John’s Gospel offers a beautiful reflection as Jesus invites us to trust in him when doubt, fear and anxiety overwhelm us. God is our strength and our comfort, providing us the grace we need as we follow where the Lord leads.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 4th Week of Easter
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The Gospel today shows the disciples both at work and at rest with Jesus. Finding balance in our lives can be challenging, yet when we take the long view we recognize that there are many different elements that enrich God’s gift of life.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 4th Week of the Year
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One of the best ways to face a test in school is to start with a prayer, asking the Lord for peace in our hearts. One of the best ways to face a test in life? Do the same!
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The unity of the disciples through gratitude, love and peace offers us an example of how we draw together today with the people God puts in our lives. This is is not easy work…but it is worth it!
Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of Easter
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Study: Where have I experienced profound moments of unity with others?
Pray: Where do I see signs of disunity in my life? Call upon the Lord for grace and strength.
Serve: How can I help others grow closer together? How can I foster unity?
Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of Easter
“The community of believers was of one heart and mind…” (Acts 4:32)
I marvel at the transformation of the disciples. Before the resurrection of Jesus they were filled with fear, paralyzed by their own weakness and doubt; after the resurrection they are changed, as evidenced in even the basic ways they lived and worked together.
One heart and mind!
Unity can be challenging in even the best circumstances: we see things differently, hold our own unique values and principles, as well as personal tastes and interests. Working together is tough, yet it is a common sign of holiness – the practical proof that we are doing our part to build the Lord’s kingdom here on earth.
What supports unity? Jesus Christ! Unity with Christ provides the grace for unity with Christ’s brothers and sisters; this clear sign of faith draws others to the Good News and fosters our community with one another. Take a look at a few of the patterns that emerge in today’s readings:
Another way to say it: Sharing, Gratitude, Love, Peace – which find their source in Jesus and flow through us to the those we meet. I would suggest that the disciples used these building blocks to form the first elements of the Church, working together in unity with the grace of Christ to proclaim the Good News.
This work continues today. We all know firsthand the effects of discord – where lives are broken and fragmented by selfishness, fear, hate, and a hardness of heart – yet we believe in something greater…Christ is triumphant! Our response can mirror the disciples:
May we bring these powerful blessings of the resurrection to our world today:
One heart and mind!
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
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Note: This post was first published on April 12, 2015.
Terrified by a violent storm, the disciples call out to Jesus who immediately calms it. Storms are a part of life, and whether physical, emotional, psychological, relational or spiritual we find in the Lord a peaceful strength to face them with confidence and conviction.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 3rd Week of the Year
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We all experience moments of feeling burdened, exhausted and worn out. What’s the answer? Jesus Christ! May we draw near to the one who knows us best and draw strength to face the tasks at hand.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Advent
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