REAL Word: Recent Episodes
Brandon Jubar
Join me for a fairly progressive review and discussion of the weekly Scripture readings from the Roman Catholic Lectionary. Let's "break open the Word" and find the messages and lessons that are practical for our lives and applicable to this crazy world we live in today!
Respect, Engage, Accept, and Lead are the core values of the REAL Framework. The REAL Word podcast is a production of the REAL Values Project, which attempts to approach progressive values in a productive, affirming way. For more information, visit http://BrandonJubar.com Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/real-word/support
As Christians, we’re comforted by God's promise of personal restoration and guidance, and by the promise that in Christ, death is transformed from an end into the beginning of eternal life. However, these promises hinge on the authenticity of our belief. To be true believers, our faith has to be a living, active force demonstrated through unselfish service to those most in need. Embracing this challenge means understanding that our actions towards the least in society are direct services to Jesus. It’s in the selfless giving, the compassionate action, and the humble service that our true belief is revealed. In living out this commitment to service, we embody what it means to be true disciples of Christ!
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As Christians, we know that true virtue is more than our deeds; it’s the very essence of our character. Coupled with this understanding is the perspective of living in the present as if we’ve already stepped into the future. It’s about embodying the values of that future today by actively engaging with the gifts God has blessed us with. We aren’t passive recipients, we’re stewards called to cultivate, grow, and use those gifts to enrich our lives and the lives of others. This path demands courage, commitment, and a heart that’s open to the endless possibilities that come with living our faith out loud!
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As Christians, we should keep in mind a few truths: first, we've gotta chase after wisdom because it isn't just handed to us; second, saying goodbye to someone who has died isn't forever, because in Christ, we have a sure hope of getting back together again; and third, we must stay ready in our faith, because it's not something we can just pick up from someone else when we need it. All these pieces fit together to remind us that living a life of faith means being proactive, not sitting around waiting for things to happen. This journey of faith requires us to make the choice, every single day, to be ready—ready for whatever comes our way, and especially ready for the moment we meet Jesus face to face!
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Spiritual leaders are called to help us navigate our journey of faith, guiding us with unquestionable integrity. But their task is more than vocalizing beliefs - it’s about allowing the divine word to come alive, taking our faith to the next level. The key to great faith leadership is quietly demonstrating the ability to walk the walk by humbly living each day as a testament to your convictions. And along this journey of faith, the quiet but confident steps of authenticity and humility are the ones that truly echo in the hearts of others!
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When Christ described the law, he called us to a deep compassion and empathy, urging us to see beyond rules and to embrace love as the true essence of our faith. St. Paul's teachings shine a light on how a sincere imitation of Christ can become a beacon of hope and an honest form of evangelization. Yet, the most profound revelation is the interconnectedness of our love for God and for our fellow human beings. When we fully grasp that, then we’ll understand that every act of kindness, every gesture of love towards another, is simultaneously an act of devotion to the Lord. When we truly take this to heart, we recognize that in genuine love, we encounter the very presence of the divine!
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As Christians, we know that God’s wisdom transcends human understanding, guiding us to see the divine in the unexpected. By anchoring ourselves in faith and conviction, we can begin to fill our lives with hope, love, and the empowering grace of the Holy Spirit. And as we continue along our journey of faith, we’re reminded of the delicate balance we have to maintain between our spiritual and our earthly callings. Our challenge is to find a way to balance our worldly responsibilities with a deep devotion to the divine. If we can find that balance, we’ll be better able to share Jesus’ “wisdom and love” in truly authentic ways!
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Accepting the Lord’s invitation is easier if we learn to be content in both abundance and scarcity. In the eyes of the Lord, every soul is welcome at the banquet, regardless of who they are or where they’re from. Through our faith and the support of our community, we can navigate challenges while ensuring everyone knows they are welcome at the Lord’s table. We can make the banquet of the Lord a reality for everyone, embodying the true essence of love, compassion, and inclusion in our world!
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As Christians, we know that God’s love and guidance are present in our lives, but we cultivate good fruit through our actions and our faith. And we won’t stumble upon peace; it’s nurtured through our dedication to a life of faith and practice. We’re called to recognize Christ’s presence in the scriptures but also in our daily lives. This recognition should inspire us to produce a bountiful harvest of love, compassion, and justice. We must work to produce fruit that reflects God's love, and to make this world a better place for everyone!
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As Christians, it's important for us to realize that we all have the gift of personal agency and choice. Yes, we are responsible for what we’ve done in the past, but repentance is always possible. However, words alone aren’t enough – it’s our actions that truly matter. We must be selfless and humble, continually striving for a more compassionate world. Every choice we make can have a profound impact on our families, our communities, and the world at large, so we must embrace the Gospel message of love, forgiveness, and radical acceptance!
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As Christians, we know that God’s love is limitless and God's grace is extended to each of us. No matter what we’ve done, God generously forgives our sins when we seek that forgiveness with humble hearts. God’s grace has no bounds but our faith must be more than simply believing. Our faith must be visible through our actions. Our faith should be clear to anyone who sees how we live our lives. Living our faith out loud has the power to stir souls and inspire others to seek God’s grace and forgiveness!
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When we learn to release our anger and extend forgiveness to others, we open the door for divine forgiveness in our own lives. As Christians, we know that belonging to the Lord is an eternal commitment calling us to mirror God’s boundless forgiveness. We’re called to be bearers of forgiveness because we’ve received the gift of forgiveness from the Lord already - and it’s a gift that’s meant to be shared. When forgiveness is a cornerstone of our daily lives, it becomes a way to create a world filled with compassion, love, and grace!
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Christians must never shy away from confronting sin, even when our message is unpopular, because it’s an essential part of our faith. The key is to make sure that love is our guiding light. Loving our neighbors as ourselves has the power to fulfill all of God’s commands, uniting us in a bond of compassion and forgiveness. And we must remember that when we act together out of love, we reflect the essence of Christ’s teachings, forging a path towards a more just and compassionate world!
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The Word of God isn’t meant to be hidden away; it’s meant to be shared with the world. This means we must step out of our comfort zones and boldly spread the Gospel message of love, forgiveness, and radical acceptance. We must align our desires with God’s divine purpose. This is our call to action. It’s a call to selflessness, and a call to wholeheartedly pursue a world that is transformed by God’s grace!
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Scripture often reminds us that our actions have a profound impact on the world, so being a disciple isn’t a spectator sport. We must participate in order to create a world filled with justice, compassion, and love. But we’re also invited to pause and experience the divine gift of creation and the majesty of the Creator. We are called to recognize that Jesus is our hope and our salvation. If we can shape our lives around the heartfelt belief that Jesus is the Messiah, then we can truly build the Kingdom on earth!
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As Christians, we should understand the importance of breaking down barriers and bringing people together. No one is left out or overlooked. God’s embrace is offered to all, and Jesus, the embodiment of love and forgiveness, came to save ALL of us. This is a message that rings true today, urging us to put aside differences and open our hearts to each other. It’s a call to build bridges, to tear down walls, and to embrace one another in the name of peace, love, and unity!
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As Christians, we need to realize that God’s love and guidance aren’t limited to grand spectacles; they’re found in everyday moments that too often go unnoticed. Because of that, those closest to God can sometimes miss His call. We shouldn't judge them though - we should see it as a reminder of our shared humanity. And part of that shared humanity is the tendency to doubt. Doubt is a heavy burden, but faith can lift us up. If we learn to embrace the quiet presence of God, remain open to His call, and know that our faith can overcome doubt, then we can find our way to greater love, forgiveness, and connection to the divine!
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Through the prophets, God promised to send a savior who would bring peace, forgiveness, and salvation to the world. We know that promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose message of love, forgiveness, and radical acceptance lights our path in a rather dark world. Though the odds may seem stacked against us, we’re called to build the Kingdom on Earth anyway. As true disciples, we’re called to work together to fulfill God’s vision; and we know we can do it because Jesus is right here by our side!
