Jesus enters the synagogue and drives out unclean spirits. Guided by our faith in Christ, we face evil with God’s grace and build our lives on the strength of the Lord.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 1st Week of the Year
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Study: Reflect on an experience in life when you have been called to do something. Who called you? What did it feel like?
Pray: Ask the Lord for guidance to discern how to follow Jesus Christ today.
Serve: Are there people in your life who are experiencing a calling? How can you help them discover their path?
Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of the Year
Have you ever had moments in life when you wish the answers were written in the sky with letters that were clear and easy to read? Where there is no doubt what to do; no hesitation that a certain choice is the best; no worry that something has been missed? The question surfaces frequently: How do we know the Lord’s call for our lives?
In the Scriptures today we have two examples where people are being called by God:
While each story presents a perspective that is unique, both have some points that are worth noting:
The same three steps continue today. God keeps inviting! The Lord’s grace ceaselessly pours out upon the earth, inviting and empowering us to draw closer to God and one another. Everything we have comes from the Lord, who takes the initiative to reach out to us in love.
Our response – both in word and deed – completes this initiative. Accepting the Lord’s call we grow in wisdom and strength, developing our God-given gifts for service in the world. As we continue to say yes to the Lord’s guidance we become more and more alive, become a conduit through which Christ’s mission touches the hearts and lives of others.
So how and where does the Lord speak today? Where do we look for the call? A few starting thoughts…
May we say yes to the Lord’s call in our lives, responding with full and open hearts, serving one another with the strength of Jesus Christ!
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Note: This post was originally published on January 12, 2015.
The Magi, guided by the light of the star, brought their gifts to honor the Christ child. Our faith gives us light to recognize the gifts God has placed in our lives…and provides the light to discover ways to put those gifts to use in our world.
Mass Readings – The Epiphany of the Lord
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Today offers two options for the Gospel reading – the baptism of Jesus in Mark or the genealogy of Christ in Luke – and reveals to us the humble, simple and open manner in which the Lord meets us in our human weakness.
Mass Readings – Christmas weekday
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Photo Credit: Son of God, 2014
Jesus invites Philip to become a disciple with the words, “Follow me.” The language is clear, direct and simple. Philip’s response inspires us to consider how the Lord invites us to follow today. How will we respond?
Mass Readings – St. John Neumann
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Andrew and another disciple respond to the invitation of Jesus to “come and see.” Their day with Jesus will change their lives forever as they invite others to encounter the Lord as well. May we do the same!
Mass Readings – Memorial of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious
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John the Baptist calls Jesus “the Lamb of God” and invites us to draw upon the significance of this title within the salvation story. May we call upon the Lord’s sacrifice for our sins, and see our brothers and sisters through the eyes of Christ’s saving grace.
Mass Readings – Christmas Weekday
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John the Baptist redirected the attention he received toward Jesus, and his example inspires us to consider how our words and actions – attentive to the needs of those around us – can bring people closer to the Lord.
Mass Readings – Memorial of Saints Basil & Gregory Nazianzen
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Study: Recall a time when you experienced a moment of clarity and understanding – when it all came together.
Pray: Ask the Lord for direction and insight regarding any particular decisions or needs.
Serve: How can you help someone clarify their focus and gain direction?
Mass Readings – The Epiphany of the Lord
I was sitting in a Calculus class, and my blood was beginning to boil. For over an hour I had been trying to understand a concept without any success. The professor had patiently explained it twice (using two different examples), two friends tried (telling me how EASY it was – like that helped…), and I had read the “helpful hints” section of the textbook (which I still do not understand to this day).
I looked down on the page of equations, a seemingly meaningless series of numbers, letters, and signs, and put my head in my hands and took a deep breath. I then turned to look out the window and daydreamed for a couple of minutes. (I think the professor was just glad I was quiet…!) Then I looked back at the textbook.
It made sense.
I could not believe it. I finally understood in a span of three heartbeats what three different people had been trying to tell me for over an hour. The light bulb went on, and I said “OH!!!” just a little louder then I realized.
The professor, a gentle man with a deep faith, came over to me with a big smile. He said, “Do you get it?” When I told him how it came together he said, “Good for you, Andrew! You just had an epiphany.”
There are times in life when an event or experience comes upon us in a rush. We are caught up in the moment, held in awe by our new awareness. We discover a new insight, understanding, or perspective which shapes and changes how we see the world.
In the Scriptures today we follow the journey of the wise men, guided by a star to the baby Jesus. As the star rose they pursued its course, searching for understanding and wisdom. When they found the child their response reveals the magnitude of their convictions. They knelt in homage, giving the very best gifts they had to offer.
As we journey on in our lives God places before us opportunities and events where the Lord is especially present. In these great and precious moments our eyes are opened – if only briefly – to the grace and blessings around us. We can ask the Lord for this gift of understanding – a gift which recognizes and responds to God’s presence in our midst.
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The blog was originally published on January 1, 2015.
Since from the beginning of time the plan of salvation included the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross, we thus understand that Mary’s role as the Mother of God was present as well. Chosen by God, her acceptance of the angel Gabriel’s announcement reveals her as the first disciple; her role as Mother of the Messiah reveals her as a Mother to all disciples. May her example inspire us to draw near to her Son!
Mass Readings – Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 