The Gospel of Mark and Psalm 23 reveal the compassion and mercy of the Lord. May we trust that Christ will shepherd our souls.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 4th Week of the Year
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Tag Archives: Renewal
Monday Conversation: Now what do I do? Catholic Inspiration
With COVID-19 disrupting our daily routines, many people have new “pockets” of time. Here are a few ideas what to do with them!
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Daily Mass: The power of fasting. Catholic Inspiration
The spiritual discipline of fasting offers a powerful tool to help us recognize the needs of others. Both Isaiah and Jesus offer key insights into this practice, guiding us to see how fasting in our bodies can bring renewal to our souls.
Mass Readings – Friday after Ash Wednesday
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
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Monday Conversation: Go play outside!
Mom always said, “Go play outside!” Summer is a great time to rethink how we live, and this podcast offers some thoughts about how to engage our lives in the great outdoors. (17 minutes)
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
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Monday Conversation: The Summer Challenge! Catholic Inspiration
For many years Fr. Andrew has offered a Summer Challenge to his parishioners to limit time in front of a screen (TV, Computer, Smartphone) and rethink what we do with the gift of our lives; consider what you might do for the next four weeks – and enjoy the glory of summer – in order to evaluate your use of screen time. (36 Minutes)
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
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Monday Conversation: The Heart of a Disciple, Part I
This presentation was given at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Solon Springs on March 6, 2017. It is the first part of a presentation on discipleship, focusing on repentance and ongoing conversion. (45 Minutes)
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
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Podcast Resources for a Powerful Lent
There are many ways to get the most out of Lent. This gift that the Church celebrates every year provides an opportunity for spiritual renewal. Below you will find a short summary of some of the Homilies, Presentations and Retreats that I have offered over the last couple of years with themes that might speak to your own Lenten journey. Feel free to try any of these podcasts; if they are helpful, you are welcome to share them with others. After all, the purpose of the season is to draw our hearts to Jesus Christ!
Homilies
Preparing for Lent (13 Minutes) – This homily podcast offers some general helpful hints to consider as you get ready to enter into the season as a whole. Given at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior, WI on March 2, 2013.
Ash Wednesday (4 Minutes) – This short homily shows how messy, dirty, grimy ashes on the outside remind us of the messy, dirty, grimy reality of sin in our hearts. As we repent and believe in the Gospel, may we call upon the Lord to wash us clean with the grace of Jesus Christ. Given at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior, WI on Feb. 18, 2015.
Holy Thursday (8 Minutes) – At the Last Supper Jesus teaches and commands his disciples to receive his Body & Blood and give your life in service to others. In our reception of Holy Communion may we be strengthened and renewed to offer our lives, following the example of Christ. Given at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior, WI on April 2, 2015.
Good Friday (10 Minutes) – The Cross of Christ – ugly, filthy with the blood of countless victims, jagged, and splintered – becomes the sign of the depth and breadth of agony Jesus endured. As he embraces his suffering, the Cross becomes a bridge whereby he unites with all humanity, meeting us in our most profound moments of weakness and sin, and gives us hope through his triumph over death. We must understand the Cross in the light of Easter joy: For if we only focus on the Cross then we have no hope – life becomes dark and filled with despair; and if we only focus on Easter joy then we have no respect for the gift of the Lord’s Passion – we do not value the price He paid for our salvation. Given at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior, WI on April 3, 2015.
Easter (7 Minutes) – Their lives were changed; the sorrow cast from the shadow of the Cross is now transformed by resurrection glory…He’s alive! The grace of Jesus Christ inspired the disciples to go out to the world – carrying their crosses – with the power the Lord’s triumph. Christ brings this transformation to us today; his power continues to work in the world. May we open our hearts to the resurrection…and be transformed! Given at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior, WI on April 5, 2015.
General Presentations
Personal Prayer: Making it Real (46 Minutes) – How do we make our personal prayer real? This homily podcast highlights practical tips that bring power and meaning to our personal prayer. Given at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior, WI on April 11, 2015.
Personal Healing & Renewal (44 Minutes) – The presentation explores a four step process of personal healing and renewal: Acknowledgement; Diagnosis; Prescription; and Follow through. By examining four quadrants of human life (physical, intellectual, relational, spiritual) this presentation guides the listener toward personal growth in practical ways. Given to the Northern Waters Parish Nurse Group on October 9, 2015.
Christ Renews Our Lives! (31 Minutes) – This talk was presented to Confirmation students from the Cathedral and St. Francis Xavier parishes. Note these four points: God made us to be united with Him; Sin destroys our relationships with God and one another; Christ restores the relationship through his life, death, and resurrection; Each of us can choose to accept the gift of Christ and live as his disciple. Given at the Cathedral of Christ the King on November 11, 2015.
Extraordinary Life! (36 Minutes) – This “Theology on Tap” presentation asks some big questions: Are you looking for some practical ways to transform your life? Do you long for something special, filled with power, purpose, and meaning? Fr. Andrew looks at 3 areas (Self, Others, God) and applies them to the ordinary and routine elements of daily life. Given at VIP in Superior, WI on October 22, 2015.
Prayer: Practical Pointers to Grow Closer to God (30 Minutes) – This “Theology on Tap” reflection offers some practical ways to strengthen your prayer life and grow closer to God. Some topics include: Time, Space, Location, and Preparation; Dealing with Distraction; Using resources – including Scripture and Devotionals; Finding what works for you. Given at Dubh Linh’s Pub in Duluth, MN on November 11, 2013.