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Scripture reminds us that if we ask God for the gift of wisdom, the Lord will guide and support us. Our ultimate destination is Heaven, so we must be unrelenting in our pursuit of that goal. The lessons we learn from both the Old and New Testaments should inspire us to build the Kingdom on earth, creating a more just and compassionate world. We can bring the Gospel message of love, forgiveness, and radical acceptance to the world. And we can do it all because God is at our side!
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God’s mercy and strength are endless and lift up all creation, offering hope and redemption to even the most vulnerable. In our moments of pain, the Holy Spirit is there to support us when we can’t find the words to pray. And even though God’s kingdom coexists with the opposing forces, we’re called to be agents of change. As true disciples of Christ, we have to share the Gospel message of love, forgiveness, and radical acceptance, even though evil will continue to exist in the world!
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For Christians, the Good News helps us understand that our current sufferings are temporary and God’s glory awaits us. It gives us hope in the assurance that our faith and commitment to the Gospel will sustain us and enable us to thrive. Now, as we allow the Word of God to take root in our hearts and multiply, we become prophets, sharing the message of salvation with others and demonstrating the amazing power of love, forgiveness, and radical acceptance!
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The prophet Zechariah showed that Jesus wouldn’t come as a conquering victor, but as the King of Peace. And to truly worship this peaceful king, we must resist temptations and turn away from sin. This seems daunting, but Jesus assured us that the burden of discipleship is lighter than the burden of carrying the weight of wrongful thoughts and deeds. If we take on his yoke by embracing his teachings and commands, we will discover that the reward for following Jesus far outweighs anything we get from sin. It’s a journey that leads to true freedom, peace, and eternal life with the Father in heaven!
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Scripture shows us the importance of kindness, of hospitality, and of the courage to speak truth to power. It reminds us that, through baptism, we die to sin and rise to new life with Christ. It also challenges us to prioritize Jesus above everything else and to be willing to take up our cross and follow him. As Christians, we have to be prepared to face whatever challenges come our way. And through our actions, we must fully embrace discipleship and live out the call to follow our Lord, Jesus Christ!
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We know proclaiming the truth can be difficult, but we understand the importance of letting people know that Jesus has triumphed over sin and death. He is more powerful than any force that seeks to separate us from God’s love because we are important to God. And despite the challenges we face, we are called to share the word of God, knowing that God is with us, empowering and protecting us. We have been assured of the ultimate victory of truth and the transformative power of God's grace!
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As true disciples of Christ, we need to understand that being loved by God is foundational to our identity. We’re called to actively participate in building the Kingdom of God, but this mission must be rooted in the knowledge that we are precious to God. When we understand this, we can respond wholeheartedly to God's call. And it becomes so much easier to approach service with joy and authenticity, fostering healthy relationships and preventing burnout. Knowing we are precious to God can be truly transformative. It can power our ongoing conversion as disciples, while shaping our attitudes, our actions, and our interactions with others. It powers us to continue building the Kingdom on earth!
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We know that we’ll face challenges throughout our lives, but the Lord doesn’t expect us to face them alone. We’re called to be in communion with Christ and one another, for we all make up the Body of Christ on earth. We can find strength, support, and comfort in our connection to the Lord and to our fellow disciples, confidently confronting the trials that come our way. Together, we can overcome challenges, uplift one another, and spread Jesus’ message of love, forgiveness, and radical acceptance!
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In spite of our poor choices, God continues to offer us forgiveness… if we humbly ask Him. We know that we’re called to emulate God's compassion by praying for blessings upon others, including those who criticize or even oppose us. And knowing God's desire for the salvation of the world through Jesus Christ, we’re encouraged to introduce people to the transformative power of our Savior. In doing so, we can contribute to creating a more compassionate and inclusive world - one that reflects the love and mercy of the Holy Trinity!
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We’re living through a difficult time. The world needs true disciples of Christ to share the Good News, to reignite hope, and to build the Kingdom on earth. But when we get discouraged - and we will - we need to remember that the Spirit can bridge any divide and bring people together because, in spite of all our differences, we are ALL equal before the Lord. Jesus challenges you and me to venture out, bear witness to God’s forgiveness, and then work with the Spirit to bring the peace of Christ to a desperate world!
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The Solemnity of the Ascension shares God’s purpose and how the church fits into that plan. The universal Church has a mission to fulfill but it might not be easy because the Church is intended to be universal and inclusive. These two elements coexist so well because Jesus is with us. And if we share the Gospel message, and face the challenges head on, we know that Jesus is right beside us, providing guidance and strength as we build the Kingdom on Earth!
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As true disciples of Christ, we’re called to lead people to the Lord whenever the opportunities to do so arise. This means we might need to make personal sacrifices for the greater good, including responding to opposition with gentleness and respect. But by loving one another as Jesus loved us, we show our love for him and open ourselves to the love of the Father. So let’s demonstrate our love for Jesus by following his commands and by sharing the Gospel message of love and radical acceptance!
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True disciples of Christ aren’t meant to sit idly by and let things just happen as they may. We are called to actively engage with the world and make a positive difference in the lives of those around us. The role of service has always been critical to the church, and our Gospel reading today shows that without people like us, there is no “spiritual house.” So let’s not be afraid to embrace the challenge the Jesus places before us. We can start small, but we can’t forget that true disciples are called and destined to do great things!
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When people are shown the way, the Spirit can move their hearts. Peter encouraged people to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit… and they listened. We can do the same. We can be shepherds to others by modeling Jesus’ love and radical acceptance. If we let the Spirit work through us, we can lead people to greener pastures. Suffering may be part of the journey, but we know that’s okay. And even if we go astray, we have faith that the Holy Spirit will always lead us back to the Lord!
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Quite often, our readings contain lessons on how to live our lives in a better way, but sometimes our readings are focused on the foundations of our faith. We base our faith on the belief that Jesus is the Messiah and that he came to free us from sin and death, just as the prophecies said he would. Our faith and trust in the Lord is what gives power to the Gospel message. Our faith isn’t some musty old religion - it’s always bright and new because Jesus is risen and will never truly be gone!
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When we look at the messages from our readings this week, the overarching theme is a call to return to the essence of early Christianity. We seem to have lost our way, and to get on a better path, we should do more to emulate the early church's focus on sharing the Gospel message, taking care of one another, and inviting everyone to the Lord’s table. But to do that, we need to understand the importance of faith over certainty. We need to put our trust in the unseen and overcome our human desire to be “right.” Instead of arguing about the Latin Mass or the existence of Limbo, we should be trying to return to the core teachings of Christianity, prioritizing love, faith, and the divinity of Jesus Christ.
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As Christians, we understand that, through our belief in Jesus Christ, we receive forgiveness of sins and experience the life-changing power of his name. We should strive to let the Gospel message be like new yeast in our lives, spreading and transforming every aspect of who we are. To do that, we need to allow Jesus to change us from the inside out. And even though we may struggle with fears and uncertainties, we can trust that Jesus is always with us, guiding us and leading us on this journey of faith!
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We know that people can become blind to Jesus for many different reasons, proclaiming their righteousness while turning their backs on Christ. It’s easy to fall into that trap because God’s rules are different. When people get caught up in their prejudiced beliefs, they end up being Christians in name only. It’s a difficult problem, so we must answer our baptismal call. Especially when things get bad, we have to do our best to continue sharing the Gospel message of love and radical acceptance!
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God can work miracles, including bringing an entire “people” back from exile and protecting them. He did it for the Israelites, and we need to carry that message to the persecuted and marginalized people in our world today. We can be modern day prophets and truly come alive with the spirit. That doesn’t mean we’ll never suffer; but if we end up in one of life’s “dark tombs,” we need to remember that we’re not alone. Just like he came for Lazarus, Jesus will come for us too!
