The readings this Sunday both challenge and console us to foster unity, endure discipline, and focus on the Kingdom of Heaven. While life will not be easy, God will give us what need for the journey.
Mass Readings – 21st Sunday of the Year
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The Lord uses the image of a banquet to teach us about the power, beauty and expectation of the Kingdom of Heaven. Our journey through this life provides countless opportunities for us to prepare our souls to join this heavenly feast. Are we ready?
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 20th Week of the Year
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The Lord teaches that our actions today result in eternal consequences. As we offer the gift of our lives may we be guided by the light of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 17th Week of the Year
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In light of the teaching of Jesus in the Gospel today, we can ask ourselves a simple question when confronted by any behavior, response, or action…is this leading me closer to Heaven, or farther away?
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 7th Week of the Year
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How do we measure greatness? Is it by strength, intelligence, resources or opportunity? Jesus shows the disciples today that greatness happens when we can become like children – trusting and allowing the Lord’s greatness to direct and empower our lives.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 19th Week of the Year (St. Maximilian Kolbe)
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Jesus teaches us that the Kingdom of Heaven is a treasure so precious that nothing else compares to it. It’s a good reminder for us when we are distracted or tempted by other things that seek to lead us astray.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 17th Week of the Year (St. Alphonsus Liguori)
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Study: Recall a time of profound change and growth in your life. What helped you become better?
Pray: Ask the Lord for the grace to face difficult challenges and embrace them.
Serve: Who in your life is confronting change right now? How can you help them?
Mass Readings – 11th Sunday of the Year
First, let’s take a quick summary of the key themes in the readings this week:
Now that June is in full swing the color green is flourishing across the upper Midwest. Summer delights the eye with growth and life, and from my view along the shore of Lake Superior this is most evident in the beauty of trees.
I have walked Wisconsin forests my entire life, and I find a peace and serenity among the grandeur and power of trees. They anchor the soil, provide habitat for wildlife, shade for the weary, and a renewable resource for humanity’s handiwork.
Yet for the majesty of trees, they all start small – from a pine cone or an acorn, a “helicopter” seed or a shoot – massive trees have humble, tender beginnings.
Just like our faith.
We know from our own experience that all good things take time and effort to develop; growth and change occur through new encounters. The process reminds us of two key points:
In the first point we recognize opportunity and growth; in the second point we face obstacles with hope that these challenges will teach us new insights. Growth and change are part of life. What’s more, this change almost always begins from a small and humble beginning.
Where in your life do you have opportunities to grow? Where do you see challenges that will require new ways of thought and action? Take time to seek the Lord – to start small like a little seed – and grow in these moments into a new creation, guided and empowered to become more fully alive.
Now matter where we are in the journey of faith, may we open our hearts to God’s grace as we grow in faith, hope, and love as disciples of Jesus Christ!
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