Fr. Andrew’s Opening School Mass Homily Podcast
The start of a new school year is a fresh beginning, just like a plain piece of paper, and it can become anything – a prayer, composition, work of art or even an airplane! Students are given three keys for a powerful year: daily prayer, hard work, and being the best kid they can be in their families.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 23rd Week of the Year
The Twelve Apostles had their share of weakness and sin, and yet the Lord called them to carry out his mission. The Lord calls us as well – with all of our mistakes and mishaps – and invites us to trust in his mercy and love as we proclaim the Good News through the witness of our lives.
Study: Recall a time when you experienced a moment of profound forgiveness. How did it change you?
Pray: Are you holding on to anger and resentment? Pray for God’s mercy to soften your heart.
Serve: Is there someone you know in need of mercy? Is there some way you can help others, especially when they are caught up in shame, embarrassment, or the awkwardness of their weaknesses and sins?
Mass Readings – 24th Sunday of the Year
We hear in the Gospel of Luke the familiar parable of the The Prodigal Son. It’s worth a moment to touch on a few key points from this passage:
What a powerful parable! In this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy it seems appropriate to dwell on the divine mercy of God and recall our need to return to the Lord in our moments of weakness and sin.
Like both brothers in the parable, we all sin and fall short of God’s grace; yet like the brothers, we also have a Father who loves and welcomes us whenever we seek to turn back. Both brothers could speak to their Father – in either humility or anger – and the Father responds to both with tenderness.
Today I would like to suggest two key points for our reflection in the light of this passage:
God longs to welcome us back, and when we can humbly embrace our mistakes and sins we discover a grace beyond anything imaginable. May we have the courage to examine our hearts and return to the Lord – the source of all mercy.
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If you find these posts helpful for your spiritual life:
Fr. Andrew’s Sunday Mass Homily Podcast
Mass Readings – 23rd Sunday of the Year
“How much does it cost?” is a common expression that has enormous practical use, and Jesus reminds us that there is a cost for following him…nothing short of our entire lives.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 22nd Week of the Year
Jesus responds to the pharisees’ question with a two-fold response that is both practical and divine.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast
Mass Readings – Friday of the 22nd Week of the Year
Jesus uses the images of new/old cloaks and new/old wineskins to illustrate the concept of how we live our faith in the present moment, as we learn from the past.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 22nd Week of the Year
The fishing began poorly, but the preaching was bold and the nets were filled. The Lord called to the disciples, and the response – beyond all doubt and fear – led to the greatest catch all.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 22nd Week of the Year
We all have opportunities, great and small, to make a difference in the the lives of others. With God’s grace we are empowered to go out into the world everyday, proclaiming the Kingdom of God as we work together.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 22nd Week of the Year
The encounter between Jesus and the man suffering from a demon reveals the power and authority which Christ has on earth and in heaven – inviting us to welcome his strength into our hearts, to bring the grace we need to live as his disciples.
Study: Reflect on a truly difficult time in your life. Where did you find the strength to continue?
Pray: Is there a challenging situation in your life right now? Ask the Lord for grace and wisdom.
Serve: How can you help someone in a tight spot today? How can you help them carry their cross?
Mass Readings – 23rd Sunday of the Year
There is a sobering element in the readings this week that focuses on the cost of discipleship. We commonly speak of “carrying the Cross” as a way of understanding how our sacrifices and burdens become transformed when we participate in the Cross of Christ.
The first reading from the book of Wisdom reminds us that our mortal natures cannot fathom the breadth and depth of God’s plan. We rely on the Lord, and we trust that through the power of the Holy Spirit God reveals the path of our lives – and provides us with the strength for the journey.
The psalm response “In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge” helps us understand that when times get tough we turn to Jesus. He is the source of our strength, and with his grace we find a safe place from which we can prepare our hearts for the demands of the day.
Paul’s letter to Philemon touches upon our human weakness. Paul, imprisoned for his faith, is sending back a runaway slave (Onesimus) to his master – urging Philemon to accept his former servant with kindness as a brother in the Lord. Paul, Onesimus, and Philemon must all trust in the Lord for the strength to do what is right, even when it is difficult.
Finally, the Gospel speaks bluntly about the cost of discipleship. The price might be our family, our relationships, our possessions…yet through it all the Lord affirms that his grace empowers us to carry our Cross. For indeed, we all have crosses, and we can face them with hope – knowing that the Lord, who carried his Cross, will help us with our own.
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 