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We tend to judge OTHERS by their words and actions, but WE expect to be judged by our intent… and we rarely give others the benefit of the doubt. Of course, there are people with bad intentions - and our intentions aren’t always wholesome - but it’s up to God to do the judging. The Lord can see our hearts, so nothing can hide those dark deeds from God. Our judgment is clouded by many things, and we all have blind spots, which is all the more reason to leave the judging to God!
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During Lent, we’re called to repent for our sins, but we should also take time to think about our blessings. We tend to remember bad things and forget the good, which can give us a negative perception of things and cause us to believe we’re not worthy of God’s love. We must remember that it’s not about worthiness. We’re all sinners and God loves us anyway. In fact, Jesus loves us so much that he’s made the first move and is just waiting for us to ask so he can provide what we need!
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All the great things that have come from our faith happened because people trusted in the Lord. Abram trusted in the Lord, and the first covenant was made. The apostles and the earliest disciples of Christ trusted the Lord, which led to the new covenant. St. Paul trusted the Lord, which allowed him to authentically preach the importance of suffering for the Gospel message, which allowed the early Christian community to thrive and grow in spite of years and years of persecution. And it all happened because they trusted the Lord!
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We have free will and the knowledge of good and evil, so we should be held accountable for our choices. There are other factors that cloud our judgment though, and we’re tempted to take care of our own needs first, so it’s good that Jesus gave us an example to follow by facing temptation and resisting. We should try to be strong like Jesus and choose to do what’s right. We won’t always succeed, but luckily our sins are forgiven through Jesus’ sacrifice, so all we need to do is ask!
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As Christians, we are called to be holy. In this week's readings, Moses tells us that God wants us to be holy. Paul tells us that we are God’s temple, and what can be more holy than that? And then Jesus explains what it will take for us to be holy as we’re striving to be perfect, like God. But Jesus doesn’t want us to be discouraged by how difficult this all seems. It won’t be easy, but if we sincerely try to follow the law of love that he lays out, we can meet that higher standard, and we will be in relationship with our God!
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Because of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we have what we need to live righteous lives, and God has given us the free will to do it. But that also makes us accountable. “Free will” is a tremendous responsibility, but if we can learn to open our hearts and minds to the Spirit, we can embrace the deeper wisdom that God offers. That broader perspective on creation, and our place in it, will help us understand the teachings of Jesus. We can see past the letter of the law and live our lives according to the spirit of God’s law!
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Being a Christian isn't a spectator sport. God wants us to take positive action and make a difference in the world, and we can do it in big or small ways. We should work together with the Christian community, but we are also called to be conduits for the Holy Spirit. As believers, we are the salt and light of the world, and our lives are sacramental. Our actions should enhance the lives of others, glorify God, and share the light of Christ that will illuminate the darkness in the world!
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Righteousness is about adhering to moral or ethical principles and allowing them to guide our actions. Self-righteousness is the belief that one’s own actions and beliefs are morally superior, which leads to being judgmental. As Christians, we are called to seek righteousness and humility, and to put our effort into boasting about the Lord and not about ourselves. It’s challenging because it requires a change in perspective, and then asks us to live according to God’s vision of the world, rather than our own!
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After the imprisonment of John, Jesus left Galilee and the Gospel says, “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’” The image of great joy and light to people in darkness is followed by the call to repent because it relieves us of our burdens. When we repent, we open ourselves up to the light of Christ and the joy it brings. So, if we keep our focus on Jesus, we’re able to leave certain things behind and truly answer Jesus’ call!
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Being true disciples of Christ means answering God’s call, which makes Jesus our Lord. And if Jesus is our Lord, then we must live as he commands and take up his mission on Earth. Like the Suffering Servant, only preaching to believers isn’t enough. We are called to bring the Good News to all nations. If we remember that Jesus came to take away our sins, then perhaps we can see past our privilege, get out of our comfort zone, and truly bring God’s light to the world!
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The Magi honored the baby Jesus and then went on their way but we know we’re called to do more. We only celebrate Christmas one time every year but we believe the light of Christ is a gift meant to be shared every single day. WE have gifts as well and it’s through the sharing of those gifts that we truly honor Jesus and spread the Gospel message of love, radical acceptance, forgiveness, and salvation for all!
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Knowing we are children of God doesn’t justify judging and condemning others, especially when we know that invoking God’s name to bless those around us gives us countless opportunities to bring God’s divine grace into the world. Today’s readings can help us connect to Mary and embrace her approach, which was to keep the focus on Jesus. If we play our role to the best of our ability and leave Jesus as the main character, we will be worshipping Christ and honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary!
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We believe God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It’s a difficult concept and people wonder, “How is that possible?” Not fully understand something doesn’t make it impossible, and nothing is impossible for God. Others ask, “Why would God become human?” Our answer is that it was the ultimate act of love, because the invisible God became visible and tangible. Jesus brought us closer to God in a way that had never been done before, which is one reason we should truly celebrate at Christmas!
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The common thread running through our readings today is the gift of God’s grace. Isaiah challenged Ahaz to place his trust in God, and offered a miraculous sign. His prophecy shows that Jesus Christ is the Son of God which, powered by grace, is what called St. Paul to be an apostle to the Gentiles. But the ultimate gift of God’s grace came through the Incarnation. The birth of Jesus fulfilled God’s loving promise to offer salvation and give us, "the created," a way to spend eternity with God, our Creator!
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Delayed gratification is when we resist the temptation for immediate pleasure in hopes of getting a more valuable reward later. Humans are no good at that. We know what we want and we want it now. But the truth is that this way of being is detrimental to us and we’re suffering because of it. Luckily, we know our Messiah will bring healing to the world, and we can help by demonstrating patience and kindness. Building the kingdom on earth might not bring us rewards today, but we know that our reward will be in the kingdom of heaven!
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We are called to live in the world but not be of the world. One way we can do that is by recognizing the horrible realities mankind faces, while still maintaining a vision of what the world should be! We also need to do what we can to make that vision a reality, and one of the best ways to do that is by accepting one another the way Jesus loved and accepted us. During Advent, we’re not just preparing for the baby Jesus - we're preparing for Jesus’ entire life and ministry, and all the hope and challenge that comes with it!
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The focus of our readings this week is “preparation,” but we have to figure out what that means. The Gospel shows it’s possible to attend to the tasks of this life while preparing for the next. St. Paul suggests we clothe ourselves with Christ. And if we keep in mind the image of peace from Isaiah, then we've got a pretty good idea of what we need to work for. As Christians, we have to get out there, live good lives, see the world as Jesus does, and then prepare for His coming by building the Kingdom here on earth!
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The Lord calls certain people to be leaders, and the gifts of the Spirit can help them be extremely successful, whether we understand God’s choice or not. Jesus Christ was before all things and through him, all things were created. So, even though the people didn’t know it at the time, God sent us the King we need, because heaven and earth are held together in Jesus. And no matter how great any other leader might be, none is greater than Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe!
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Many people look at today’s readings and see images of doom and gloom. These descriptions of fire, punishment, famine, and war seem to paint a depressing picture of the future - but that’s not the point. As Christians, we’re called to act with justice every day and contribute as much as we can to the benefit of all. We’re called to listen to the teachings of Christ and not dwell in the past or worry about the future, but live in the present and build the Kingdom of God on earth!
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With so many angry, judgemental, and seemingly hateful people claiming to be Christians, it can be difficult to be a true disciple of Christ. But we need to face life’s challenges and choose Jesus. It won’t be easy, so we need to pray for each other and offer encouragement too. We’re not called to do this alone, so we need to show appreciation and say ‘thanks.’ And we need to remind each other of the most important thing - that not even death can end our relationship with our loving Father!
