Mass Readings – Friday of the 4th Week of the Year
The death of John the Baptist recalls the fact that doing the right thing at the right time for the right reason does NOT mean that life will always be easy. In fact, our faith in Jesus Christ will sometimes put us squarely in the face of opposition…and we recognize that we might suffer even as we serve the Lord with all our heart.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s podcasts
Mass Readings – The Octave of Christmas: Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
Our knowledge of Mary flows from our knowledge of her Son, and her example teaches us how to be living witnesses in the face of adversity as we continue to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world.
Happy New Year!
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast
Mass Readings – The Feast of the Holy Innocents, Martyrs
Surrounded by the glory of Christmas, we have a chilling reminder of the reason why the Lord came into our world. Fueled by rage, jealousy, and hate, King Herod attempts to kill the Christ Child by having every baby boy under two killed in the region around Bethlehem. The senseless violence strikes a chord in our hearts to protect life, inspiring us to proclaim the Prince of Peace in our world today.
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Photo Credit: La Stampa
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 26th Week of the Year (St. Vincent de Paul)
The psalm response “Let my prayer come before you, O Lord” reminds us that even in our darkest moments we turn to the one who knows us, loves us, and helps us when we need it most.
And a little extra thank you from Fr. Andrew…
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 25th Week of the Year
The disciples did not understand what Jesus said about his suffering and death, and they were afraid to ask for more information. Yet as they eventually would move from fear to faith we are inspired to face whatever confronts us this day – knowing that the Lord will help us every step of the way.
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast
Mass Readings – Friday of the 25th Week of the Year (St. Pius of Pietrelcina)
The Lord asks his disciples “Who do you say that I am?” After hearing their responses the Lord offers an intense answer: he is the Christ who will suffer, die and be raised on the third day. May the example of Padre Pio inspire us to embrace the intensity of our lives with the grace and guidance of Jesus.
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And if you are looking for some prayers that were important in the life of Padre Pio, check out these two links:
General information about Padre Pio
Prayers that were important to Padre Pio
Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 18th Week of the Year
St. Peter’s praise and censure in the Gospel remind us that we follow Christ in good times and in bad. Indeed, when things are toughest, our faith provides the grace to see us through.
Study: Consider a profound moment when you felt God’s presence. What made this possible?
Pray: Are you feeling drawn toward a certain activity or task? Ask the Lord for guidance.
Serve: What types of service do you find most rewarding? How does helping others lead you to Christ?
Mass Readings – 16th Sunday of the Year
Here’s a quick overview of the readings this week:
One way to reflect on these verses is to see how the Lord meets us in the pattern of daily life. Consider:
We understand that our relationship with God touches multiple aspects of our lives, such as prayer, sacraments, relationships, work, and recreation. The invitation today encourages us to see with our hearts how the Lord is present to us in the current moment.
Does it mean that we serve with a joyful heart? That we swiftly respond to injustice? That we compassionately care for others? That we stop and “smell the roses” in moments of rest & renewal, beauty & blessing? In all these ways we are led back to the Lord, recognizing the gifts God gives us with a grateful heart.
How is God present in your life right now? May our response bring us closer to Christ and one another.
Mass Readings – 12th Sunday of the Year
The Cross of Christ reveals how God entered into the heart of human suffering – to touch it, bless it, and redeem it – so that we might have the courage and strength to take up the crosses in our lives. What is your Cross? Do not be afraid, but call upon the Lord for the grace you need to take up your cross and walk the journey of life…with Jesus Christ by our side.
Study: Reflect back on moments where you carried a Cross in your life. Where did you find the strength to carry it?
Pray: Pray for those who are struggling as they endure their Cross, that God will give them the grace they need.
Serve: How can you help someone carry their Cross? How can you help lighten their load?
12th Sunday of the Year Readings
These are solemn and powerful words that greet us in the Scriptures this week. Here’s a quick recap:
I’d like to draw out a couple of key points in the light of these readings. First, the Cross directly touches our lives…because pain, suffering, evil and injustice are all part of the landscape of human existence. The Cross of Christ speaks to us because in the Cross the Lord meets us in midst of the mess and muck of life. And as we “look on him whom they have pierced” we see in the prophetic words of Zechariah how Jesus crucifies all suffering in his Cross – and redeems us in his almighty grace!
Second, we all have our own Crosses. We have been on both the giving and receiving end of hardship, and we know firsthand our own Crosses that we have carried (and have seen others carry theirs as well.) We then recall how our Cross is a tiny splinter of the Lord’s – and that when we carry our Cross we participate in a small but significant way in the Lord’s sacrifice at Calvary.
What is your Cross? What is the burden you bear at this point in your life? May we turn to the Lord for the strength and grace we need, confident that as Christ was triumphant in his Cross he will give us the help we need to carry our own.
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 