The Cross of Christ reveals justice, humility and love as Christ triumphs over sin and death for the salvation of the world. We adore you, O Christ, and we praise you! For by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world.
Mass Readings – The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
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Jesus offers practical advice for dealing with broken relationships in a way that is empowering and crucial for our personal growth.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 19th Week of the Year
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The Parable of the Weeds and the Wheat reveals the ongoing need we have for repentance and conversion, as we weed out unwanted sins in our souls and cultivate a heart for the Lord.
Mass Readings – 16th Sunday of the Year
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Isaiah and Jesus describe some of the things that can get in the way with our relationship with God; however, when we put the Lord first we find that everything else is empowered in its proper place.
Mass Readings – Monday of the 15th Week of the Year
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Study: Consider your life right now. What is flourishing in your heart, and what needs to be pulled out?
Pray: Ask the Lord for wisdom to know how to grow in grace.
Serve: How might you be an example for another person? How might your work to root out sin inspire someone else to grow closer to the Lord?
Mass Readings – 16th Sunday of the Year
Several powerful themes surface in the readings this week.
A common pattern emerges from these themes as we discover that in the midst of injustice, sin, weakness and evil the Lord comes with justice, forgiveness, strength and power. Simply put, God gives us grace to confront the weeds in our lives.
So that begs the question: Where are the weeds in our hearts today? What struggle are we facing that requires the Lord’s mercy and love? Perhaps we might step back and pause this week to reflect on the state of our soul, so that we can honestly assess what is growing and what needs to go.
Jesus Christ knows our hearts and loves us unconditionally. As we look at the garden of our hearts may we trust that the one who knows us completely will help us root out what does not belong and help us grow as Sons and Daughters of God.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
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Note: This post was first published on July 17, 2017.
St. Paul’s letter to the Romans teaches that we die to sin and rise with Christ, and as we place our hope in the Lord we have a strength to confront the darkness and evil that we uncover lurking in our hearts.
Mass Readings – 13th Sunday of the Year
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The Lord offers some powerful spiritual insights to the disciples, reminding us of the importance to examine carefully the state of our souls.
Mass Readings – Monday of the 12th Week of the Year
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The actions of Jezebel and Ahab in the Book of Kings reveal the stark reality of sin – in our hearts, families and communities. Our response? The teaching and command of Christ to unite and heal as we bring a radical compassion to those around us.
Mass Readings – Monday of the 11th Week of the Year
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The readings today remind us of the reality of evil and its blinding presence in our lives. Yet as we confront the darkness of sin we find that our help comes from the light of Christ, who gives us the courage and strength we need.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 4th Week of Lent
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The prophet Ezekiel, the author of Psalm 130 and Jesus all highlight the crucial need to turn away from sin and direct our hearts to the Lord.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 1st Week of Lent
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