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Our planet is in crisis right now. Creation is crying out - and most of humanity isn’t listening. God loves creation, so we should too. According to St. Paul, the best way to praise God is through works of faith, so why aren’t more of us responding to the crisis facing the earth, our common home? The self-righteous are busy pontificating about sexuality and gender while the world burns. They may label and condemn you for not hopping on their culture-war bandwagon, but if the self-righteous cast you out, Jesus will find you!
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Humility is an important quality for Christians, but it’s not a quality that’s rewarded in our society. Yet we are called to approach the Lord from a place of humility. If a person is poor or marginalized, humility may come more easily; but for those of us who have much, true humility is harder to achieve. We might find ourselves abandoned by others at times, especially when we're sharing the Gospel message of love and radical acceptance - and humility can be easier to achieve during moments like that. But the bottom line is that we must find a way to be humble before the Lord!
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As Christians, we should understand the power of persistence, but sometimes we can’t achieve our goals alone, so we need the help of others. We’re also called to be persistent in the questioning, correcting, and teaching... of ourselves, so that we can then be careful and patience when sharing the Gospel message with others. And we must be persistent in our prayer, and never lose heart - because our God will eventually ensure that justice is done!
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The readings today are about the power of faith - with a focus on the healing power that faith can have. But putting our faith in God can be tricky because we want to do it on our own terms. We have faith that God will do some specific thing for us or we have faith that God will make everything work out just fine. St. Paul tried to tell us, sometimes we’re going to suffer and that’s okay. At times like that, we just need to persevere. Because if we have faith and stick with God, then God will stick with us!
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As disciples of Christ, witnessing all of the violence, cruelty, and injustice in the world can be depressing; but we must trust in the Lord and hold on to our faith. If we can maintain true faith that is only as big as a mustard seed, we can do amazing things. The Spirit will help us share the Gospel message, and we’ll be able to serve others with humility and joy. All it takes is the tiniest amount of faith, because just a little bit of faith allows us to provide lots of service to others!
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Christians in the United States often dance around issues of economic justice. We can’t be concerned about people in other parts of the world. We think they want what’s ours - that they’re the ones who are greedy. But Jesus disagrees. When we close our eyes to the suffering of others, we’re doing so to protect our wealth. We know where that way leads, so we need to pay attention to Jesus and the prophets. We need to pursue virtues, and help the poor - wherever they are in the world!
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Being a Christian isn’t as easy as most people believe. We can do all sorts of good things, while completely ignoring those situations where the scales are tipped in our favor. And when we let injustices continue because we benefit from them, God remembers. So we must pray - to honor God - and to remind ourselves of what’s truly important. We are called to use our time, talents, and treasure for the benefit of all and prove that we’re good stewards of whatever wealth we’ve been blessed with!
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As Christians, we understand that we’re called to recognize our sins, repent, and ask God for forgiveness. It sounds easy, but it’s not, because most truly good people feel generally insignificant. And when you feel that way, you might think your actions don’t matter. You might not think you need to even bother with forgiveness. When that happens, we’re lost. But lucky for us, God has a soft spot for us. God will come looking for us and God will celebrate when we’re found, because Jesus offers forgiveness to all of us!
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Christians believe we can find wisdom in God, which should help us understand that being a disciple isn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes it’s downright difficult and even painful. Jesus knows that. He knows it’s not an easy path, so he insists that we understand what we’re getting into. Because if we don’t, then it’s likely that we’ll fail. Yes, we’re called to be disciples of Jesus and to follow him; but we need to start by truly considering the cost of being a Christian!
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The more successful we are, the harder it is to be humble. We may still let others go through the door first, but that’s simple politeness and not the humility we’re called to show. To be truly humble, we should remember what Jesus has done for us. We should remember that he died to bring us mercy and love. And once we figure out how to be humble and do good works from a place of true humility, we’ll find ourselves growing closer to our Savior in the process!
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Far too often, we hear Christians saying, “Jesus is my personal Lord and Savior” - but Jesus didn’t come just for you. Jesus came for all people. If we’re really disciples of Christ, then our job is to share that Good News with everyone. And when we go through pain and suffering, we need to learn from those difficult times, and then use what we’ve learned to help others. Because ultimately, the only way we’ll enter the Kingdom is on God’s terms, not ours!
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While some people rant about the need to make America a “Christian nation,” and then offer up an unaccepting, narrow, judgmental version of the Gospel, it’s time for the true disciples to speak out. These modern-day Pharisees refuse to recognize the complexities of life and they insist on seeing the world as “black and white.” But we’re called to live our lives in a way that demonstrates the love and radical acceptance of Jesus. We must take the plunge, knowing that it may be a baptism by fire - but that’s what it means to be a true disciple of Christ!
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Jesus promised he would come again, and we know that God keeps his promises to the faithful. But being faithful means we believe in certain things we can’t actually see, like the fact that the Holy Spirit is active in our world today. We can often see or experience the results of those loving actions, but we can’t see the Spirit with our eyes. Faith is the conviction of things not seen, so even though we can’t see into the future, we believe that Christ will come again, so we must be prepared!
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God’s people have always understood that material things were important but not the top priority. The best things in life aren’t things, which is why sin is “the breaking or straining of a relationship.” When we place that much value on relationships, we can more easily see the value in setting aside our differences. Only then can we truly be generous with others. Only then can we stop obsessing over our worldly stuff and learn to be truly rich toward God!
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If you’ve been Baptized, then you’ve been reborn in Christ. As true disciples, we are called to do certain things; and one of those things is to stand up to injustices, which takes courage. And just like prayer, battling injustice isn’t a one-and-done activity, so we need the help of the Holy Spirit. We must be persistent in our prayer, and the Lord will give us the gift of his Spirit!
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The main messages this week seem to indicate different things. Abraham and Sarah are blessed for showing hospitality, while Martha is told it’s not necessary. St. Paul says we should get out and share the Gospel, and even rejoice when we suffer for it. Jesus, on the other hand, indicates that simply sitting at his feet and listening is the better choice. It’s not contradictory though because we’re called to love our neighbors, but we’re also called to love the Lord!
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I get confused when Christians talk about being a warrior for Christ. I don’t think we’re called to fight, debate, and attack non-believers. It shouldn’t be hard to figure out because the Holy Spirit is in our hearts and, in Jesus, we have the perfect image of our invisible God. Observing our religious rituals and learning about our faith are important, but they can only be truly authentic if we start by helping those in need!
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God’s love for us is never-ending. That doesn’t mean that God controls us, but it does mean that he is intimately involved in everything we do. When we are baptized, we become new creations, called to become intimately involved in God’s work on earth. People need God. Not all are ready to accept God, but we’re still called to help gather them. Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” Let’s make sure we’re included with those few!
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Going to church once a week doesn’t make us Christian, nor does simply receiving the Sacraments. We need to discern the call of the Spirit and be ready to make a radical commitment to follow Jesus. We need to take action and do the hard work of loving our neighbors. We need to live what Jesus taught us and put our faith into action. The journey to God takes place out in the world; and if we put our full trust in Jesus, we know that he will lead us to the Father!
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The feast of Corpus Christi is a time for us to celebrate Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist - the fullness of his life, broken and shared with us. We recognize the roots of the breaking of the bread, but also know that Jesus brought greater meaning to this ancient ritual. Bread is the most common food, so there is no easier way to remember the sacrifice of Jesus than to bless, break, and share bread. But when done at the Eucharistic table, this bread of life satisfies our spiritual hunger!
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It’s important to remember the interconnectedness that is central to our Christian faith. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three “persons” in one godhead. It’s a mystery that’s central to our faith. The Church is connected to Christ, which means that we are never alone. Remember that the Spirit delighted in mankind from the beginning, helps the Lord do great things through us, and ensures that we are truly connected to them all - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
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We’re living through a difficult time. The world needs true disciples of Christ to share the Good News, reignite hope, and build the Kingdom on earth. When we get discouraged, we need to remember that the Spirit can bridge any divide and bring people together because, in spite of all our differences, we’re all equal before the Lord. Jesus challenges you and me to venture out, bear witness to God’s forgiveness, and work with the Spirit to bring the peace of Christ to a desperate world!
