At the conclusion of the Bread of Life discourse, we see a sharp contrast between those who leave and those who follow Jesus. The Lord continues to invite…what’s our response today?
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 3rd Week of Easter
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Tag Archives: Response
Daily Mass: The Lord invites; what’s our response? Catholic Inspiration
3rd Sunday of Lent: Thirsting for Living Water
Study: Reflect on a time when you felt a deep emptiness in your soul. Where did you find relief?
Pray: Is there a longing in your heart right now? Ask the Lord to touch your life with his grace.
Serve: Many people are struggling, sometimes lost in destructive distractions; how can you help them?
Mass Readings – 3rd Sunday of Lent
As we enter into the heart of Lent, we encounter two readings that speak of a fundamental human need: to satisfy our thirst. We have all known moments of thirst, accompanied by the profound satisfaction of a cool drink of water. The relief is tangible, and the sensation reveals in a direct way how our bodily needs can be fulfilled.
In the first reading the people are grumbling to Moses in their thirst for water. A miracle is performed by the power of God, and the people once again witness the Lord’s presence in their lives.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus is standing by a well and strikes up a conversation with a Samaritan woman. Here, however, there is more than just physical thirst; the Lord speaks to her heart and satisfies a deep longing for spiritual life. In turn, she goes back to the villagers and brings them to Jesus…so that their spiritual thirst might be quenched as well.
Today we reflect on the reality of physical thirst to help us understand the longing in our souls. What’s missing in our lives? Do we have an ache, an emptiness that longs to be fulfilled?
There are many temptations and distractions in the world that promise fulfillment: drugs, alcohol, sex, money, power, fame, beauty…but all of these ultimately leave us empty. They are pleasing for a moment, but we long for something lasting.
Jesus Christ is the answer. The Lord comes to us in our need, knows our sins, and invites us to draw into his grace. Christ speaks to the deepest longings in our hearts and offers the love, joy and peace that reign supreme in the halls of Heaven.
May we draw close to the Lord today in our need, trusting in his compassion and mercy to quench our spiritual thirst!
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Note: This post was first published on March 13, 2017
Daily Mass: What will we do with the gift of God’s grace? Catholic Inspiration
Jesus takes the initiative and Peter responds in today’s account from the Sea of Galilee. Our lives follow the same pattern: how will we respond to the Lord’s invitation?
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 22nd Week of the Year
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Daily Mass: The speed of faith. Catholic Inspiration
Mary, Elizabeth and John the Baptist all show the speed of a vibrant response to the coming of the Messiah. Their example inspires us to consider how our faith guides and directs our actions with the people before us each and every day.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 3rd Week of Advent
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Daily Mass: Are you working for the Lord? Catholic Inspiration
Jesus offers a parable about servants who have been given resources by their master. The passage reminds us that we have all been blessed with opportunities to serve the Lord, and everyday we have a chance to act upon them.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 33rd Week of the Year (St. Cecilia)
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27th Sunday of the Year: Working in the vineyard. Catholic Inspiration
Mass Readings – 27th Sunday of the Year
The Lord offers a parable to illustrate what happens when we persistently turn away from God. Perhaps there have been times in our lives when we know what to do, but we haven’t done it; today offers us a fresh opportunity to draw near to Christ and – with his help – respond to the unique situations of our lives with in manner worthy of Jesus.
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17th Sunday of the Year: The pearl of great price
Study: Have you ever gotten something you wished for? In hindsight, was it what you really wanted or needed?
Pray: What graces or virtues do you need in your life right now? Ask the Lord with boldness and confidence!
Serve: How is the Lord leading you to offer your life today? How can you fulfill God’s command to serve others?
Mass Readings – 17th Sunday of the Year
Here’s a quick review:
- 1st Reading – Solomon asks God for wisdom and understanding
- Psalm – “Lord, I love your commands.”
- 2nd Reading – All things, good and bad, work for good for those who love God
- Gospel – When you find the pearl of great price, you sell everything you have to acquire it
If the Lord would grant you one request, what would you ask for? We can learn a lot about ourselves by what we seek, and sometimes we discover when we get it that it might not have truly been the best thing. Yet, it is the desire in our hearts, however, that tells us if we are on the right track.
Solomon asked to be wise and understanding…a wonderful response!
Jesus uses the parable of the pearl to remind us that there are some things in life so precious that other wishes and requests pale in comparison. With this in mind, here are a couple of thoughts to consider:
- What is it you often wish for?
- Are there any blessings in your life that you might be taking for granted?
- Do you have your priorities organized? Are the most important things getting your time, effort and attention?
God will take the sum of our lives – good and bad – and bless it with grace. As we seek the Lord today, may we bring our hearts and offer ourselves….so that our response will draw us closer to Jesus Christ and one another.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Daily Mass: Guide me, Lord! Catholic Inspiration
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast
Friday of the 26th Week of the Year (St. Jerome)
In the Book of Job we hear of God’s power and might; Luke’s Gospel shows Jesus chastising the towns that refused to accept his message. Our response today: to call upon the Lord to guide us with wisdom and strength!
Daily Mass: The call and response of St. Matthew. Catholic Inspiration
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast
Mass Readings – the Feast of St. Matthew
Matthew heard the call of Christ and responded by bringing lots of imperfect people to the Lord. We, too, can take comfort that the Lord welcomes our response – not because we’re perfect, but because the Lord longs to heal and renew our lives.
Daily Mass: a true fishing story. Catholic Inspiration
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 22nd Week of the Year
The fishing began poorly, but the preaching was bold and the nets were filled. The Lord called to the disciples, and the response – beyond all doubt and fear – led to the greatest catch all.
