Mary and Joseph are searching for Jesus in Jerusalem, only to find him in the Temple. When asked by his mother his response “I must be in my Father’s house” invites us to follow his example and meet the Lord in church…where he is always present in the tabernacle!
Mass Readings – Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
In the Gospel of John we hear today how the Lord prays to his Heavenly Father for the disciples. In other words, the Lord prays for us! May this personal relationship we have with Jesus draw us closer to the Christ and one another.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 7th Week of Easter
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Christ on the Mount of Olives, Josef Untersberger.
It’s a powerful prayer, and this gift from the Lord strengthens and directs our lives. Only 55 words in English; may we pray it with conviction and conversion of heart.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 1st Week of Lent
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The ashes on our foreheads invite us to repent of the sins that keep us from God and one another. Through fasting, prayer and almsgiving we have powerful tools that can open our hearts and transform our lives in this great season of Lent.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
John the Baptist redirected the attention he received toward Jesus, and his example inspires us to consider how our words and actions – attentive to the needs of those around us – can bring people closer to the Lord.
Mass Readings – Memorial of Saints Basil & Gregory Nazianzen
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Family life is crazy and chaotic, sometimes blissful, sometimes frustrating, big and noisy, small and quiet, in a every shape, size and configuration imaginable. Yet it is within the specific context of our families that we grow in faith and life lessons. May we look to the Holy Family for inspiration as we seek the best in our families, dedicate earnest effort in supporting them, and pray every day for the Lord’s guidance and strength.
Mass Readings – The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Study: Consider an experience where you were able to be still, pause and reflect. How can you make that pattern happen this Advent?
Pray: Carve out a few minutes this season for quiet prayer. Reflect on your life and invite the Lord to dwell in your heart.
Serve: There are many opportunities this time of year to help others. Look around for an activity that speaks to your soul.
Mass Readings – 1st Sunday of Advent
Advent is one of those seasons that has the power to surprise us. Just like the relationship between Lent and Easter, Advent offers us a time to prepare our hearts for the great feast of Christmas. In this short season we discover the themes of Preparation, Waiting, Expectation, Repentance, and Stillness.
The thing is…if we aren’t ready for Advent then the whirlwind rush of December can sweep us up into the frenzy of the commercial side of the holiday. Many people are so busy – concerts, parties, family events, purchasing gifts and partaking of the “forced fun” of consumerism’s attempt at a Hallmark Christmas…
Whew! Instead, we can take a deep breath, pray, and reflect on where the Lord is leading us at this moment in our lives. Consider the readings this Sunday:
So in these short days of preparation here are a few questions to ponder:
You get the idea. Step back, pause, and consider in the busy pace that many of us call normal how the Lord is directing your heart. Advent has a beauty and power; our task is to enter into this season and allow God to speak to our souls.
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Mass Readings – Saturday of the 32nd Week of the Year
The Lord invites us to pray always and never become weary. May the blessings and burdens of each day be a part of our daily prayer, as we call upon the Lord for what we need.
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Mass Readings – 32nd Sunday of the Year
Wisdom – the ability to see the big picture – is a quality that helps us experience life to the fullest. Through prayer, reflection and action we can open our hearts to this gift of the Holy Spirit and offer our lives for one another.
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Study: Consider a moment when you saw someone act in a wise manner. What did you notice?
Pray: Wisdom is a precious gift; pray for it every day!
Serve: How can you help someone facing a tough challenge today? Ask the Lord for the wisdom to guide you.
Mass Readings – 32nd Sunday of the Year
With just a couple of weeks left of Ordinary Time, we hear about the wisdom of God repeatedly in the readings today.
When we talk about the concept of wisdom we often refer to the ability to see the big picture. Wisdom gives us the ability to “see around corners” and anticipate circumstances; this particular virtue allows us to step back and take in events, seeing how they relate and connect with other situations.
And God offers it to us! This is a precious spiritual gift, one that comes through the power of the Holy Spirit, and it helps us live each day in a vibrant manner. Without wisdom we can speak and act in ways that might have disastrous results, especially if we would have considered the ramifications and consequences that followed if we’d have only thought about other factors.
In order to apply wisdom to our lives we begin first with a strong foundation of prayer. The closer we draw to Jesus, the closer we connect with the source of all wisdom and understanding. As we thirst for the Lord we are nourished and sustained with God’s grace as we see with the eyes of Christ.
Wisdom then requires our action. Once we have insight we can then proceed to act in a manner that is guided by the nuances and sensitivities that confront us. We can act decisively and deliberately, aware of the situation and able to adjust and respond as needed.
This precious spiritual gift is for the asking…so ask! May we all call upon the Lord for this grace as we live our faith each day.
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 