Thirty-Second Thursday in Ordinary Time

Your word is forever, O Lord. Your word, O LORD, endures forever; it is firm as the heavens.

God’s Word is eternal. It was from the beginning, is now, and ever shall be true. It is a Word spoken in love and compassion meant to show us the Way, the Truth, and the Life. There is nothing in this world that can make a claim to us more than God’s Word Made Flesh. Jesus Christ, His Son and our Lord, should be the source, center, and summit of our every thought, word, and work. His Word is fixed in our hearts and although we might be tempted to deny its existence out of pride, greed, or other vices, it is always there waiting patiently for us to acknowledge it and accept it and live it.

Is the Word of God at the core of our lives? What do we do to cultivate it in our lives? How do we reveal ourselves as followers of the Word in our everyday actions?

O Lord, your word endures forever.

Amen.

Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Lord, you have the words of everlasting life. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; The ordinances of the LORD are true, all of them just.

God gave us the ten commandments and the Golden Rule to help us grow in holiness and prepare us for everlasting life. He did not give them to us to burden us nor did He force them on us. It is up to us to accept them and live them out to the best of our abilities. Fear of breaking these commandments or losing our way is good for us. It keeps us away from evils and temptations and leads us toward the light. All of these commandments are true and just and will help us to become better people. They are rules we should be happy are engraved in our hearts and ones we should carry with shouts of joy and thanksgiving because if we follow them faithfully, then we will find our way to the Heavenly Banquet.

Do we actively listen to and act according to the Word of God? Do we have a proper fear of disappointing God by breaking one of His commandments? How can we lead lives that are holy, true, and just?

O Lord, help us to live your words and attain everlasting life with you.

Amen.

First Monday of Lent

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life. The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.

If we live our lives in accord with the laws of the Lord, we will be constantly refreshed in body, mind, and spirit. If we follow the Word of God, we will lack for nothing in our faith lives. If we trust in the inspirations of the Spirit, we will not be disappointed. If we are open to His Will, then we will receive wisdom. If we have confidence in God, we will grow in faith, hope, and love.

Are we following the laws of the Lord? How can we place greater trust in God’s Divine Plan? What can we do to allow the words of God to guide our spirits and our lives?

O Lord, refresh our souls with your words of life.

Amen.

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life. The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.

God’s words to us through the Scriptures and the Church are spirit and life-giving. They refresh our souls with their grace. They nourish our lives with their wisdom. If we trust in them, we will never be disappointed or misled. The Word Made Flesh came to help us to become living words of God, to prefect us in spirit, and to enlighten us in the Way, the Truth, and the Life we are all called to follow. As Christians, we are given the responsibility to become the Word of God for others and so let us proclaim the Good News in all things, at all times, to all peoples.

Do we listen to the word of God? Are we willing to let His Wisdom guide us? How do we bring God’s word into the world in our own lives?

O Lord, refresh our souls with your Divine Word.

Amen.

First Saturday in Ordinary Time

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life. The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul; The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple.

If we want to have a good life, then we need to be open to God’s Word and Spirit. We have to be willing to live in accordance to the Scriptures and the traditions of the Church. We know and think imperfectly, but we can depend upon the Wisdom of God to overcome our failings. If we trust God, He will lead us to the best possible lives. He will give us wisdom and love and life. He will refresh our souls when they are thirsty and feed our spirits when they are hungry. He will prepare a banquet for us and lead us to life everlasting. All we have to do is listen to the Divine Word and act like Christ in all things.

Do we accept God’s Word and Spirit into our lives? Do we allow Him to refresh our souls and give us wisdom? Do we trust that God’s Plan will lead to our good, even if it requires great sacrifices?

O Lord, give us your wisdom and refresh our souls.

Amen.

Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious

All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God. Let the sea and what fills it resound, the world and those who dwell in it; Let the rivers clap their hands, the mountains shout with them for joy before the LORD.

All of creation resounds with joy before the Lord. From the sky to the earth, from the sun to the moon, from the birds in the air to the fish in the sea... everything that was created echoes the goodness of God. He created everything from His Word from the rivers to the mountains and all the living creatures of this world. Most amazing of all, He created us in His Own Image. He granted us free will and the ability to choose the good over the evil. He created us to love Him and each other and spread the Good News throughout the world.

Do our thoughts, words, and works resound with joy before the Lord? Do they bring joy to others? Do they spread the Good News?

