Tag Archives: Sacrifice

32nd Sunday of the Year: Making a worthy sacrifice. Catholic Inspiration

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The two widows in the readings today make great sacrifices from the little they possess. Their example invites us to consider what sacrifices are we willing to make in our lives today.

Mass Readings – 32nd Sunday of the Year

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Study, Pray, Serve: 32nd Sunday of the Year

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Here are some of the central themes in the readings for the 32nd Sunday of the Year.

1st Reading – Kings: 17:10-16

  • Elijah asks for food from a widow and tells here not to be afraid; God will provide.
  • The woman gives all that she has…and she has all that she needs for a year!

Psalm – 146:7-10

  • “Praise the Lord, my soul!”
  • The Lord protects those who are…hungry, captives, blind, bowed down, strangers, and widows.

2nd Reading – Hebrews 9:24-28

  • The priesthood of Jesus Christ is compared and contrasted with the Levitical priesthood.
  • Christ, as God on our behalf, offers a sacrifice that takes away our sins.

Gospel – Mark 12:38-44

  • Jesus offers a warning on false teachers, then he contrasts the example of a poor widow.
  • The widow gives all that she has, and in the sight of Heaven it is a greater gift than the surplus wealth of others.

Mass Readings – 32nd Sunday of the Year

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Study, Pray, Serve: 29th Sunday of the Year

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Let’s take a look at some of the central themes in the readings for the 29th Sunday of the Year.

1st Reading – Isaiah 53:10-11

  • The Church applies this passage of the “suffering servant” to Jesus Christ, whose saving passion and death is offered for “the many.”
  • This passage is referenced heavily during Holy Week.

Psalm – 33:4-5,18-20,22

  • “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.”
  • Psalm 33 praises God and encourages us to turn to the Lord with open hearts.

2nd Reading – Hebrews 4:14-16

  • The humanity of Jesus is emphasized, and he understands our temptations and weaknesses.
  • Because he became like us, we can confidently approach the Son of God to receive mercy, grace and help.

Gospel – Mark 10:35-45

  • Jesus responds to the question posed by James and John with a reflection on the role of suffering.
  • The Lord then shows how service to others reveals true greatness in the kingdom of heaven.

Mass Readings – 29th Sunday of the Year

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Daily Mass: The cost of discipleship. Catholic Inspiration

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Having empowered the Apostles with his authority, Jesus expresses the cost of their discipleship. What’s at stake is the Cross…the looming reality that following Christ means that we offer our lives completely for the Lord.

Mass Readings – Friday of the 14th Week of the Year

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14th Sunday of the Year: The sacrifices we make for freedom and faith. Catholic Inspiration

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Both Ezekiel and Jesus faced opposition as they carried out their ministry. In light of their challenges we recall the hard work and effort that forged our country as we cherish our faith and freedom, recognizing that there are times when we are required to make sacrifices for our convictions.

Mass Readings – 14th Sunday of the Year

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Holy Thursday: The Lord’s call to serve one another. Catholic Inspiration

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Jesus offers an example of service, underscored by his teaching and command. As His disciples, may we we put our faith into practice every day as we offer our lives for one another.

Mass Readings – Holy Thursday

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Monday Conversation: The sacred three days. Catholic Inspiration

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Holy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday are the “Sacred Triduum” (the three sacred days) found in the heart of Holy Week. These high liturgies set forth the central elements of our faith in Jesus Christ.

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Palm Sunday: The sacrificial offering of Christ’s Passion. Catholic Inspiration

Caraviggio, The Entombment of Christ, 1604, Pinacoteca Vaticana, Vatican City. (My photo)

We read the Passion of the Lord every year to remember the Lord’s sacrificial offering for the salvation of the world. May our reflection inspire us to live the gift of our lives, bought by the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.

Mass Readings – Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Daily Mass: Setting the stage for Holy Week. Catholic Inspiration

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John’s Gospel recounts how Caiaphas the High Priest prophesies how Jesus will give his life to save the nation. May these words inspire us to make the final preparations we need to enter into Holy Week with grateful hearts for all that the Lord has done for us.

Mass Readings – Saturday of the 5th Week of Lent

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Walking with Mary on the Way of the Cross: Jesus is crucified. Catholic Inspiration

My photo of the 11th Station at Chiesa Nuova in Rome.

In this 5th installment of the Lent Retreat, Fr. Andrew talks about the sacrificial offering of Christ on the Cross…inspiring us to recognize the Crosses in our lives and carry them with the hope we have in the Lord’s triumph.

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


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