The parable of the Prodigal Son reveals two classic ways that we imperfectly follow our Father in Heaven. On one hand we commit sins, and finally wise up and repent; on the other hand we do the right thing but with a hard heart. Thank God for Jesus to guide us!
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 2nd Week of the Year
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This third installment of the Lenten Retreat focuses on two people who serve Jesus along the Way of the Cross: Simon of Cyrene and Veronica. May their example inspire us to discover how we might serve the face of Jesus today.
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Jesus teaches his disciples that the journey to Heaven is along the path of service.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Lent
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The Prophet Isaiah calls the people to corporal works of mercy. May this exhortation inspire us to see the needs of our brothers and sisters and respond with the love of Christ.
Mass Readings – Friday after Ash Wednesday
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The dynamic response to Christ in the Gospel of Mark inspires us to consider how we will respond to the Lord in our lives as we seek ways to grow and become aware of the needs of those around us.
Mass Readings – 5th Sunday of the Year
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The response of Samuel and Andrew shows us how we call upon the Lord in our moment of need and then share what we have received with those placed in our lives.
Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of the Year
The healing miracle and revelation of Jesus as God are made possible through the selfless service of four friends who made the effort to help somebody in need. May their example inspire us to be somebody’s somebody today!
Mass Readings – Friday of the 1st Week of the Year
Isaiah reminds us that the Lord teaches and leads us, offering guidance and insight to help us find our way through this life to the next.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent
Jesus reminds the Apostles that our service of God does not earn us special status; rather, our actions acknowledge with humility that all we have is a gift from the Lord. Simply put, our service is the least we can do…the real treasure is our love.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 32nd Week of the Year
Study: Consider a moment when you were held accountable to a task. What did it feel like?
Pray: Is there something that needs to be attended to in your life? Ask the Lord for guidance to carry it out.
Serve: How can offer support to someone who is working through a challenging task right now?
Mass Readings – 33rd Sunday of the Year
On this last weekend of Ordinary Time we have some interesting readings to consider.
Our faith assures us that the world will one day come to an end. This is not meant to scare us, but rather to guide us with the knowledge that our lives have meaning and purpose as we prepare in this life for the life to come. Furthermore, when we die we understand that there will be an accounting of how we lived the precious and holy gift of life.
It’s this notion of being accountable that I suggest as a reflection today. The Book of Proverbs extols the virtues of a hard working and compassionate wife, reminding the reader that “charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting.” What lives on are the virtues, prayers, gifts of the Spirit and graces which God pours into our hearts which we share with one another.
And while we know that there will be a Day of Reckoning, we do not know the hour; this insights reminds us to follow St. Paul’s advice to be “sober and alert” each and every day – ready and eager for the Lord’s return.
What’s more, when that day comes, we will be judged with the awareness of our own unique situation. Like the three servants in the Gospel, we have all been given different talents, opportunities, resources and skills. It is neither a comparison nor a contest; rather, we will each be judged by how we worked and waited with what God put into our lives.
The invitation today: Are we prepared for the Lord’s return? Have we attended to our duties and tasks, or do we have unfinished business? Are there situations that require our attention and care? Sooner or later, the Lord will come…may he find us ready and waiting.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Note: This post was first published on November 13, 2017.
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 