Once a year as a nation we pause and give thanks for our blessings. It’s a great idea, and as disciples of Jesus Christ we pause everyday to thank the Lord with a grateful heart. What are you thankful for today? How can you share your blessings and be a light in the world?
Mass Readings – Thanksgiving Day Options
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Jesus offers a parable about servants who have been given resources by their master. The passage reminds us that we have all been blessed with opportunities to serve the Lord, and everyday we have a chance to act upon them.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 33rd Week of the Year (St. Cecilia)
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Jesus speaks to Zacchaeus and initiates a conversation that leads to a conversion of heart. We, too, are called to reach out to one another with the Good News of Christ…to seek and save what was lost.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 33rd Week of the Year (Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – 33rd Sunday of the Year
The Gospel reading makes it clear that all of us will be judged according to what we have been given in this life. Our invitation? To take stock of the gifts and talents we have and make something special for the glory of God.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 32nd Week of the Year
The Lord invites us to pray always and never become weary. May the blessings and burdens of each day be a part of our daily prayer, as we call upon the Lord for what we need.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Friday of the 32nd Week of the Year
Life happens. Sometimes we can get caught up in the cycle of our routine, only to find that everything can change in the blink of an eye. Jesus reminds his disciples that the Son of Man will appear when least expected – empowering us to live each day as if it is our last, taking nothing for granted as we keep our eyes fixed on the Lord.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 32nd Week of the Year
Jesus exhorts the disciples not to go looking for the Kingdom of God “here or there,” but recognize that in Him the Kingdom is already present. Our task? To live for Christ here on earth so that we are ready to greet him in Heaven.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Photo credit: “Head of Christ” by Richard Hook
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 32nd Week of the Year
10 lepers were healed by Jesus and delivered from their horrible illness by his divine power. Only one came back to say thanks – a foreigner – and his example inspires us to practice gratitude for the moments of grace we receive throughout our daily lives.
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Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 32nd Week of the Year
What does it mean to follow Jesus Christ? As his disciples we draw near to the one who has given us everything: life, redemption, eternal life and communion with God and one another. What’s more, we follow the Lord’s example – serving one another – as the primary mode by which share God’s gifts.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Study: Consider a moment when you were held accountable to a task. What did it feel like?
Pray: Is there something that needs to be attended to in your life? Ask the Lord for guidance to carry it out.
Serve: How can offer support to someone who is working through a challenging task right now?
Mass Readings – 33rd Sunday of the Year
On this last weekend of Ordinary Time we have some interesting readings to consider.
Our faith assures us that the world will one day come to an end. This is not meant to scare us, but rather to guide us with the knowledge that our lives have meaning and purpose as we prepare in this life for the life to come. Furthermore, when we die we understand that there will be an accounting of how we lived the precious and holy gift of life.
It’s this notion of being accountable that I suggest as a reflection today. The Book of Proverbs extols the virtues of a hard working and compassionate wife, reminding the reader that “charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting.” What lives on are the virtues, prayers, gifts of the Spirit and graces which God pours into our hearts which we share with one another.
And while we know that there will be a Day of Reckoning, we do not know the hour; this insights reminds us to follow St. Paul’s advice to be “sober and alert” each and every day – ready and eager for the Lord’s return.
What’s more, when that day comes, we will be judged with the awareness of our own unique situation. Like the three servants in the Gospel, we have all been given different talents, opportunities, resources and skills. It is neither a comparison nor a contest; rather, we will each be judged by how we worked and waited with what God put into our lives.
The invitation today: Are we prepared for the Lord’s return? Have we attended to our duties and tasks, or do we have unfinished business? Are there situations that require our attention and care? Sooner or later, the Lord will come…may he find us ready and waiting.
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
