Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast (Friday of the 1st Week of Advent)
Two blind men encounter Jesus…and gain their sight. May we turn to the Lord for greater sight – that what we see will inspire us to respond with the light of faith.
Tag Archives: Jesus Christ
Daily Mass: Build on Rock. Catholic Inspiration
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast (Thursday of the 1st Week of Advent)
When we listen to the Lord and put his teaching into practice, we are like the wise who build their houses on rock. May the knowledge we possess be transformed into action so that we can face the storms of life with the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ!
Share this:
School Mass – What’s your Excuse? Catholic Inspiration
Fr. Andrew’s Cathedral School Mass Homily Podcast
Did you ever try to make an excuse for not handing in homework? This top ten list helps us understand that we sometimes do the same thing with our spiritual life – and maybe inspires us this Advent to complete our “heavenly homework.”
Share this:
Daily Mass: A Vision of Hope. Catholic Inspiration
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast (Tuesday of the 1st Week of Advent)
The first reading from the prophet Isaiah proclaims a vision of the world – filled with hope – that happens after “a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse.” May this Good News help us to make course corrections in our life today, so that we will be ready for the Lord’s return.
Share this:
2nd Sunday of Advent – Road Construction
Study: Reflect on key relationships in your life. Are there any obstacles that are keeping you from fully connecting with others?
Pray: Invite the Lord to help you strengthen your spiritual life today. Ask for guidance and wisdom to see clearly the path before you.
Serve: How can you help someone in your life right now? How can your life bring support and encouragement to another in need?
Have you ever watched the construction of a new road? The big kid in me loves watching the earth movers and dump trucks, as graders and front loaders transform the landscape. The study, planning, design, coordination, and work are immense – and the heavier the traffic the greater the effort to insure that the road will be able to bear the load.
While there are many key issues that surface in the construction of a road, I would like to point out two elements:
- What are the obstacles that need to be cleared away?
- What materials need to be added for strength?
Obstacles can be unwanted elevation, swamps, trees, or any objects that are in the way. They sometimes require enormous effort to remove them in order to create a smooth, level surface. The work here is all about taking something away so that the road will be easy to use.
Often, however, there is a significant amount of material that needs to be added – to improve foundation, provide drainage or perhaps fill in gaps. Removing the obstacle is not sufficient; material and supplies must be added to make the road strong and durable, so it can be used safely for a long time.
In the Gospel today John the Baptist quotes Isaiah to prepare the people for the coming of Jesus:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths.
Every valley shall be filled
and every mountain and hill shall be made low.
The winding roads shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth,
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” Luke 3:4-6
This is serious work…for the human heart. Heavy equipment and intense work are required to transform the landscape of our souls – preparing the highway that allows us to receive Jesus Christ. And like above we have to ask: What obstacles need to be removed? What material needs to be added?
Is there something keeping us from the Lord and one another? Time to get rid of it! Does a relationship require attention and support to strengthen it? Time to get to work!
May the words of John inspire us today, removing obstacles and strengthening our souls, so that the Lord will find us ready and prepared to journey with him today.
Share this:
1st Sunday of Advent – Be Vigilant Catholic Inspiration
Fr. Andrew’s 1st Sunday of Advent Homily Podcast
A beginning is always a crucial time – how we start often defines the outcome of a project or task, as well as our attitude as we work. We are reminded today to be vigilant: constantly prepared; swift to act; and disciplined in our effort. May the start of our Advent season prepare us for a glorious Christmas!
Share this:
Daily Mass: Facing the Future. Catholic Inspiration
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily (Tuesday of the 34th Week of the Year)
How do we face the changes of life? How do we look to the future with hope? The Answer: with the help of Jesus Christ!
Share this:
1st Sunday of Advent – Be Vigilant
Study: Name a time when you had to be vigilant. What gave you strength to remain alert, disciplined, and prepared?
Pray: Is there something in your life that requires vigilance right now? Pray for the strength to remain focused.
Serve: Does someone in your life need support to remain vigilant? How can you help them?
The Gospel reading paints a dark picture – filled with worry, anxiety, dismay, and fright. It warns that some might foolishly respond with drunkenness, others by getting drowsy and paying no attention. Here’s the proper approach:
“Be vigilant at all times
and pray that you have the strength” – Luke 21:36
Be vigilant. But what does that mean? Here are some key points:
- Alert: focused, paying attention, aware
- Disciplined: steadfast, consistent
- Prepared: ready, able to act instantly
The idea is that we are actively engaged in the present moment – watching and waiting – so that when the situation requires our effort we can swiftly give our best. It takes a lot of energy, effort, and concentration…but then again, at stake is our preparation for the savior of the world.
So as we step into this Advent – where do you see the need for vigilance in your life? Are there situations or relationships that require attention? Are there details that need to be addressed? If the Lord came today are we ready to greet him, or would we be caught unprepared?
This holy season provides us with the gift of time to become vigilant – alert, disciplined, and prepared for the Lord’s return.
Happy Advent!
***************
The image is from The Passion of the Christ – The Resurrection of Jesus – Easter Day. May we all have that expression on our faces as we wait for the Lord!
Share this:
Our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe – Catholic Inspiration
Fr. Andrew’s Christ the King Homily Podcast
Christ, our Savior, Lord, and Friend…is also our King. What’s more, the King has given us some very specific commands – here are three:
- Love one another
- Forgive one another
- Receive the Eucharist
As we follow the King may we carry out his commands!
Share this:
Daily Mass: Jesus Wept. Catholic Inspiration
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast (Thursday of the 33rd Week of the Year)
Jesus wept over the city of Jerusalem. He sees the tribulation that will come, and he opens his arms to embrace the sadness…that he might touch it and bless it. May we turn to the Lord in our moments of sorrow and allow his grace to guide us. Sorrow is not the end, and with God’s help we will face our tears with hope.
Share this:
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks- Daily Mass: Apollos humbly accepts instruction about Jesus
- Daily Mass: Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, for God is with us.
- Daily Mass: The example of St. Matthias
- Daily Mass: Paul has limited success in Athens
- Daily Mass: God works through Paul in prison
- Daily Mass: The Gospel is accepted in Philippi
- Study, Pray, Serve: Ascension of the Lord
- 6th Sunday of Easter: When we walk together in faith, we mentor one another
- Daily Mass: St. Paul is guided by the Holy Spirit
- Daily Mass: Our faith in Christ guides our lives
Three Great Things 