The parable of the sower is one of the few that Jesus explains. As we listen today, may we cultivate good soil in our hearts to receive the Lord’s words and tend a fruitful harvest.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 24th Week of the Year
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What’s growing in the spiritual garden of our hearts? The Letter of James urges us to welcome the Word of God that was planted in us and become doers, not just hearers.
Mass Readings – 22nd Sunday of the Year
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Here are some of the key themes in the readings for the 22nd Sunday of the Year.
1st Reading – Deuteronomy 4:1-2,6-8
Psalm – 15:2-5
2nd Reading – James 1:17-18,21b-22,27
Gospel – Mark 7:1-8,14-15,21-23
Mass Readings – 22nd Sunday of the Year
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As we continue to hear the “Bread of Life” discourse from the sixth chapter of the Gospel of John, we reflect on how our spiritual health is renewed by the frequent and worthy reception of Holy Communion. We are what we eat!
Mass Readings – 19th Sunday 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
Note: This post was first published on July 17, 2017.
The Letter of James gives crucial insight into the nature of temptation. As we encounter our own temptations, may we never tire of calling upon God for the grace we need to face them.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 6th Week of the Year
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The Lord’s interaction and subsequent care for the Canaanite woman offers us an insight into how we reach out to others…even when they are not part of our “group.”
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 18th Week of the Year
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Psalm 15 offers some beautiful advice for living a just life for the Lord. Holiness is not just found in the extraordinary; often, our most powerful Christian witness occurs in the normal, everyday interactions that we have with one another.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 12th Week of the Year
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What does it mean to live in God’s grace? These two presentations were given at a parish retreat at St. Pius X Catholic Church on April 18, 2019.
Part I – Key Components of Grace (55 Minutes)
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Part II – Our Relationships in a Life of Grace (53 Minutes)
Handouts that were given to participants for both presentations
Living a Life of Grace (I & II)
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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
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
