While the experience of fear is part of human life, we know that it is often useless, depriving us of time, energy and focus. The answer? We turn to Jesus Christ for the strength and wisdom we need.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 14th Week of the Year (St. Benedict)
***************
The Lord’s parable of the three servants challenges us all to acknowledge the gifts we have been given AND use them to the best of our ability.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 33rd Week of the Year
***************
The Lord’s teaching in the Gospel of Luke can drive us to our knees as we count our blessings, and then lift us to new heights as we make something precious with what we’ve received. What will you do with your gift of life?
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 29th Week of the Year
***************
The psalm response reveals God’s protection, guarding us in the midst of difficulty and strife. Held safe in God’s hand, we continue the Lord’s work as we strive to protect and defend life.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 25th Week of the Year
***************
The Gospel of John offers a beautiful insight into the dignity of love that God grants to humanity. Jesus calls us friends, elevating us to a glorious relationship with God, and empowers us to offer the gift of our lives with this precious grace.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 5th Week of Easter
***************
The Lord teaches that he is the light – sent from the Father – who comes to save the world. May Christ’s words and saving actions inspire us this day to draw near to his glorious light!
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 4th Week of Easter
***************
The readings today reveal the common theme of the life giving power of water to nourish and heal. This image in turn points to Christ, the source of all life. May we draw near to the Lord to be refreshed, so that we may in turn share His life with one another.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 4th Week of Lent
***************
God states that the rainbow is a sign of the covenant between the Lord and all living things, reminding us that the gift of life is precious, holy, sacred…and meant to be lived to the best of our ability.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 6th Week of the Year
***************
Study: Consider people you know who are suffering right now. What is the nature of their struggle?
Pray: Keep a list of those who are sick nearby when you pray. Remember them often.
Serve: How can your faith help someone today who suffers? How can you be an instrument of healing and comfort?
Mass Readings – 13th Sunday of the Year
Consider for a moment someone you love who is seriously sick. Perhaps it’s a disease, an upcoming surgery, and undiagnosed circumstance, or the relentless experience of pain...we all know loved ones who suffer – and we would do anything to help.
Now imagine that you have heard about a miracle worker who cures the sick and resuscitates the dead. I know that if I discovered that Jesus of Nazareth was even remotely in the area I would rent a bus and bundle in everyone I could fit just for the chance that he would lay hands on them.
This is the situation we encounter in the Gospel today. People are crushing in on Christ; they have heard of his power and they are are desperate for healing. The double miracles in the reading point out a number of key concepts:
Simply put, an encounter with Jesus Christ is a healing encounter. In the face of sickness and disease, the Lord draws near – bringing grace and power – to restore life to those who suffer.
As his disciples, we are part of this healing mission.
Jesus comes to bring life; may our lives – guided in faith – be directed toward healing the wounds we witness.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Note: This blog post was originally published on June 23, 2015.
The reading from the Second Letter to Timothy offers the exhortation to “stir into flame the gift of God” and live with conviction and courage. This gift is our Christian faith; and just as a tiny spark can produce a bonfire, so too, our faith can provide the spiritual spark that ignites our lives for service in the world as we draw near to the Lord and one another.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 9th Week of the Year
***************