Retreats
Knights of Columbus Men’s Retreat (September 13, 2014 – St. Joseph Church – Hayward, WI) This Catholic Men’s Retreat explores three ways we draw near to Jesus Christ and one another: study, prayer, and service.
- #1 Study: Some Ways We Learn about Our Faith (25 Minutes)
- #2 Prayer: Developing Our Relationship with the Lord (38 Minutes)
- #3 Service: Practical Ways to Live as Christ Taught (21 Minutes)
Eucharist (March 8, 2014 – St. Dominic Church – Frederic, WI) This parish retreat focuses on Eucharist as the central expression of our Catholic faith.
- #1 Why We Do What We Do (45 Minutes)
- #2 Getting the Most out of Mass (49 Minutes)
- #3 A Catholic Way of Life (28 Minutes)
Christian in a Changing World (February 22-24, 2014 – Cathedral of Christ the King – Superior, WI) This parish mission looks at three key concepts: Our direction in life; our spiritual fitness; putting our faith into practice.
Walking with the Lord in Holy Week (March 9-12, 2015 – Our Lady of the Valley – Green Valley, AZ) This parish mission takes the listener on a journey with Christ – from his entry into Jerusalem, through the Last Supper, his Passion, and his Resurrection.
- #1 Palm Sunday (32 Minutes)
- #2 Holy Thursday (33 Minutes)
- #3 Good Friday (33 Minutes)
- #4 Easter (33 Minutes)
May this Lent be filled with grace and power – God bless you!
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Personal Healing & Renewal – Catholic Inspiration
Fr. Andrew’s Podcast Presentation
This 45 minute retreat was given to the Northern Waters Parish Nurse Group on October 9, 2015. The presentation explores a four step process of personal healing and renewal:
- Acknowledgement
- Diagnosis
- Prescription
- Follow through
By examining four quadrants of human life (physical, intellectual, relational, spiritual) this presentation guides the listener toward personal growth in practical ways .
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The Feast of Pentecost
Study: Where in my life have I experienced God’s grace and strength?
Pray: What particular needs in my life call for the help of the Holy Spirit?
Serve: Where can I use the gifts God has given me to serve another right now?
Pentecost Mass Vigil Readings Pentecost Mass Day Readings
The image St. Paul uses in the 2nd reading this weekend is a body. Composed of different parts which do unique and special functions, the body is united when all the parts come together. So, too, all of us are united into the Body of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Look at these themes from Pentecost Mass Readings of the Day:
- The Spirit gives power to communicate across barriers of race and tongue (1st Reading)
- The Spirit gives life and renews the face of the earth (Psalm response)
- The Spirit gives different gifts to people for different needs (2nd Reading)
- The Spirit is breathed on the disciples by Jesus (Gospel)
In other words, the Holy Spirit unites people, renews life, provides unique gifts, and is granted to the Church by Christ. This is the day that the disciples were empowered to continue the mission of Jesus; filled with the Spirit they will witness the Good News of the Lord through their words and actions.
Their example becomes our model. The same Spirit that changed their lives comes to us. The same Spirit that gave them the grace and strength to go forth gives us the power we need to offer our lives for Christ. God continues to invite us to serve, and the Lord pours forth the Holy Spirit to help us carry out the work of this day.
Are there barriers in our life? Come Holy Spirit!
Are there parts of life in need of renewal? Come Holy Spirit!
Are there gifts we have that need to be used and directed? Come Holy Spirit!
Jesus freely gave the gift of the Spirit to his disciples – may we turn to the Lord with conviction that as we call for the Holy Spirit in our lives we will be given what we need for the work of this day.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
V. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
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28th Sunday of the Year – Healing, Mercy, & Gratitude
Study: When in my life have I been wounded, separated, or isolated? How did I experience healing and mercy?
Pray: Gratitude is a spiritual cure for many things. What blessings should I consider with gratitude in my prayer?
Serve: Is there someone in my life that I can connect with right now? Is there an opportunity for healing that I can foster through the gift of my life today?
The Gospel today offers a number of insights for us. The healing of the ten lepers shows the power and love of Jesus in several ways:
1. Jesus physically healed their leprosy
2. Jesus restored them to their relationships
3. Jesus’ message included foreigners
4. Jesus received gratitude from only one!
Leprosy was considered a terrible affliction in the ancient world. The name was used (sometimes inappropriately) for a variety of skin diseases, but it certainly did refer to the virulent condition where the skin was covered with festering sores that were beyond recovery.
Because of this condition, lepers would be banished from society. Cast off from family and friendship, they would be forced into a lonely isolation or consigned to a leper colony where their only interaction would be with other lepers. No family. No friends. No physical contact. They were completely and entirely cut off.
Begging for mercy from a distance, ten lepers come upon Jesus and are healed. This healing is not only physical; with renewed bodies they are now restored to their loved ones. They can go home! Their suffering and pain (both physical and emotional) is now transformed.
One of these lepers was a foreigner. He was not an Israelite; he did not know the Law, the Prophets, (indeed, he might not even have believed in God). Yet he was healed, too. The mercy, healing, and love of Jesus extended beyond the bounds of his own people – it included all people!
And it turns out that this same outsider, who knew nothing of the heritage of Israel, is the only one to say thank you. Now that he is healed he can approach Jesus directly, falling at his feet with gratitude. He has his life back, and his first thought is to acknowledge the giver of so great a gift.
Do we see ourselves in this Gospel today? Do we recognize our need for healing – to be restored in body or soul, to be renewed in our relationships with family or friends? Have we reached out beyond our imposed boundaries to people of a different race, creed, or color? Are we grateful for what we have been given, and do we thank the Lord for our blessings? We can learn a lot from the leper.
Three Great Things 