At the Passover meal with his disciples, Jesus inaugurates a new covenant in his Body and Blood that we might enter into Holy Communion with the Lord and one another.
This 4-part parish retreat takes the listener through Holy Week:
Palm Sunday – setting the stage for the events to come
Holy Thursday – Service and Sacrament
Good Friday – Sacrifice and Support
Easter – Divine Strength and Hope
Each of these presentations can be listened individually or collectively, depending on time and circumstance. May all of us prepare to enter fully into these holy days, drawing closer to Christ and one another.
Palm Sunday– setting the stage for the events to come
This is the fifth part of a six-week series about how we gently and lovingly share our faith with others. In this presentation Fr. Andrew speaks about how we help people answer the question, “Now what do I do?” by inviting them to take the next step in the Christian life.
Having taught his disciples about his crucifixion in Jerusalem, the Lord takes a teachable moment to show how their humble service becomes a life-giving offering.
This is the second part of a six-week series about how we gently and lovingly share our faith with others. In this presentation Fr. Andrew speaks about how we cultivate a vibrant and personal spiritual life.
Let’s look at some of the themes that surface in the Mass readings for the 33rd Sunday of the Year.
1st Reading – Proverbs 31:10-13,19-20,30-31
A worthy wife reveals her goodness through her service and care for others.
“Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Psalm – 128:1-5
“Blessed are those who fear the Lord.”
Those who follow the Lord encounter domestic prosperity.
2nd Reading – 1st Thessalonians 5:1-6
The day of the Lord will come suddenly, like a thief in the night.
We stay alert and sober, not in darkness but as children of the light.
Gospel – Matthew 25:14-30
Jesus tells of the parable of the master who gave three servants different amounts of wealth (talents) based on their ability.
The master returns and praises two of the servants who did what they could with what they had; “since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities.”
The servant who does nothing is chastised and turned out into the darkness.