O Lord, let us shout with joy before you so all who dwell in the world will know and love you as we do.

Amen.

Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr

He said to me: Son of man, eat what is before you; eat this scroll, then go, speak to the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth and he gave me the scroll to eat. Son of man, he then said to me, feed your belly and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you. I ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. He said: Son of man, go now to the house of Israel, and speak my words to them.

The Word of God can nourish and sustain us if we allow it into our hearts. There is a feast of virtue contained within the pages of the Bible. There is a banquet of goodness set before us in the teachings of Christ. We are all asked to partake in this meal through the Liturgies of the Word and the Eucharist. Both mind and body are fed at the celebration of the Mass and we would do well not to starve ourselves of their bountiful fruits. Through the reading of the Scriptures and the sharing of the Blessed Sacrament, we are given heavenly foods that are sweeter than any honey and more fulfilling than any food.

Do we read Scripture every day and allow God to nourish our souls through His Divine Word? Do we make every effort to receive the Body and Blood of Christ whenever we can? Are we willing to bear God’s Good News to all, even if it means being persecuted for it?

O Lord, give us the good food of your Divine Word.

Amen.

Memorial of Saint John Vianney, Priest

"Now, therefore, reform your ways and your deeds; listen to the voice of the LORD your God, so that the LORD will repent of the evil with which he threatens you. As for me, I am in your hands; do with me what you think good and right. But mark well: if you put me to death, it is innocent blood you bring on yourselves, on this city and its citizens. For in truth it was the LORD who sent me to you, to speak all these things for you to hear."

There are times in our lives when someone speaks the word of God to us. They might tell us to reform our ways, give us words of encouragement to continue on our path, or offer us advice that will help us grow in faith, hope, or love. It is important that we open our minds and hearts to these people, listen, and then do what God is calling us to do. There are other times when we are asked to speak the Word of God to others, to warn others against sin, to help lead them to a better life, to support them in their spiritual journeys. At these times, we are asked to be like the prophets of old and must be willing to act as such even if doing so means risking the mockery and anger of others.

Are we listening for the Word of God when others speak to us, especially those whom we know are good and faithful servants to the Lord? How might we become better prophets of the Good News to others? In what ways can we be more open to communicating with God and speaking his truth to others?

O Lord, give us ears to hear you and lips to speak you.

Amen.

Saint Alphonsus Liguouri, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

If you repent, so that I restore you, in my presence you shall stand; If you bring forth the precious without the vile, you shall be my mouthpiece. Then it shall be they who turn to you, and you shall not turn to them; And I will make you toward this people a solid wall of brass. Though they fight against you, they shall not prevail, For I am with you, to deliver and rescue you, says the LORD. I will free you from the hand of the wicked, and rescue you from the grasp of the violent.

In life we will be beset upon by all manner of trials, difficulties, and obstacles. We shall be tempted to sin. We shall be mocked and persecuted for being Christians. We will be misunderstood, ignored, and abandoned. We will suffer. However, if we repent of our sins, seek to do good, and try to be a mouthpiece for God, then He will protect and strengthen us. He shall make us His dwelling place and we shall bear Him to all people.

Are we bringing forth the precious Word of God without tainting it with worldliness and sin? How can we strengthen our faith so we might become strongholds for God? What can we do to fulfill our calling to be mouthpieces of God's Love, Mercy, and Grace?

O Lord, free us from the hands of the wicked and rescue us.

Amen.

Thirteenth Thursday in Ordinary Time

Amos answered Amaziah, "I was no prophet, nor have I belonged to a company of prophets; I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores. The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.' Now hear the word of the LORD!"

Amos didn't set out to be a prophet. He was a shepherd and dresser of sycamore trees before he received his calling. In a similar way, none of us daydreamed of being prophets when we grew up. However, as Christians, we are all called to be prophets, leading people deeper into the faith by thoughts, words, and deeds. We might not wake up each morning and receive a vision or hear the voice of God as the prophets of old did, but we all see the Truth and hear the voice of our conscience. We all know when others are in need of a good listener and a word of spiritual advice. Our prophesies might not be as profound as the prophets who came before us, but they can have a great effect on those who hear us and are willing to listen to what God is saying through us.

Are we answering our calling to be prophets of the Good News? Are we listening for the inspirations and guidance of the Holy Spirit? How can we manifest God's Divine Word to others?

O Lord, give us the words we need in order to bring your Divine Word to all those whom we meet each day.

Amen.

Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power: proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching.

We are all charged with proclaiming the Word with whatever gifts and talents God has given us. Some may proclaim the work through the vocation of being priests and religious. Others through being ministers and volunteers. Still more through parenthood, being care-givers, or their jobs. Some may proclaim the Good News through words of wisdom, consolation, love, faith, or hope. Others through good works and acts of mercy. Still others through ideas that give glory to God or help to the needy. No matter what the calling is, we are all asked to be persistent in our pursuit of God’s Will... whether it is convenient or inconvenient for us. This means convincing the difficult, reprimanding those whom we love when they do wrong, encouraging others to patience, and teaching everyone we meet that the Way, the Truth, and the Life of Christ is exactly what they need to thrive in this life and the next.

Are we proclaiming the Good News as we should? What can we do to bear God’s Divine Word into the lives of those around us? Are we persistent in our faith, hope, and love even when it is inconvenient?

O Lord, we accept your charge to proclaim your word.

Amen.

Sixth Thursday of Easter

When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began to occupy himself totally with preaching the word, testifying to the Jews that the Christ was Jesus. When they opposed him and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your heads! I am clear of responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

There is only so much we can do to spread the Word of God. We cannot force people to believe. Sometimes they are not ready to hear and forcing our faith on others could push them away from God. Instead, we should simply know, love, and serve God and others to the best of our abilities and trust that the graces from doing so will help bring others closer to the Way, the Truth, and the Life. If we have done our best and failed, then we will have done God's Will and do not have to worry about letting God or others down. Our attempts will not go in vain... although we might not see the fruits until after our death.

What can we do to spread the Word of God? Are we willing to trust God and let Him work in the hearts of others through us... even if we feel like failures? Are we willing to suffer the opposition of others in order to bring the Good News to those who need it?

O Lord, help us to occupy our days with preaching the word.

Amen.

Sixth Monday of Easter

One of them, a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth, from the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God, listened, and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul was saying. After she and her household had been baptized, she offered us an invitation, "If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home," and she prevailed on us.

Listening and paying attention to God naturally leads into acting like a Christian. Once we hear the Word of God and truly appreciate its meaning, we cannot help but put its commandments and precepts into action. Lydia does this through her hospitality. We do this through our works of charity and mercy. The love and goodness we show others reflects the teachings of Christ and live out our baptismal promises. We say to God, “Come and stay in the home of our souls.” And He comes and makes us into His Dwelling Place.

Are we listening and paying attention to the Lord? How can we put His commandments and teachings into practice? Have we done everything we can to make our hearts into dwelling places for Him?

O Lord, come and stay with us.

Amen.

First Tuesday of Lent

Just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down And do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, Giving seed to the one who sows and bread to the one who eats, So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it.

The Word of God was made flesh and dwelt among us, not just to hear himself speak, but to have us listen and change our hearts. When we hear the scriptures read at mass or read them ourselves, our hearts, minds, and souls should be open to what God is telling us through the Good News. He pours out love, mercy, and grace through the words of Scripture, especially through those of Jesus and if we allow Him... he will fill us up with good things. The Word of God will make us fertile ground and help us to bear good fruits. He will give us the sustenance we need to thrive in spirit and truth. And if we allow the Word of God to take root in our hearts, then we shall achieve all the things He has planned for us.

Are we listening for God’s Word in our lives? How can we take more time to listen to the Good News and the teachings of Christ? In what ways can we bring the Word of God into the lives of others?

O Lord, grant us the grace to achieve the end for which you sent us.

Amen.

Twenty-Sixth Thursday of Ordinary Time

"Today is holy to the LORD your God. Do not be sad, and do not weep"–for all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. He said further: "Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and allot portions to those who had nothing prepared; for today is holy to our LORD. Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!" And the Levites quieted all the people, saying, "Hush, for today is holy, and you must not be saddened." Then all the people went to eat and drink, to distribute portions, and to celebrate with great joy, for they understood the words that had been expounded to them.

We might not weep when the Word of God is read to us during mass or when we delve into the Bible at home, but the Scriptures should affect us in some way. They should inspire us to become better people. They should give us strength to carry our burdens. They should bring us happiness and joy. They should give us the light of hope in our hours of darkness. They should remind us of how much we are loved by God and how much He has to say to us every day… if only we would listen.

Are we listening to the Word of God? How can we be more faithful messengers of the Good News? What can we do to carry forth the love of God as expressed within the Scriptures?

