Life presents us a variety of situations – good, bad and ugly – and often we can be tempted to look for the failures and limitations of those around us. Rather than finding fault we have the opportunity to foster our faith as we seek God’s presence is all aspects of our lives.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 24th Week of the Year
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The encounter between Jesus and the widow reveals the compassion and power of the Lord. Christ continues to reach out to us with this same loving grace and urges us to rise up in newness of life.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 24th Week of the Year
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Study: Recall a time when you witnessed a leader make a decision informed by Christian faith. How did it strengthen those affected?
Pray: Are you troubled by an issue in business or politics right now? Ask the Lord for guidance to proceed with your actions.
Serve: Is there some way that you can make a difference in your local community? How might your life help the people around you?
Mass Readings – 25th Sunday of the Year
This Sunday’s scripture readings give us a practical perspective from which to view some “real world” issues that surface in daily life.
And who says the Church shouldn’t talk about Business & Politics?! The prophet Amos offers harsh words about those who cheat to make a profit, and Timothy urges the community to pray for those in authority “that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life.”
Far from out of touch, these passages remind us yet again of the timeless quality of Scripture to speak to enduring human concerns. Our communities rely on a strong and supportive leadership that fosters peace and prosperity. Amid political rhetoric we are constantly reminded that we are as strong as we are united, and as weak as we are divided.
Thus the Gospel helps us understand that “God and Mammon” cannot compete with one another; rather, we put the Lord first and see our work and social interactions through the eyes of faith. Money and natural resources are crucial for human life to thrive, and when people are cooperating and stewarding these practical elements under the guidance of a clear moral vision we discover the power that our faith in Jesus Christ brings to all aspects of our lives.
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Note: This post was first published on September 12, 2019.
The parable of the Prodigal Son is well known, yet when we reflect on the depth of the father’s love we are challenged to live up to this incredible standard: to love without limit.
Mass Readings – 24th Sunday of the Year
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John 3:16 is one of the most famous and beloved verses in the Bible. Yet do we believe that God loves us so much that he sent his only Son for our salvation? And if we do, are we willing to allow this love to reshape our hearts?
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 23rd Week of the Year
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Luke’s Gospel reminds us that before we confess someone else’s sins we might want to start with our own. The analogy about what is caught in our eye can help us from becoming blinded by our own pride.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 23rd Week of the Year
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The Letter to the Colossians continues to offer beautiful insights about our Christian life. These are words to inspire and uplift us, reminding us of our calling as brothers and sisters of Jesus.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 23rd Week of the Year
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The Letter to the Colossians offers sound advice: Seek what is above! May our pursuit of Jesus in all things constantly keep our eyes fixed on Heaven.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 23rd Week of the Year
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As Jesus calls his disciples we remember that the Lord continues to call forth followers in every generation. May we listen to Christ today and continue to foster the faith we have received.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 23rd Week of the Year
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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 our daily lives the need for forgiveness is so compelling that it is vital 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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Note: This post was first published on September 5, 2016.
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