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The Solemnity of the Ascension allows us to see God’s purpose laid out for us; including how we, the church, fit into that plan. Jesus ascended into heaven and will come again, but the universal Church must witness and share the Good News. The suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ fulfilled the Hebrew Scriptures, but the story isn’t over yet. Jesus is in heaven, but he sent the Holy Spirit to be with us, to help us, and to guide us as we continue to play our part in the salvation story!
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This weekend’s readings focus on the Holy Spirit being everywhere, all the time, and it’s something we tend to forget. Looking at the history of the Church, we can see the ever-present guidance of the Advocate; so no matter what we’re doing, the Spirit is with us. We can easily worship God no matter where we are or what we’re doing. Especially during difficult times, we must remember God never leaves us!
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Trying to be a disciple of Christ is a daunting task because of what we’re called to do. We are expected to make disciples of all people, but we’re also expected to suffer while we’re doing it. But we know the power of the Spirit to do amazing things and we find comfort in the knowledge that God will eventually make everything new again. In the meantime, we’re also commanded to love our fellow believers and demonstrate to the world what Jesus’ love is like!
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We are called to share the Good News - to share the Gospel message to the ends of the earth - but that’s hard to do if we choose to remain silent. We need to speak up, even if it might cause us discomfort or lead to personal suffering. For when we suffer in the name of Jesus, we know we’ll be rewarded in heaven. We are his flock and he will protect us. So listen carefully, discern his voice from among all the others, and then choose to follow the Good Shepherd!
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Being a Christian doesn’t mean you won’t suffer. The Paschal Mystery promises we’ll suffer, experience loss, and then find new life. But we don’t talk about how the Apostles - some of our spiritual role models - rejoiced when they suffered for Christ. It’s a challenge but it starts by believing that ALL of creation knows Jesus is God. We’re spiritually fed and strengthened through the Eucharist… and like the disciples, we can find Jesus in the breaking of the bread!
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The Easter season is a time for us to focus on the new life promised by the Resurrection, so we must understand that the Holy Spirit is with us. Just as the Spirit helped the early Church, the Spirit is still helping us today. We know this new life requires us to spread the Gospel message because Jesus has called us to make disciples of all people. Though this might seem like an impossible task, we have faith. Like Thomas, we believe that Jesus is God - and all things are possible with God!
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As Christians, we aren’t a people of the crucifixion - we’re a people of the resurrection - and the cross reminds us of Jesus’ victory over death. And if we’ve entered into a new life in Christ, then Jesus’ victory is our victory too. As we celebrate Easter, let’s remember that Jesus rose from the dead and he’s not gone. The tomb is empty but Jesus is alive and his Spirit is active in the world today!
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Being a disciple of Christ, at its core, means that we must be willing to follow Jesus’ commands. We need to love the Lord, love one another, and share the Gospel message of love and forgiveness. Doing what Jesus commands may cause us to suffer, and we can’t confront that suffering with power or the desire to rule. We are called to serve; and our service can’t be done from afar. We aren’t called to simply watch as injustices occur in the world. We are called to action!
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Everyone needs the Creator, whether they believe in God or not - but for Christians it’s much more than that. We need God in our lives to bring meaning, love, and forgiveness; and to help us prepare for eternal life in heaven. Saying that Jesus must be the center of our lives is easy. Figuring out how to actually do it is hard. But it must be done because it’s how we’ll be able to prepare ourselves to accept the forgiveness that Christ is waiting to offer!
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We know that our Father provides for us in many different ways. Our lives change, our needs change, and the blessings we receive will change as well - but only if we remain under God’s care. When we sin, we separate ourselves from our Father and reject what he wants to provide for us. But the Lord is watching for us - waiting for us to return. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, we can repair our broken relationships, and the Father is ready to welcome us home with open arms!
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Try as we might, we’ll never be able to understand God completely - the creation will never fully understand the Creator - but we don’t need to. We need to understand that the Son has been saving us throughout history, is working to save us today, and will continue offering salvation forever. Our God wants us to be saved; wants us to repent and accept forgiveness, so the great “I am” can have a relationship with each and every one of us; a relationship unencumbered by sin!
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Abram placed his faith in God though he had experienced little and been promised much. Today, we’ve seen many of God’s promises fulfilled, so it should be easy for us to put our trust in the Lord - but it rarely works that way. We live our lives in the best way we can by looking to Jesus as our role model. We must listen to him and share the Gospel message; because if we hold up our end of the covenant, God has promised us everlasting life - and God always keeps his promises!
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Our salvation history goes back thousands of years but continues beyond the Bible. Many of the events of our lives become part of that salvation history, so we must remember and celebrate it. Doing so will make it easier to believe in our hearts and bear witness with our mouths. It will also help us pass the tests and temptations we will continue to face throughout our lives. We’ll be able to face them the way that Jesus did - with self-sacrifice, humility, and respect!
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Professionals are often encouraged to create a “personal brand,” but our readings today show why that’s horrible advice. What we keep inside can’t be hidden forever - the world will eventually see our true nature - and we certainly can’t fool God. So we need to fill our hearts with good treasure and focus on doing the Lord’s work. We’re not called to create a façade; we’re called to improve ourselves and then let the world see us for who we really are!
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The messages from our Scripture readings this week revolve around forgiveness and compassion, even when it isn’t easy. If we forgive, love, or show compassion to someone who does the same for us, it’s not enough because even sinners do that. We’re called to do more. We’re called to live in a way that reflects the light of Christ - even to those who mistreat us. If we’re honest, then we’ll admit it may seem impossible - but we need to put our trust in the Lord and try our best to be the heavenly people we’re called to be!
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Jeremiah says to put our faith in God and our lives will be fruitful - but what does that really mean? In most cultures, being “fruitful” means having a good family, material possessions, financial security, and the admiration of others. But when the Risen Lord is at the center of our faith, all of that changes. It becomes hard to reconcile our societal picture of success with our Lord’s picture of success. It makes being a true follower of Jesus a very, very difficult challenge!
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As Christians, we must understand that Jesus has been present throughout history, bridging the past, present, and future. We also need to understand that the Lord can bridge the gap between our sinfulness and holiness. God is searching for us. God has been searching for us. And God will find us. We just need to have faith enough to cross that bridge when he does!
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It’s easy to look at this week’s readings and see them as simply a commentary on the past. But when we apply them to ourselves - and to our own calling - they mean so much more. We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ on earth but it won’t be easy. Even Jesus was rejected, so we need to start from a foundation of love and then carry on, trusting that the Lord has our back!
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Jesus offers us redemption and that’s not “old news.” In fact, it's news meant for us today. If we look with our eyes of faith and understand the Spirit holds the Body together, then we must understand we need to continue Christ's mission. We must lift up the poor, free the captives, and heal the sick. It's a monumental task because the Word of God is meant for everyone. And that means all of us who make up the Body of Christ on earth have a lot of work to do!
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The Lord created all of us as unique individuals with our own mix of gifts and abilities. This diversity shouldn’t drive us apart - it should be a source of unity for the community of faith. We’re called to recognize that though our gifts may be different, the source of those gifts is the same. And the same Spirit who gave these gifts can help each of us transform into something extraordinary!
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As Catholics, we say we have been baptized as “priest, prophet, and king.” We are called to help bring holiness to the community; to speak God's truth, no matter the cost; and to coordinate the gifts of the community and lead others in building the Kingdom. We must bring the light of Christ to the world because the peace of Christ is meant for everyone. And we do this together with each other, and with the Holy Spirit, who is here because Jesus Christ has arrived!
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The Magi honored the baby Jesus and then went on their way but we know we’re called to do more. We only celebrate Christmas one time every year but we believe the light of Christ is a gift meant to be shared every day. We have gifts as well and it’s through the sharing of those gifts that we truly honor Jesus and spread the Gospel message of love, forgiveness, and salvation for all!
