St. Stephen’s death serves as a sharp contrast from the glory Christ’s birth. Yet this contrast helps us engage in the spiritual battle that is part of our earthly life as we face our struggles with the grace of Jesus.
Mass Readings – Feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr
***************
Jesus drives out a demon and then teaches others how to keep evil away from their hearts. It’s a good reminder for us as well; we are called each day to be vigilant in the spiritual battle as we guard the sanctity of our souls.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 27th Week of the Year
***************
The readings state plainly the hostility and difficulty we often find in lives. Sometimes the battle is outside ourselves, and sometimes it is within. Yet as we fight our battles, we constantly use our most powerful weapon: the grace we receive through our faith in Jesus Christ!
Mass Readings – 25th Sunday of the Year
***************
Poor St. Peter! One minute he is named by Jesus as the rock upon which the Church will be built, and the next minute he is chastised by the Lord for falling prey to temptation. Welcome to the spiritual life! Yet this spiritual battle of building up and tearing down is part of our journey of faith, inviting us to always keep our focus on Christ.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 18th Week of the Year
***************
Jesus describes the evil that can come from our hearts, reminding us that the battle is often within. As we strive to follow the Lord we turn from these sins and look to the Cross of Christ.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 5th Week of the Year
***************
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 30th Week of the Year
Sometimes life is a battle, where we face struggles and challenges that test our endurance, discipline and will. We turn to the Lord for the strength we need to face our fight, confident that Christ will guide us.
