Ordinary Time

There is no resurrection without the cross. The trials and losses we experience – our own mini "end-times" – can become the very means by which our lives are transformed, take on deeper meaning, and prepare us to meet Christ in heaven. Consider a loss or painful trial, past or present, and bring it to Jesus in prayer, asking, "Lord, how have you used/how are you using this trial in my life to deepen my faith and prepare me for heaven?" Then, being open to God's grace, watch how He moves you.
 
Readings at this Mass:  Mal 3:19-20a | 2 Thes 3:7-12 | Lk 21:5-19 

Each of us is a temple of God, a dwelling place for the Spirit. So perhaps the Gospel is inviting us to something deeper: maybe Jesus wants to help us clean out our own temple. We can’t do it alone. We need Jesus to help drive out the money changers: those fears, distractions, and habits that fill our lives with noise and confusion. If we let Him, He’ll cleanse our hearts so that what flows out of us is no longer muck, but clear, living water.
 
Readings at this Mass: Ez 47:1–2, 8–9, 12 | 1 Cor 3:9c–11, 16–17 | Jn 2:13–22

Purgatory is the purification, the liberation, the healing that we still need — even after death — to prepare us for the immense, tremendous life that God has in store for us in Heaven. Purgatory is very different than Hell; it’s not “Hell Lite.” It’s got nothing to do with condemnation, fear, or punishment. It’s about a Father who loves us so much that even after death, He refuses to give up on us and leave us incomplete, too weak to stand in the dazzling light of His presence.
 
Readings at this Mass: Wis 3:1–9 | Rom 5:5–11 | Jn 6:37–40

Jesus' parable of the self-righteous Pharisee and the humble tax collector illustrated well the destiny of those who are truly humble and those who are truly arrogant. Humility is not a weakness, despite what our culture says; it is a great strength. It takes a strong person to not let one's ego take over.
 
Readings at this Mass: Sir 35:12–14, 16–18 | 2 Tm 4:6–8, 16–18 | Lk 18:9–14

God wants to answer our prayers for ourselves not necessarily by removing the suffering, but by giving us His presence — relationship. He doesn’t always take away pain or magically fix our lives. He comes to be with us in those sufferings. And when we invite Him into those hard places, they’re transformed from within. They become something beautiful; something that can make us better, that can become a gift. That’s what God wants for us, but it all begins with prayer He's just waiting for us to ask. 
 
Readings at this Mass: Ex 17:8–13 | 2 Tm 3:14—4:2 | Lk 18:1–8 

We will never understand our faith in a deep way unless we’re willing to grapple with the inseparable relationship between Jesus and the poor. A familiar, comfortable, “me and Jesus” faith is never enough. If we really want to walk with the Lord – if we really want to know him – then we have to walk with the poor, on the margins. In a country as large and as affluent as ours, it takes special care not to lose sight of the Gospel’s demand that we care for the poor — and even more care to not merely lend material aid and then forget that the poor are also persons worthy of our time and respect.
 
Readings at this Mass: 2 Kgs 5:14–17 | 2 Tm 2:8–13 | Lk 17:11–19

Even a tiny mustard seed of faith, when lived out, can transform lives in ways we may never fully see. But rest assured that God works through our small acts to shape lives for eternity, often in ways hidden from us until the fullness of time. Be mindful of those who have inspired you in your walk with God, and go out and make a difference. Share your giftedness with the world and trust that God will take care of the rest.
 
Readings at this Mass: Hb 1:2–3; 2:2–4 | 2 Tm 1:6–8, 13–14 | Lk 17:5–10

Our hearts are meant to be wide and deep and powerful. They're meant to beat with the life and love of God himself. When God’s Spirit rules our hearts and when being God’s instrument is our compass, if you will, miracles can happen. It’s when we shrink our hearts by letting our possessions possess us that our vision narrows and God’s peace diminishes.
 
Readings at this Mass: Am 6:1a, 4–7 | 1 Tm 6:11–16 | Lk 16:19–31