As Jesus empowers his disciples to minister to the people, we are reminded that the Lord continues to invite us to serve in His name to those in our lives.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 24th Week (St. Pius of Pietrelcina)
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Tag Archives: Service
26th Sunday of the Year: A call to action.
Study: When in your life have actions “shouted down” the words we hear?
Pray: Ask the Lord for the strength to be consistent in what we say and do.
Serve: How do my words encourage others? How do my actions show my care and support?
Mass Readings – 26th Sunday of the Year
It seems like there are certain phrases that get said throughout our lives. These words are commands, invitations, and requests to make things happen – and they come in many forms:
“Take out the trash”
“Clean your room”
“Do the dishes”
“Come to my…” (athletic game, concert, etc.)
“Would you volunteer at…” (pick one!)
“Help me with…”
Let’s face it. We are asked to do many things throughout this life. From chores and tasks to acts of kindness and civil responsibility, many of these actions are simply part of our existence on this earth.
Yet once we hear these words we are asked to respond. This happens in two crucial ways:
* What we say (our WORDS)
* What we do (our ACTIONS)
When we are confronted with a request or invitation how we respond says a lot about who we are. If our words and actions are in agreement everything is fine – “yes” means yes and “no” means no. But if we say one thing and do another, then the weight of our choice is measured in our actions.
This is the message of the Gospel today. Jesus speaks of two sons who receive a request from their father. One says yes but does not act, the other says no but changes his mind and acts. In the end, the one who acted did his father’s will.
We journey through life confronted by countless choices everyday. Some things we know should be done, others should not. Some things are options that could be done; we have to weigh the priorities of our time, energy, ability, and need. Yet what we discover is that we are defined not by what we say, but by what we do.
As people of faith we have other commands to follow: Love God; Love one another; Repent and forgive; Work for justice; Seek peace. Indeed our faith is reflected not in our words but our actions; even the Golden Rule “Do to others as you would have them do to you…” (Mt 7:12) is nothing more than a reminder that actions speak louder than words.
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Note: This post was originally published on September 23, 2014
Daily Mass: In every disciple beats a servant’s heart. Catholic Inspiration
Jesus takes a “teachable moment” to transform a divisive request into an opportunity to understand service as a disciple. Will we offer our lives for the Lord today?
Mass Readings – Feast of St. James
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Daily Mass: Three qualities to apply as we serve the Lord. Catholic Inspiration
As the Lord empowers the Apostles for their work, he gives them some insights into how they are to do it.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 14th Week of the Year
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Daily Mass: Christ calls us by name to do His work today. Catholic Inspiration
Jesus calls the Twelve by name and empowers them to do mighty deeds in His name. May we never forget that the Lord continues to call each of us!
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 14th Week of the Year
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5th Sunday of Easter: We are all called to serve. Catholic Inspiration
As the early Church experienced growing pains, the Apostles responded to the situation by empowering others to serve the community in special ways. May our response to the signs of the times be guided by the Lord today.
Mass Readings – 5th Sunday of Easter
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Holy Thursday
On Holy Thursday we claim the precious treasure of Holy Communion whereby we receive the Lord – body and blood, soul and divinity – for the strength we need to carry out our tasks of service here on earth.
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Daily Mass: An example of compassionate service. Catholic Inspiration
Just days before his crucifixion, Jesus experiences a compassionate act of service by Mary at her home with Martha and Lazarus. May her example inspire us to offer our lives for the Lord!
Mass Readings – Monday of Holy Week
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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 path that leads to the Cross. Catholic Inspiration
As Jesus speaks to the disciples about his suffering and death on the Cross, he must also contend with the pettiness that often accompanies our human nature…teaching how we offer our lives in service of one another.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Lent
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