The readings describe the abundance and richness of God’s feast which nourishes the body, mind, heart and soul. Our daily need for food underscores our fundamental need for the Lord; may we today reflect on what we need and call upon Jesus with confidence.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of 1st Advent (St. Nicholas)
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 31st Sunday of the Year (St. Martin of Tours)
Trust is an essential ingredient in our relationships, and Jesus reveals two key concepts that help us become more trustworthy with the Lord and one another.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Friday of the 30th Week of the Year
Jesus uses a healing as an opportunity to teach about how we can put God first in our lives, even when it means we break a few rules.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Friday of the 28th Week of the Year
What are you afraid of? Jesus invites us to cast out fear and trust in God’s providence. May we honestly face our fears and call upon the Lord for the courage and conviction we require.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – 20th Sunday of the Year
The woman in the Gospel of Matthew is tenancious! She trusts that Jesus can offer help for her daughter, and she will not be denied. Her example inspires us to foster a fierce faith – one that receives the gift of God and strengthens it through prayer, Sacraments, and a conviction to offer one’s life in love.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – 19th Sunday of the Year
Fear is a part of life, yet our response determines the impact it will have upon us. Peter’s experience of fear reminds us that we have an opportunity today to call upon the Lord for the courage we need to face our fears with the power of faith.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Study: Recall a moment in life when you were doubtful or afraid. How did you face it?
Pray: Ask the Lord for the strength and wisdom to face doubts and fears.
Serve: Is there someone in your life who is struggling with doubts or fears? How might you help them?
Mass Readings – 19th Sunday of the Year
This Gospel story (Matthew 14:22-33) follows immediately after the feeding of the 5000. Here’s a quick recap:
* Jesus hears of the death of John the Baptist
* Jesus seeks solitude in a deserted place
* The crowds find Jesus; he ministers to them
* Jesus feeds the hungry with fishes & bread
After the people have eaten, the Lord makes the disciples get into a boat while he dismisses the crowd. The following events occur:
1. The disciples are in the boat on the water
2. Jesus goes up the mountain to pray alone
3. The wind and the waves are getting strong
4. Late at night Jesus comes on the water
5. Seeing Jesus, the disciples are terrified
6. Jesus, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”
7. Peter to Jesus “Command me to come to you.”
8. Peter goes to Jesus, is frightened and sinks
9. Jesus rescues Peter “Why did you doubt?”
10. The disciples: “Truly you are the Son of God!”
Note that Matthew’s Gospel differs from Mark’s account (6:45-52) in three ways:
1. The dialogue between Jesus and Peter
2. Peter walking (sort of) on the water
3. Confession of faith – Jesus the Son of God
The story speaks of Peter’s desire to follow Jesus, even as it clearly shows his human weakness. Peter tries, fails, and calls upon Jesus to save him in his need. As a result, the disciples recognize the Son of God in their midst.
The early Church took this passage to heart. Like the boat tossed on the waters, early Christians knew all too well the dangers of faith – risking their lives to follow Jesus. Like Peter, they had their moments of weakness; like Peter, they called upon the Lord in their need.
We can see ourselves in this situation as well. There are times when we desperately want a strong and steadfast faith; we seek the Lord and desire to follow His path for our lives. Yet we are also aware of our limitations, failures, and fears. May we, like Peter, call upon Jesus in our need; may we trust in the Lord’s strength and love to save us.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Friday of the 4th Week of Easter
How often do we let worry and anxiety bring trouble to our hearts? Yet the words of Jesus in the Gospel today remind us (once again!) that the Lord’s grace is greater than the stresses of our lives.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 7th Week of the Year
As Jesus welcomes and blesses the children in the Gospel of Mark, we are reminded to foster a world where our children are safe and protected as we recall that we, too, seek the Lord with the tender trust of a child.
***************
Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
Study: Consider a time when you had to trust another person. What helped or hindered you to trust?
Pray: Is there a major decision in your life? As the Lord for guidance and direction.
Serve: Do you know someone who is searching for God? How can you help point them to Jesus?
Mass Readings – Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God
This great feast of Mary flows from the heart of the Christmas story. Jesus, like us in all things except sin, had a mother who reflected on the great events that had happened in her life. She witnessed how God was at work, and she took time to ponder…even as she held baby Jesus in her arms.
Mary’s trust in the Lord inspires us to turn to God in our need and live the gift of our faith. Like Mary, we can reflect upon the Lord’s goodness in our own lives and express with gratitude what God has done for us.
What’s more, as Mary brought forth Jesus into the world we, too, can continue Christ’s saving work as we proclaim the Good News today. Our words and actions can point others to Jesus Christ, directing those in our lives to trust in the Lord’s mercy and love.
May Mary’s example strengthen our faith and empower us to live it with joy. As we reflect on what God has done in our lives, may we express with gratitude the graces we have received as we put them into practice.
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 