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As Christians, we need to understand the importance of family. To be authentic followers of Christ, we must understand the importance of respecting our parents and loving the members of our family. In doing so, we’re loving and respecting God by following his commands and acknowledging the presence of the Holy Spirit within each other. We have a role model in Christ because Jesus loved and respected Mary and Joseph. They are truly a holy family!
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As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, remember that Jesus was born so that we might all be saved. Our faith tells us that his Spirit is active in the world today, working through each of us. You might be the only “Christ” someone encounters today - and someone unexpected might be Christ for you. Our Messiah can be found in unexpected places, so we need to look at the world with our eyes of faith. We need to acknowledge the blessings all around us and celebrate those blessings together!
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Advent is not a time of sorrow and remorse. It’s a time to prepare our hearts for something wonderful, so let’s start celebrating. Let’s open our hearts and place our anxieties in God’s hands. No matter what else is going on in the world, the one thing all Christians must remember is that Jesus is coming, so we need to be ready!
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It’s impossible to be true disciples if we close our eyes to the glory of God. When we do, all we can see are the horrible things. But when we look with our eyes of faith, we see the goodness all around. We see the miracles happening. We see the Spirit at work. When that happens, the love we hold in our hearts will start to overflow. We can help the Spirit fill our hearts with love by recognizing our sins, genuinely repenting, and then accepting the forgiveness our Lord offers!
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No one ever said that being a disciple of Christ would be easy but we need to remember that the Lord will hold up his end of the covenant. Even when we falter, God still keeps his promises and the Spirit is here to help us. When we’re trying to live Jesus’ commands, it can be difficult; so we must pray for support. Instead of getting caught up in consumerism and commercialism, let’s focus on sharing the Gospel message and the gift of love this Christmas season!
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The Church teaches that Jesus is “one in being with the Father,” so he was present from the beginning and he will reign for eternity. But when we say that God is the beginning and the end, we often forget about everything in between. Our mortal lives exist in that in-between time, so it’s our only chance to accept the gift of salvation we’ve been offered. And we accept it - and accept Jesus as our King - by following the truth of HIS Word!
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As Christians, we believe in the promise of salvation and the gift of everlasting life, but we also understand the need to be prepared. The end will come - for our lives and for this world as well - and only God knows when those things are going to happen. Jesus sacrificed himself to consecrate us and make us holy, so now we have to prepare by living his commands every day of our lives. We have to demonstrate that we love our Lord and accept the gift of salvation by living lives of love!
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As Christians, we are commanded to love one another as Christ has loved us. That should be enough for us to understand that sacrifice is involved - but we often fail to realize that unselfish generosity involves sacrifice. While we wait for Jesus to come again and bring us salvation, we need to follow his command to love one another. We need to be generous with our time, talent, and treasure. And once in a while, we need to be willing to put the needs of others before our own!
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It’s not easy being a Christian - but we make it more difficult than it has to be. We know we’re challenged to love God with all our being and yet that seems like the furthest thing from our minds. We worry about rules and laws and spend too much time pointing out what everyone else is doing wrong. Jesus, the Son, has been appointed as our high priest. Why not just listen to him and love both God and our neighbor?
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It’s too easy for us to become blind, especially to human suffering that seems so far away. When we see people on TV who are suffering, we might feel sorry for them but it doesn’t always feel real to us. But unlike many of us, Jesus understands human suffering and there is a special place in the Kingdom for those who are disabled or marginalized. It can be hard for us to understand the suffering of others, but if we ask Christ to help and have faith in him, Jesus will help us see!
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It's easy to think of suffering as being solely negative - something we know we'll experience, so we have to just muscle through. But Jesus demonstrated that suffering can be a redeeming force, especially if we're suffering in order to serve others. Jesus understands suffering because he experienced it as one of us, but then showed us there is new life on the other side. As disciples, we are called to serve others. We might suffer now but we will be rewarded in the Kingdom of God!
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“What must I do to inherit eternal life?” It’s a question we should all ask of Jesus - and then we should pray for the wisdom necessary to discern the personal challenge we’ll be given in reply. To do that, we need to open ourselves up to God’s word, which allows us to become more open to God AND we start to understand ourselves a bit more. Add wisdom to that mix, and we’ll be on our way to discerning what we're being called and challenged to do. The asnwer is likely to be difficult and costly - so we need to hold tight to the assurance that all things are possible with God!
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It’s important that relationships are built on a foundation of mutual love and respect; but we have a long history of women being considered less than men. Yet if Jesus is our brother, then we are all children of God and part of the same family and we must strive for equality. We are created to need and depend on each other, so when God brings a couple together and their relationship demonstrates fidelity, monogamy, and a morally strong commitment, then no one should ever try to separate them!
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By our Baptism, we are called to be “priest, prophet, and king,” and the Holy Spirit can help us avoid exploiting others and help us identify injustices around us. Eternal punishment awaits those who amass their fortunes through exploitation but there are plenty of evildoers closer to home. We are called to face injustice and call it out, otherwise those evildoers will contaminate the entire community of the faithful!
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The first reading this week describes how the wicked treat the righteous but it doesn't give the reason for their hatred. Is it fear? Embarrassment? Or are they evil, bent on destroying what is righteous? It could be any of those reasons because it comes from one’s heart. For those of us fighting for what’s right and just, it’s a note of caution. Peace must be the root of everything we do. If we focus on welcoming those who are powerless, we will remain the kind of servants Jesus has called us to be!
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No one ever said being a disciple of Christ would be easy, but the Holy Spirit will give us strength - the strength to put our faith into action. Following Jesus can involve great personal sacrifice - giving up something of ourselves - but with the help of the Spirit, we may not even realize we’ve picked up our cross to follow our Messiah!
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It’s very hard to be courageous in the world today when “fear” seems to be taking over wherever you look. People are refusing to listen to anyone who doesn’t agree with them. They’re villainizing anyone who’s different from them, terrified that the “other” is going to displace them and take what’s theirs. But this is NOT the way Christians should think or act. We need to let God open our eyes, ears, minds, and hearts so we can see others for the children of God they are. We aren’t called to show favoritism, unless it’s to err on the side of justice and standing up for the oppressed. When we understand this, we can ask for Christ’s help because Jesus wants us to “be opened!”
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When we can move our faith from our heads to our hearts, we’ll be on the right track. Our understanding of our Lord Jesus Christ won’t be an intellectual exercise anymore - it will become an experience of feeling and love. Only then will we be able to truly discern the “spirit” of God’s commands and avoid the hypocrisy of holding on to human traditions and only worshipping God with our lips. Only then will our actions truly reflect God’s word!
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Members of the Church who are educated in its history and theology often fall victim to the arrogance of certainty. If others dare question their proclamations, they believe it shows a lack of faith and a refusal to submit to Christ. But they are not Christ and they are absolutely capable of being wrong. We are challenged to serve the Lord, which doesn’t mean we’ll understand the call - but we need to have faith and believe in Jesus. Those with power and authority need to set aside their certainty and truly submit to Christ by more respectfully listening to all the members of his body!
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It’s important for us to remember the indispensable role that Mary played in our salvation history but we also need to remember that Mary is a role model for all of us. As the original disciple - the first to say an unequivocal “YES!” to God - she provides an example for every single human being. And how do we follow her example? By hearing and obeying the word of God, which is a true blessing because in doing so, we accept Jesus Christ - the savior who has conquered death and offers us eternal life in heaven!
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By our Baptism and reaffirmed through our Confirmation, we are called to share the Good News with the world but it isn’t easy. In fact, it’s incredibly challenging most of the time. It’s far easier to just give up and let people do what they will but that’s not good enough. We’re not just called, we’re challenged to live as true disciples of Christ. Luckily for us, God will nourish us - God will give us the strength we need - and the Lord does it through his son, Jesus Christ. If we have faith in Jesus and follow his commands, he will be our living bread!
