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!
In the light of that first Easter day the disciples were transformed as they began to comprehend the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Freed from the fear of sin and death, they embraced their faith and changed the world. May we continue to follow their example as we allow Easter joy to fill our hearts and renew our lives.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Friday of the 2nd Week of Lent
Both the 1st Reading and the Gospel detail stories of rejection: Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers for 20 pieces of silver and Jesus explains how the tenants kill the vineyard owner’s son. Yet in both cases the reality of rejection is transformed and redeemed by God’s grace. May we face our moments of rejection with the power of our faith in Christ, that God will work in our lives to bring about good.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
And to all of you who claim even a wee bit of Irish…Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
This presentation was given at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Solon Springs on March 6, 2017. It is the second part of a presentation on discipleship, focusing on living the Good News and sharing it with others. (36 Minutes)
And if you missed the first part of this presentation on discipleship, which focused on repentance and ongoing conversion, you can pick it up below. (45 Minutes)
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of Lent
The transfiguration of Jesus gives the apostles strength to continue on their journey to Jerusalem, and it gives them an insight into the glory of Jesus. May we recognize moments when God blesses us as we continue on our journey of faith.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – 8th Sunday of the Year
When worry overtakes us we lose our focus on the Lord and run the risk of wasting the gift of our lives. Jesus knows this, and his teaching in the Gospel today reminds us that as we follow Christ we will receive what we need to encounter each day when we think, pray and share over the worry that confronts us.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 6th Week of the Year
On the mountain Jesus is transfigured, appearing to three disciples as he stands in Heaven. His transfiguration offers us hope, that as we carry our crosses and face the challenges of life we will have the strength and guidance we need.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Friday of the 4th Week of the Year
The death of John the Baptist recalls the fact that doing the right thing at the right time for the right reason does NOT mean that life will always be easy. In fact, our faith in Jesus Christ will sometimes put us squarely in the face of opposition…and we recognize that we might suffer even as we serve the Lord with all our heart.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s podcasts
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 4th Week of the Year (St. John Bosco)
The two healing miracles in the Gospel of Mark today reveal the healing power of the Lord, inspiring us to draw near to the one who knows our need and longs to touch our hearts with his grace.
***************
Archive of all of Fr. Andrew’s homilies and podcast presentations
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 