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 showdown between Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal illustrates how we rely on the Lord for the strength we need, even against impossible odds.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 10th Week of the Year
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The Holy Spirit comes upon the disciples, empowering and transforming them with grace. May we call upon the gift of the Spirit in our lives today, embracing the gifts we have received and sharing them in the world.
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Study: Where in my life have I experienced God’s grace and strength?
Pray: What particular needs in my life call for the help of the Holy Spirit?
Serve: Where can I use the gifts God has given me to serve another right now?
Mass Readings – Vigil of Pentecost
The image St. Paul uses in the 2nd reading this weekend is a body. Composed of different parts which do unique and special functions, the body is united when all the parts come together. So, too, all of us are united into the Body of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Look at these themes from Pentecost Mass Readings of the Day:
In other words, the Holy Spirit unites people, renews life, provides unique gifts, and is granted to the Church by Christ. This is the day that the disciples were empowered to continue the mission of Jesus; filled with the Spirit they will witness the Good News of the Lord through their words and actions.
Their example becomes our model. The same Spirit that changed their lives comes to us. The same Spirit that gave them the grace and strength to go forth gives us the power we need to offer our lives for Christ. God continues to invite us to serve, and the Lord pours forth the Holy Spirit to help us carry out the work of this day.
Are there barriers in our life? Come Holy Spirit!
Are there parts of life in need of renewal? Come Holy Spirit!
Are there gifts we have that need to be used and directed? Come Holy Spirit!
Jesus freely gave the gift of the Spirit to his disciples – may we turn to the Lord with conviction that as we call for the Holy Spirit in our lives we will be given what we need for the work of this day.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
V. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray.
O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
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Note: This post was first published on May 29, 2017.
John’s Gospel reveals a no-nonsense approach to the reality of opposition and hostility that we will face as disciples of Jesus Christ. In tough times we draw strength from the Lord, who gives us exactly what we need to thrive.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 5th Week of Easter
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If you ever think you’re having a bad day, read about the hardships of St. Paul! Today in the Acts of the Apostles we see how he was left for dead…and then staggered on to keep proclaiming the Good News.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 5th Week of Easter
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The Apostles encounter hostility from their preaching and are thrown in prison; God sends an angel to free them…to get back to the work of God!
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Easter
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Jeremiah reminds us that we put our trust in God as we face the dangers of life.
Mass Readings – Friday of the 5th Week of Lent
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The Scripture readings today all reference human hardship: suffering, battle and illness. Yet through it all we have hope as we see how God gives us the grace we need to overcome these challenges every time we turn to Christ.
Mass Readings – Monday of the 4th Week of Lent
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The Transfiguration of Jesus offered three apostles a sign of hope as they journeyed on to Jerusalem where the Lord would be crucified. This moment of glory strengthened their faith to face the coming test of suffering and hardship, showing us that God gives us what we need to carry on.
Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of Lent
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