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In our materialistic world, it’s easy to see “blessings” as things like the house you live in, the job you have, the amount of money you earn, the education you’ve received, the skills you’ve achieved or even the opportunities that are open to you. And yes, many of these things SHOULD be considered “blessings” - at least in the material sense of the word - but there is so much more that we hunger for. It’s a hunger that can only be satisfied by Jesus. But if we don’t see the true blessings in our lives - and if we focus our hearts and minds on the wrong things altogether - then we end up trying to satisfy that hunger with something that never will. We need to recognize our true blessings, fix what's in our hearts and minds, and truly seek out Jesus - the Bread of Life that will satisfy this hunger once and for all!
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The readings this week remind us of two of our Sacraments - Baptism and the Eucharist - our entry into the Church and the nourishment we need to live and grow in our faith. As I’ve said many times before, it’s not easy being a Christian - it’s not easy answering God’s call - but we’re not in this alone. When we embrace the call to service with faith and love, Christ will bless us. And just like with the bread and the fish, his blessing will ensure that we end up with more than enough to nourish our souls!
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The three readings this week are interesting when you look at them together, especially if you’re in ministry or are active in the Church or parish organizations. There’s always so much to do and there’s never enough time, money, or volunteers to do it all. Then we have to deal with certain “shepherds” who seem to be focused on tearing the flock apart, destroying what many of us have worked for years to build. It can be overwhelming and discouraging, which is why we need to remember a couple things:
- We need to remember that Jesus will gather the flock - the Spirit is helping us - so when we do come together, Jesus is in us and we are in him.
- But we also need to remember that all will happen in God’s time, so we need to stop and take a breath once in a while.
We shouldn’t be ashamed of it though because even Jesus needed time to rest and recover!
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It should be very clear that we have each been chosen by God but we’re not expected to have certain status or credentials - we’re expected to exhibit true commitment. And just like the Twelve, we’re called to have an active faith that takes us out into the world, where we can share the gifts we’ve been given. We have been chosen and blessed, so the Christian response is to commit to taking action as the hands and feet of Christ on earth!
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By our Baptism, we are called to share the Good News. We are called to be prophets - but being a prophet isn’t easy! There will be skeptics and doubters. There will be people who vehemently disagree. People will look at our past - they will look at our failings and point out our faults - all in an attempt to discredit us and call into question anything we say. But we have to remember the words of St. Paul and understand there is strength in weakness. We need to simply accept and embrace our weaknesses and those things will no longer control us. The Lord’s grace will be with us and it will suffice. And even though we continue to fall short from time to time, we can take comfort in the fact that even Jesus was rejected sometimes!
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We need to remember that our God doesn’t bring death and destruction upon us - our God created us for righteousness and immortality. Unfortunately, there is evil in the world and it has other ideas, which is the very reason we are called to love and support one another. We are called to be generous and fair to everyone. Sometimes life can be more than we can bear alone; so we need to rely on each other and make sure we don’t give in to fear. We simply need to believe in the Lord!
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Because God is somewhere out there, beyond our sight and beyond our comprehension, we can forget that God also became man and walked the same earth that you and I live on today. We think of God as the all-powerful one who created everything and can put limits on the seemingly limitless. But let’s not forget that we are made into new creations through that same power - the power of Jesus Christ - and that means God isn’t far away. God is right here, right now. Let’s try to understand that and then fully embrace the love God offers us by not just knowing ABOUT Jesus, but by trying to open ourselves up through prayer and truly getting to KNOW our Savior!
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This week, the theme of planting seeds of faith and letting them grow is front and center in our readings but the idea of having hope and patience is also there. Each time a seed is planted - whether an actual seed or a seed of faith - we need to have patience and nourish it if we can. And when a seed grows into something much larger and stronger, we experience a miracle. The seeds of faith take root and often grow slowly, with hidden and mysterious nourishment from God. We may not even be aware of it until it’s grown rather large. It’s not easy in this day and age, but patience is needed by all of us who wait for the reign of God!
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On this Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, we should start by remembering that we are all meant to be one in Christ - we are meant to be unified with God. Even though we’re flawed, imperfect beings, Jesus poured out his blood and offered us a new covenant. But just like the old covenant, there are expectations around how we keep up our end of the bargain. We haven’t been saved so we can sit on the couch and trash talk people we don’t understand. We haven’t been saved so we can worship hateful politicians who demonize entire groups of God’s children. No… we have been saved so we can serve the living God!
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There is no way to deny that Christ came to redeem and save everyone - not just the select few - so we need to encourage Christians - especially our fellow Catholics - to stop acting that way. The Good News is meant for everyone, so those of us who have been Baptized and Confirmed need to acknowledge our gifts and start using them. We need to get off the couch and out of the pew and engage with the rest of creation. We are absolutely capable of bringing love and healing to a world in crisis - and that healing will begin when we forgive others and do our best to share the peace of Christ with everyone!
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Our Baptism is more than entry into the Catholic club - it’s a challenge and a command to leave our selfishness behind and live our lives according to Jesus’ commands. We have to try to live humbly and be gentle, truly living in peace with each other and all of creation. But we can’t stop there. We need to accept the gifts, support, and guidance offered by the Holy Spirit and share the Good News with all of creation!
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God loves us all and doesn’t play favorites, so we need to start doing the same. And if we can manage to love more, then we’ll experience God in our lives more because God is love. So let’s stop trying to weasel out of it. Let’s simply strive to live Jesus’ command to love each other as he has loved us!
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During this season of Easter, when so many adults have made the choice to join the Church and so many young people are being Confirmed and welcomed as full members as well, it should be very apparent that Jesus can change hearts. For those of us who have been in the Church for a long time, we might also need a little help in changing OUR hearts. We might need to be inspired to be less complacent and more involved, putting our faith into action and making sure “being Christian” is something much more than words. Because we are also called to stay actively connected to the vine - to Christ and his Church - so we can grow and live truly fruitful lives!
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Being a true Christian is a risky proposition. For the most part, the world just doesn’t understand. But we should take comfort in the fact that Jesus is our cornerstone - and our cornerstone was a misunderstood outcast as well. Our cornerstone was rejected - and put to death because of it. And how powerful is it that our rejected savior is the one who clearly says we are called to be one flock? Think of what that message means to all of those people the Catholic Church has frequently marginalized. The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, which gives us the foundation we need to take a risk, reach out, and bring all people together into one single flock!
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We are all human and even though we are created in the image and likeness of God, we are going to make mistakes - we are going to sin. We should obviously avoid sinful ways but we should not FEAR sin because Jesus Christ is our advocate with the Lord. If we repent and turn to God by following Jesus’ commands, then we will be forgiven. And if we can truly open our minds and hearts to the Scriptures, then we’ll also help share the peace of Christ with the world!
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The mission of the Church is a continuation of the mission of Christ on Earth. But we sometimes forget that WE are the Church - the Body of Christ - and we are called to care for each other and conquer the things of this world. The Resurrection has brought new life - has conquered death - and sharing in the Resurrection is being offered to all of us because Jesus wants us to believe!
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The Catholic Church is rich in Tradition and symbolism - and a lot of it isn’t even known by most of us in the pews. It’s interesting when I’ve gone to Mass with someone who isn’t Catholic and afterwards I get all of the, “Why do you do such-and-such?” type of questions. And even after all my years of ministry and education, I still don’t know all the answers - I’m still finding out things I didn’t know. And there’s a LOT of stuff I knew at one point but it’s long since slid from my memory. But when we don’t understand WHY we’re doing what we’re doing, it means - at some level - we really are just going through the motions. We need to do a LOT better than that!
