In the Gospel today we learn about the priestly lineage of John the Baptist. John’s ministry – calling people to repentance and showing them the “Lamb of God” – fulfills the priestly role and sets the stage for the coming of the Messiah.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent
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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.
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Annunciation, Bottecelli, 1481, Uffizzi, Florence, Italy.
The readings are filled with examples of God’s power, offering us hope, life and joy as we embrace the Lord’s grace in our lives. Where do we see Good News in our lives? How can we bring Good News to others? May these final days of Advent inspire us to live our faith!
Mass Readings – 3rd Sunday of Advent
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The Lord explains how Elijah returned in the person of John the Baptist, and then Jesus goes on to say how he will suffer just like John. As we draw near to the Feast of Christmas, we remember how God so loved the world he gave His only Son…to teach us how to offer our lives for one another.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 2nd Week of Advent
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Photo Credit: Son of God, 2014.
We can be pretty good at finding excuses not to do something, yet the Lord – who never gives up on us – continues to invite us to follow him that we might have eternal life.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent
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When you cook, you need a certain amount of time to get prepared: clear the work space; make an ingredients list; set out your utensils and cookware. In a similar way we need time and attention to prepare to encounter Jesus Christ in our spiritual lives. May the example of John the Baptist inspire us to make the necessary preparations we need, and empower us to help others encounter the Lord as well.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 2nd Week of Advent
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We all experience moments of feeling burdened, exhausted and worn out. What’s the answer? Jesus Christ! May we draw near to the one who knows us best and draw strength to face the tasks at hand.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Advent
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The Blessed Virgin Mary offers an example of faith that transformed the people of Mexico and continues to inspire millions to follow her son, Jesus Christ. May we look to Mary for guidance and wisdom as we continue to proclaim the Good News of the Lord in our lives.
Mass Readings – The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
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Study: Consider a moment when you heard really good news. How did it feel? How did it change the way you thought or acted?
Pray: Ask the Lord for guidance how your life can be a blessing to others.
Serve: Do you know someone who is having a bad day? How can your life bring light to their lives?
Mass Readings – 3rd Sunday of Advent
The readings of this 3rd Sunday of Advent are filled with hope and power:
The themes here all point to God’s power and glory. As Christians we have confidence that the Lord walks with us, sustains us, and empowers us to face the challenges and obstacles of life.
Isaiah recognizes that there are troubles in this life – the poor, the brokenhearted, those captive and in prison. We, too, understand very well that there are problems that must be faced and situations that will push us to our limits. Yet we are not alone; God’s Spirit fills us with new life!
This is cause to rejoice! Our Good News in Jesus recalls that Christ is victorious over sin and death. The Lord comes into our world to breathe new life into our limbs when we are weary. We have a strength that does not fail, and we call upon God with joy.
And like John the Baptist, we can testify to the light of Jesus Christ in the world. People are hungry for this light, and people continue to give their lives that God’s light will shine…to cast out darkness and evil.
So call upon the Holy Spirit! Rejoice in the Lord! Pray always! And testify to the grace and peace that comes when Christ Jesus shines in our hearts!
This, my friends, is the Good News of the Gospel.
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The prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled in John the Baptist to “prepare the way of the Lord” for the coming of Jesus. Advent offers us the opportunity to make our own preparations as we repent, reconcile and look for the holy.
Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of Advent
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 