Mass Readings – Friday of the 18th Week of the Year (St. Clare)
While there are many priorities that can seek out attention, the Lord reminds us today that eternal life is greater than all others. With this thought in mind may we keep our eyes fixed on Heaven as we strive to live each day with this final destination before our eyes.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – The Feast of St. James, Apostle
Jesus addresses a teachable moment when he explains that glory in Heaven comes from offering one’s life in charity and service. James and John will drink from the cup of of Christ, reminding us that every time we offer our lives for others we follow the example of Christ.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – 15th Sunday of the Year
What kind of crop is growing in your heart? Do you like what you see? Does something need to be cultivated or planted? Every day we have a new opportunity to take the gift of our lives and raise a crop worthy of the Lord.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 12th Week of the Year
The Gospel of Matthew today reveals three nuggets of wisdom that the Lord offers in the Sermon on the Mount:
The teaching is easy to understand. The hard part? Putting it into practice every day!
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
***************
Photo credit: The Son of God, 2014.
Study: Consider a time when you had to confront evil. How did your faith in Christ give you strength?
Pray: Is there a difficult situation in your life right now? Ask the Lord for wisdom and guidance.
Serve: Do you know someone who is struggling right now? How can you offer support?
Mass Readings – 12th Sunday of the Year
The readings this Sunday all come with an edge to them, signifying that there’s a lot at stake in a life of faith. Take a look:
These readings address the reality of sin and evil in our world. We know this reality through our experience, and whether through our own actions or the actions of others we recognize that the human heart has the capacity for sin.
Yet we also recognize that God’s grace is greater than the darkness. This is why Christ came into the world! Through the Lord’s cross and resurrection we have hope to call upon Heaven for the strength, courage and wisdom we need to face the challenges of life.
Have we sinned? Then we seek reconciliation and forgiveness. Have we been wounded by wickedness and evil? Then we call upon the Lord’s grace.
The triumph of Jesus Christ inspires us to follow the example of Jeremiah and Paul – acknowledging the Lord in this world so that we can be with Him in the next!
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Like a power tool, our lives come alive with the power of the Holy Spirit when we:
Come Holy Spirit! Fill our hearts with the fire of your love!
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 5th Week of Easter
We draw our life from the Lord, just as fruitful branches draw life from the vine. May our words and actions today proclaim Christ dwelling within us!
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Study: Where do you find your faith renewed? What activities build up your relationship with the Lord?
Pray: Is there someone in your life who is searching for God? Pray that the Lord gives you guidance to say and do what is helpful.
Serve: Is there a situation or activity where your time and talent can help others grow closer to the Lord? How can you get involved?
Mass Readings – 3rd Sunday of Easter
The readings this week are filled with power and zeal. The resurrection of Jesus inspires the early Church, and their encounter with the Risen Lord in the breaking of the bread testifies to the enduring grace we receive every time we come to Mass. Take a look:
A pattern emerges: an encounter with the Risen Lord changes our lives in dynamic and life-giving ways. Peter is no longer timid or afraid to stand up for Christ; Christians conduct themselves with faith and hope; the disciples have their minds opened and hearts burning as Jesus is present to them in the breaking of the bread.
It is the depth of this change that bears close inspection. These people are renewed and empowered with a strength and conviction that can inspire us today. They burn with the flame of faith, and through the example and witness of their lives the Gospel message will spread like wildfire.
This is our task today. As we look to the early Church, we acknowledge that NOTHING was easy for them. Their trust in God put them in the path of tremendous obstacles, trials and persecutions. And yet with God’s grace their triumphed…and we can, too.
I’d like to suggest a simple two-step process:
The first question requires us to pause and reflect on the prayers, sacraments, fellowship and other life-giving activities that renew our hearts. The second question challenges us to step out in faith and invite those we know and love to encounter the Risen Lord. May the faith of the early Church inspire us to proclaim the Good News with passion and joy!
Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of Easter
The power of the resurrection transformed the early Church, showing us today that the Risen Lord continues to change our hearts and lives with the grace of His love. May we respond with an eager and lively faith!
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
***************
Photo: this little guy was kind enough to provide the special effects for the homily!
Mass Readings – Tuesday in the Octave of Easter
Mary Magdalene is transformed from sorrow to joy in the light of the Risen Lord. She is sent forth by Jesus to proclaim a message of hope to the disciples, reminding us that we are also called to share the Good News of the resurrection through the witness of our lives.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 