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The readings this week really do support a rather common Christian theme, which is that being a Christian isn’t necessarily easy. Unlike the ancient Hebrews, we don’t worship God because we believe our lives will be all sunshine and rainbows - we don’t believe the Lord will make all our troubles go away. We believe because we know life is likely to deal us up a heaping helping of hardship from time to time - and some of us will get a bigger helping than others. But we know that Jesus Christ is the Lord of all, that God will give us the strength to persevere, and that we should follow the example of Jesus and NOT despair, no matter what life throws at us!
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The love that God has for us is in our hearts, and it was written there by His hand. It’s something that is so much a part of us that, like Jesus, we shouldn’t try to hide it. We should live it and proclaim it! We should do our best to let it show… to share it with everyone we meet. It’s what we’ve been called to do by our Baptism. It can sound intimidating, but think of it this way: Everyone loves a love story. So let’s share the greatest love story of all! The love of the Creator for his creations - especially the creatures fashioned in the image and likeness of God. This Lenten season, let’s share the story of how Jesus laid down his life for our sins. And once Easter comes, let’s spread the Good News that Christ has been lifted up from the earth and will draw everyone to himself when he comes again in glory!
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Jesus died for us - to redeem us from sin and offer us salvation - even though we didn't "deserve" it. The simple fact is, there is nothing we can do to "deserve" or "earn" salvation. That's why God gave us the gift of his only begotten son - a gift that came from his mercy. But during this season of Lent, we need to remember that action FOLLOWS belief. If we start with belief and acknowledge the gift of the Resurrection, then we'll have a strong desire to perform good works. We won't do it grudgingly, out of some sense of guilt or obligation. We'll do good things because we accept the gift of Jesus and helping others is the most natural, loving response to such a gift.
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Through the Sacraments of Initiation, we are welcomed into the body of Christ and the new life promised through the Paschal Mystery. We might not understand the mind of God - but we don’t need to. Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God, and we accept both Christ and each other by living God’s “Laws of Love” every day of our lives.
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Discerning the voice of God can be really difficult, especially when there are so many seemingly legitimate, logical people who are claiming to hold the “truth.” But no matter how charismatic or convincing someone sounds, we need to remain vigilant and continue to try to discern God’s true call. And when we hear God’s call, we need to be ready to respond, no matter what the world thinks. Ultimately, the judgment of others doesn’t matter because Jesus is our only judge… and all true Christians should listen to Jesus!
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Water can wash us clean in more ways than one. The story of Noah demonstrates the awesome power of God - as well as God’s love for us, through the new covenant - but in Jesus we experience a different kind of flood. The Gospel message - the Good News - is that, by his resurrection, Jesus Christ has conquered death. He has redeemed us from sin and offers us eternal salvation. And all we have to do - all we have to do - is truly repent and follow our Baptismal call.
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It could be argued that casting out a few people to protect the majority is a wise choice but it's a slippery slope. Far too often, we simply cast out people because we don't understand them. Whether they have an affliction we don't know how to cure or treat - or whether they have feelings and beliefs we don't understand - we find it easier to simply banish them and try to pretend they don't exist. St. Paul sought the good of the many - not by casting out the few but by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone! And that's exactly what Jesus did - and still does, through us and with the help of the Holy Spirit!
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We don't completely understand God. God's ways are not our ways. We don't believe that suffering and tragedy is punishment from God - we understand that bad things can simply happen to the best of people - but we do believe that God can bless us in many ways. One way to be worthy of God's blessing is by freely sharing the Good News through our words and actions, ensuring that everyone knows the Father loves us all. But none of this is easy - it requires focus, energy, and resilience - so we have to take time to rest and recuperate in the presence of our Lord. We can recharge by taking time to pray and connect more fully with the Father!
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It can be frustrating - even overwhelming at times - watching all of the madness infecting the world today. I watched, appalled, as people waved crosses and pictures of Jesus while they stormed the US Capital and chanted death threats. But people who support that - who preach that it’s the righteous, Christian thing to do - are the false prophets. Don’t listen to them! We’re called to live our best lives by staying oriented towards Christ. If we do that - if we live the Gospel every day through our words and actions - the Spirit will give us a hand because Jesus has the power and authority to overcome evil!
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It doesn’t matter what we think of ourselves - how bad we’ve been or how many rotten choices we’ve made - God offers everyone love and forgiveness. Yes, we need to repent for any wrongs we’ve committed; but then we need to make changes in our lives. We have to live as if Jesus is coming today. Not tomorrow. Not a year from now. But TODAY! And when Christ calls - when he asks us to lay down our nets - lay down the ordinary everyday things we’re doing - and help him share the Good News, we need to be ready to do it. It may seem like a radical choice at the time - but that’s okay because we understand that being a true disciple of Christ is very radical!
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We have so many worldly desires and goals - things we really want to do and accomplish - and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. But we can’t confuse our worldly desires with God’s call. And just because some of our worldly goals aren’t in conflict with God’s call, doesn’t mean they’re part of what Jesus is calling us to do. We should strive to be the best version of ourselves - the version of ourselves that obeys the commands of Jesus to love the Lord and love others as ourselves. If we strive to be the most loving, caring, just version of ourselves, we’ll be open to the Holy Spirit and to the true call of the Lord.
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Our savior - the quiet servant the Lord promised to send - has arrived and he will persevere in his quest to bring peace and justice to the world. But even though he can't be broken or snuffed out, he's not supposed to do it alone. Through his example and by our Baptism, we are called to evangelize. We are called to bring the light of Christ to the world - to heal hurts, right wrongs, and set captives free! We're called to share the Good News, and we really do have good news to share! The awesome news that Christ came to bring peace and justice to everyone - not just a select few!
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Jesus is the Light of the World, and if we look around us with our eyes of faith, everything should look different. We should recognize the blessings of the Lord and give thanks for them. We should acknowledge that Christ came for ALL of us - not just a select few who believe they follow the rules more and are holier than others. And we have been blessed, so we are called to present our gifts to Christ - to use our gifts and talents to help others understand the Gospel message. We are called to share the Word and use our gifts to help others see with THEIR eyes of faith and to join the Kingdom on Earth!
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Families truly can be the building blocks of a strong and just society - but they absolutely must be founded on love because, as St. Paul tells us, love is the glue that binds us together in perfect harmony. And if God is love and love is our ultimate goal, then the members of any family - regardless of what that family looks like or how complicated it is or what sort of adversity they’ve faced - the members of that family can clothe themselves in love - doing it all in the name of Jesus - and, in doing so, truly give thanks to God!
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The Old Testament is littered with all the clues we need to solve the mystery of the Incarnation. Piece these clues together and we can show the world that Christ was the Lord’s only begotten son. It had been foretold 1,000 years before Jesus’ birth and we’ve had 2,000 years since that time to consider what it truly means to us and to the world! And just like Mary, we’re all being called to serve the Lord. As Christians, what we need to decide is whether or not we have the courage to say “yes!”
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Far too many “devout Catholics” spend waaaay too much time arguing over the rules and nowhere near enough time performing service or ministering to the poor and the marginalized. Oh they’ll study about it and argue about it - but what are they DOing about it? During Advent, we need to remember that preparing for the coming of Christ includes reflecting back on the Incarnation but it’s also very much about accepting Jesus into our hearts and into our lives TODAY!
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The season of Advent challenges us to focus on the coming of the Lord, which can seem like something in the distant future. But this week we see that the call from Isaiah - and the call of John the Baptist - is the call of Advent. It's a call from the past, present, and future. It’s a call to change. It’s a call to a true conversion of the heart. And it’s a call for all of us to prepare ourselves and then wait patiently, but confidently, for the coming of the Lord!
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Seneca said, “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” The idea, of course, is that luck doesn’t just happen on its own. We appear to get "lucky" because we were actually well-prepared. During this season of Advent, no matter how far we may have “strayed,” we have the grace to prepare ourselves. And whether we’re preparing for the Incarnation or the end times, our God is ready and willing to give us a hand!
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