The Lord urges the people to not be led by deception and fear. Instead, we face these obstacles with the grace that comes God.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 34th Week of the Year
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Tag Archives: Mass
1st Sunday of Advent: Take the message to heart
Study: When have I been swift to respond to the needs of others? When have I been slow?
Pray: Ask the Lord for the clarity of sight to perceive the real needs within my reach.
Serve: Don’t wait…do!
Mass Readings – 1st Sunday of Advent
A Christmas Carol
Part I: Marley’s Warning
Every year I enjoy rereading the holiday story A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. I watch as many different movie and drama adaptations as I can, and I find in this simple tale much wisdom and insight.
The story recounts the life of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserable old man who is visited on Christmas Eve by the ghost of his business partner, Jacob Marley. Marley informs Scrooge that he will be visited by three ghosts who will show him the error of his ways. During the visits we discover the story of Scrooge’s life, feeling both pity and anger at the circumstances and choices that have shaped him. As Scrooge slowly changes, he finally discovers the joy and spirit of Christmas – just in time for Christmas Day.
The ghost of Marley begins this amazing process. Marley is a wretched creature, wrapped in bandages and shackled by chains and heavy money boxes. His words to Scrooge are direct and without comfort: he must change his ways or suffer a fate worse than Marley’s.
Marley reminds Scrooge that the business of life is far greater than the work in their money counting house:
“Mankind was my business.
The common welfare was my business;
charity, mercy, forbearance and benevolence
were all my business.
The dealings of my trade
were but a drop of water
in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”
This warning speaks to us as well. Every day we pass through life amid opportunities to serve and love others. Yet preoccupation can take us away from the deeper issues of life, separating us from the very people and events that can lead us into blessed happiness.
As we prepare our hearts during this Advent season, may we take Marley’s warning to heart. We, too, must journey through this life, reaching out to those placed on our path. May we be vigilant, waiting for the day when Jesus will return. May we share the gift of our lives, anticipating the Christmas joy that awaits us.
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Note: This post was first published on November 25, 2014.
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Christ the King
We are servants and stewards of Christ, our King. This means that our faith is not some hazy, vague experience; rather, it is dynamic and life-giving as we conform our lives to the commands of the one who claims our obedience.
Mass Readings – Christ the King of the Universe
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Daily Mass: Getting ready for eternal life. Catholic Inspiration
As the Lord teaches about eternal life, we are reminded that our lives here on earth are a preparation for our encounter with the angels and saints gathered around God in Heaven.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 33rd Week of the Year
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Daily Mass: Coming to Church to pray. Catholic Inspiration
In the Gospel today the Lord cleanses the temple and then teaches the people. Every time we enter into a church and stand before the Blessed Sacrament in the tablernacle, we encounter the same Risen Lord – body and blood, soul and divinity.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 33rd Week of the Year
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Thanksgiving Day
What are you thankful for today? What gifts do you recognize right now in your life and how do you share them gratefully with others? How has God’s grace transformed your life? Now go, and be a blessing in the world!
Mass Readings – Thanksgiving Day
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Daily Mass: What are you doing with your life? Catholic Inspiration
The parable today shows the outcome of three servants who were given the opportunity to serve their master. Like these servants, our lives have the power to make an impact in the world. It begs a question: What are we doing with our lives?
Mass Readings – Wed. of the 33rd Week of the Year (Presentation of Mary)
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Daily Mass: Christ comes to seek and save what was lost. Catholic Inspiration
The exchange between Jesus and Zaccheus fills us with hope as the Lord initiates an encounter that leads to conversion and change of heart.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 33rd Week of the Year
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The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
Study: Recall a time when you carried out a difficult command. What gave you strength?
Pray: Is there a difficult situation facing you right now? Draw near to Christ in the Eucharist for wisdom and courage.
Serve: Actions speak louder than words…so how can your actions today show others that Christ is your King?
Mass Readings – The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
We conclude the Church’s liturgical calendar with this Feast in honor of our Lord. The title is one that speaks to a role that appears in history, literature, and culture: the KING.
Here are some common key points to remember:
- The King is recognized as ruler
- The King’s power is acknowledged
- The King’s decrees are to be obeyed
Sounds simple, right? So how do we apply these concepts to Jesus? Consider this:
- If Christ is the ruler of my life, then all my words and actions must align with Him.
- I turn to Christ for strength in my moments of powerlessness.
- I act on Christ’s commands, obeying His teaching and precepts.
Practically, I suggest that we focus this week on three key commandments that Christ gave us:
- Forgive one another. Reread chapter 18 in Matthew’s gospel for a review.
- Come to Mass. Check out chapter 6 in John’s gospel, or Mt. 26:26-28.
- Love one another. Try John 15:12-17 for a refresher!
Remember: the King commands us to forgive, receive Him in the Eucharist, and love one another. These are not suggestions, or helpful hints when we have free time! These are commands…and as we acknowledge that Jesus is our King we also know that we can draw near to the Lord for the strength and wisdom we need to carry them out.
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This icon of Christ Pantocrator is on loan to the Cathedral of Christ the King from Fr. Andrew Ricci. “Pantocrator” may be literally translated into “Ruler of All” or “Almighty” and it is an ancient way of depicting Jesus.
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Note: This post was first published on November 16, 2015.
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33rd Sunday of the Year: If the Lord called you now, would you be ready? Catholic Inspiration
The Gospel today addresses the age-old concern about the end times…which begs a question: if the Lord called you right now, would you be ready? Are there things in life that need to be fixed, or are there perhaps opportunities that you can help flourish?
Mass Readings – 33rd Sunday of the Year
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks- Daily Mass: Will we build our lives on rock or sand?
- Daily Mass: The birth of John the Baptist
- Daily Mass: The Lord offers three practical, spiritual insights
- Daily Mass: Stop judging!
- Study, Pray, Serve: 13th Sunday of the Year
- 12th Sunday of the Year: We face our fears with face in Christ
- Daily Mass: Do not worry!
- Daily Mass: What is the treasure of our hearts?
- Daily Mass: The Lord's Prayer
- Daily Mass: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving
Three Great Things 