Through his death and resurrection, Jesus touches all aspects of human life with a grace that brings hope and healing. May we see God at work in every moment of our day as we place our trust in the Lord.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 25th Week of the Year
The emptiness that Qoheleth describes and Herod the tetrarch experiences both point to a common theme: a life without God is no life at all.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 25th Week of the Year
As Jesus empowers his disciples to minister to the people, we are reminded that the Lord continues to invite us to serve in His name to those in our lives.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 24th Week (St. Pius of Pietrelcina)
As I spend time today with my Mom on her birthday, I pause to thank God that my parents shared their faith and helped me live it.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 25th Week of the Year
The Letter to the Ephesians beautifully illustrates how we are directed to live according to the manner of our call to follow Jesus Christ. Simply put, if we have been given gifts, then may we joyfully offer them to the Lord!
Mass Readings – Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle
Note: Today is my birthday, and I give thanks to God for the gift of my life!
Study: When in your life have actions “shouted down” the words we hear?
Pray: Ask the Lord for the strength to be consistent in what we say and do.
Serve: How do my words encourage others? How do my actions show my care and support?
Mass Readings – 26th Sunday of the Year
It seems like there are certain phrases that get said throughout our lives. These words are commands, invitations, and requests to make things happen – and they come in many forms:
“Take out the trash”
“Clean your room”
“Do the dishes”
“Come to my…” (athletic game, concert, etc.)
“Would you volunteer at…” (pick one!)
“Help me with…”
Let’s face it. We are asked to do many things throughout this life. From chores and tasks to acts of kindness and civil responsibility, many of these actions are simply part of our existence on this earth.
Yet once we hear these words we are asked to respond. This happens in two crucial ways:
* What we say (our WORDS)
* What we do (our ACTIONS)
When we are confronted with a request or invitation how we respond says a lot about who we are. If our words and actions are in agreement everything is fine – “yes” means yes and “no” means no. But if we say one thing and do another, then the weight of our choice is measured in our actions.
This is the message of the Gospel today. Jesus speaks of two sons who receive a request from their father. One says yes but does not act, the other says no but changes his mind and acts. In the end, the one who acted did his father’s will.
We journey through life confronted by countless choices everyday. Some things we know should be done, others should not. Some things are options that could be done; we have to weigh the priorities of our time, energy, ability, and need. Yet what we discover is that we are defined not by what we say, but by what we do.
As people of faith we have other commands to follow: Love God; Love one another; Repent and forgive; Work for justice; Seek peace. Indeed our faith is reflected not in our words but our actions; even the Golden Rule “Do to others as you would have them do to you…” (Mt 7:12) is nothing more than a reminder that actions speak louder than words.
Note: This post was originally published on September 23, 2014
The parable of the generous landowner reveals a crucial insight about God and an invitation to becoming greathearted toward those around us.
Mass Readings – 25th Sunday of the Year
St. Paul addresses an issue that people often wonder about: Will we have a body in Heaven? The answer is yes, but it will be much more!
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 24th Week of the Year
St. Paul speaks of the crucial aspect of the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the life of the faith. Indeed, the resurrection of the Lord opens the door between this life and the next.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 24th Week of the Year
The Psalm response echoes the grace revealed in the Gospel of Luke. When we count our blessings we open our hearts in faith to the healing power of Jesus Christ.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 24th Week of the Year
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 