Ordinary Time

Each of us experience some kind of suffering every day, big or small. If we only see our suffering as a punishment from God, we miss that our suffering is also redemptive. In the Cross, we experience the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord, and we are given a promise of eternal life. Part of the fulfillment of that promise is embracing the crosses in our own lives. When you are given a cross to bear, look at the crucifix and ask Him to help you to embrace it.
 
Readings at this Mass: Is 50:4c–9a | Jas 2:14–19 | Mk 8:27–35

At the end of the day, it’s not our sinfulness that’s a problem for God. It’s the way we refuse to admit our sinfulness, or even to see it. The way we hide or minimize or rationalize it. That’s what makes us sick, unfree, and lonely. When we allow Jesus to open our hearts to truth, when we let him be our compass and measure, our lives change. This week, ask God for the grace and the humility to just be honest when you’re wrong and admit your fault - and see what happens.  
 
Readings at this Mass: Is 35:4–7a | Jas 2:1–5 | Mk 7:31–37

Jesus made it clear that evil thoughts and acts come from within, but the opposite is also true. We heard from St. James today, "Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves" (Jas 1:22). In order to be doers of the word, we must begin from within our hearts. The next time you find yourself disturbed by something or someone around you, offer it up. Pray for that situation and person. They may not change - but you will.
 
Readings at this Mass: Dt 4:1–2, 6–8 | Jas 1:17–18, 21b–22, 27 | Mk 7:1–8, 14–15, 21–23

According to C. S. Lewis, having faith is a commitment to and trust in Christian teachings in the face of daily distractions and doubts. Let this Gospel reading today remind you to commit yourself again and again when you come to Mass and receive a very tangible thing: the Lord’s body, blood, soul, and divinity in your hand and on your tongue. Nowhere else outside of the Catholic Church can this food be found, and with that recognition, we say, “Lord, to whom shall we go?”
 
Readings at this Mass: Jos 24:1–2a, 15–17, 18b | Eph 5:21–32 | Jn 6:60–69

Do you know the most common time for a person who prays to stop praying? It’s when they sense God asking them to change or let something go. But every great love requires at some point a willingness to say 'no' to what we want in order to say 'yes' to what love demands. If you’re finding yourself restless, fearful, stuck, or directionless, come to Communion. Open the doors of your heart to Jesus and let Him into those frustrated places inside. And then – listen, and do whatever he tells you.
 
Readings at this Mass: Prv 9:1–6 | Eph 5:15–20 | Jn 6:51–58

God will never abandon you. He knows your suffering; He knows your deepest mistakes and sins; and He desires greatly to receive you back and heal you. Don't be afraid to express your troubles, worries, and fears to Him. Invite Him into your heart, your mind, your soul - for the first time or the 100th time. Be open to His mystical presence here at Mass and beyond.
Readings at this Mass: 1 Kgs 19:4–8 | Eph 4:30—5:2 | Jn 6:41–51

In receiving the Body of Christ, you are transformed and filled with Him who came to unite you to the Father, to turn you from an ordinary individual to an extraordinary person in God. Let’s set the world on fire for the Lord through His presence in you, the living and walking tabernacle through the fire and power of the Holy Spirit! Be Christ-like to others, so that they may come to know Him and His presence in the Eucharist and be transformed.
 
Readings at this Mass: Ex 16:2–4, 12–15 | Eph 4:17, 20–24 | Jn 6:24–35

Our hunger for transcendent purpose is meant to connect us with God, THE source of meaning, power, and purpose who unites all things. But if God gets relegated to the margins of our lives, it’s easy for idols to take His place - idols that initially offer a sense of connection but in the end destroy us. Think about that as we enter the heart of election season, wherever you are on the political spectrum. Who are our hearts given to: the "right" crowd, party, or politician, or to Jesus?
 
Readings at this Mass: 2 Kgs 4:42–44 | Eph 4:1–6 | Jn 6:1–15