Year
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Study: Is there a particular need that keeps coming to your attention? Reflect on how your resources might be used to help another.
Pray: Ask the Lord to see more clearly the needs of the poor and respond with wisdom and compassion.
Serve: Is there a simple action that you can do right now to help another? How can you make it happen?
Mass Readings – 26th Sunday of the Year
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus speaks timelessly to our modern day culture. Without a doubt we can all acknowledge the many, many ways that we have been materially blessed in our country, and this parable invites us to pay careful attention to how we respond to the needs of those who struggle for the basic necessities of life.
Let’s face it: there are way too many people living in desperate circumstances. Some are within our own communities and countless millions suffer needlessly because they do not have adequate food, clothing, or shelter. With so much need in the world we can sometimes become overwhelmed. Where to start? How can our little bit help when the need is so great?
And perhaps that’s the key – that we start with something within our reach. Perhaps we have a connection close at hand that provides us with opportunities to make a difference (no matter how big or small) in the lives of others.
That leaves us with two simple questions to consider today:
As disciples of Jesus Christ we cannot close our eyes to the needs of the poor, and if we cannot solve all the world’s problems at least we can seek out ways to be part of a solution for someone. Also, it’s always good to remember that whatever gift we give, God will take it and bless it in ways we cannot imagine.
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Note: This post was first published on September 19, 2016.
The readings all reveal different ways our faith interacts with everyday life. Rather than create a false separation, we have a daily opportunity to live our faith in our normal circumstances…so that when people see us, they see Jesus Christ shining through.
Mass Readings – 25th Sunday of the Year
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Both the Letter to the Ephesians and the Gospel of Matthew offer insights into how the Lord calls us (with all our imperfections) in various ways, giving us the grace we need for the work entrusted to our care.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 24th Week of the Year
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The followers of Jesus reveal a microcosm of the Church, inviting us (however wounded or sinful) to walk with the Lord today.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 24th Week of the Year
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The interaction between Jesus and the woman in the Gospel of Luke reveals the healing power of God’s love when we receive the Lord’s forgiveness for our sins.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 24th Week of the Year
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Life presents us a variety of situations – good, bad and ugly – and often we can be tempted to look for the failures and limitations of those around us. Rather than finding fault we have the opportunity to foster our faith as we seek God’s presence is all aspects of our lives.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 24th Week of the Year
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The encounter between Jesus and the widow reveals the compassion and power of the Lord. Christ continues to reach out to us with this same loving grace and urges us to rise up in newness of life.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 24th Week of the Year
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Study: Recall a time when you witnessed a leader make a decision informed by Christian faith. How did it strengthen those affected?
Pray: Are you troubled by an issue in business or politics right now? Ask the Lord for guidance to proceed with your actions.
Serve: Is there some way that you can make a difference in your local community? How might your life help the people around you?
Mass Readings – 25th Sunday of the Year
This Sunday’s scripture readings give us a practical perspective from which to view some “real world” issues that surface in daily life.
And who says the Church shouldn’t talk about Business & Politics?! The prophet Amos offers harsh words about those who cheat to make a profit, and Timothy urges the community to pray for those in authority “that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life.”
Far from out of touch, these passages remind us yet again of the timeless quality of Scripture to speak to enduring human concerns. Our communities rely on a strong and supportive leadership that fosters peace and prosperity. Amid political rhetoric we are constantly reminded that we are as strong as we are united, and as weak as we are divided.
Thus the Gospel helps us understand that “God and Mammon” cannot compete with one another; rather, we put the Lord first and see our work and social interactions through the eyes of faith. Money and natural resources are crucial for human life to thrive, and when people are cooperating and stewarding these practical elements under the guidance of a clear moral vision we discover the power that our faith in Jesus Christ brings to all aspects of our lives.
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Note: This post was first published on September 12, 2019.
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 