O Lord, make us living fonts of your word.

Amen.

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold.

Becoming fruitful followers of Christ requires us to do three things: know, love, and serve God and His children. In order to know God, we have to be open to the commandments of the Father, the teachings of the Son, and the inspirations of the Holy Spirit. In order to know God’s children, we have to listen to them and empathize with them. In order to love and serve God and others properly, we need to understand the Word of God and what it is asking of us as followers of Christ. Our knowledge and understanding of the Good News shows us the Way to live Christ-like lives and helps us to bear good fruits through our thoughts, words, and works.

Are we open to listening to the Word of God, even in the midst of our busy lives? What can we do to help ourselves to understand the Word of God? How can we know, love, and serve God and His children in fruitful ways?

O Lord, grant us the graces we need to be fertile soil for your Divine Word.

Amen.

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter

When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart, for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. And a large number of people was added to the Lord.  Then he went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch.  For a whole year they met with the Church and taught a large number of people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.

We are all called to spread the Good News in our own way. We do this through our ideas, our words, and our works. We do this by remaining faithful to the teachings of Christ, being firmly faithful, and allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us. We do this by becoming more and more like Christ, manifesting God’s Love and Mercy for all whom we meet. We do this by allowing God to send us forth to where He needs us and opening our hearts to the graces we need to do His Will. Then, and only then, will we deserve the name of Christians and become good and faithful servants of God and heirs to the Kingdom.

In what ways do we spread the Divine Word of Jesus? What can we do to prepare ourselves to be sent forth to proclaim the Good News? How can we imitate Christ more faithfully?

O Lord, fill us with the Holy Spirit so that we might be made worthy of the title of Christians.

Amen.

Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter

Now those who had been scattered went about preaching the word. Thus Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Christ to them. With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing. For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice, came out of many possessed people, and many paralyzed and crippled people were cured. There was great joy in that city.

Just like the early disciples, we shouldn’t let persecution keep us from preaching the word and helping others. Proclaiming the Good News and doing good works are two of the most essential actions we can take as Christians. By giving our voices to the Divine Word of God, we can guide and inspire others to become better models of Christ. By giving our flesh to the Body of Christ, we can perform acts of charity and mercy that can heal others of their physical, emotional, and spiritual ills and bring joy to those who are suffering. All it takes for this world to become a better place is for each of us to choose to better ourselves by becoming more Christ-like in thought, word, and work.

Are we willing to preach the Word of God even if it means suffering for it? Are we willing to help others in their times of need even if it means we might be persecuted? How can we become more charitable and merciful in our thoughts, speech, and actions?

O Lord, send us forth to preach your word and heal the hurt.

Amen.

Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter

The high priest rose up and all his companions, that is, the party of the Sadducees,
and, filled with jealousy, laid hands upon the Apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night, the angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison, led them out, and said, “Go and take your place in the temple area, and tell the people everything about this life.”

We will be opposed in this life. Whether it is opposition to the way we live, our personal convictions, or the creed we profess as Christians, there will always be those who will stand against us. Some might do so out of ignorance. Others out of malice or jealousy. No matter the reason, we must be willing to suffer their slings and arrows of our enemies and bear the standard of our Christian responsibilities and duties. We cannot allow ourselves to be intimidated into silence or inaction. Instead, as the opposition in our lives grows, so must our faith in God’s Divine Plan, our hope in His Justice and Mercy, and our love of God and neighbor. Our rightful place is to go to where the people are and proclaim everything about the Good News of Christ’s life, passion, death, and resurrection.

Who are the people standing in the way of our faith? How can we come to love them enough to overcome their ignorance, malice, and jealousy? What are we doing to proclaim the Word of God right now?

O Lord, open the doors of our hearts that we might give witness to you.

Amen.

First Tuesday of Lent

Just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down And do not return there
till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, Giving seed to the one who sows
and bread to the one who eats, So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it.

God has given us his Divine Word through many people. The prophets gave it to us through the Old Testament. Jesus gave it to us by becoming the Word made Flesh and expressing it through his Good News. The Church gives it to us through its scriptures and traditions. Every day, God’s Word is with us. It is in the people we meet. Family, friends, and neighbors who think, speak, and act in accord with God’s Divine Plan. It is also within each of us and it is up to us to proclaim it with our whole hearts, souls, minds, and strengths. It is up to us to bring about the good ends that God wants for us and others through making ourselves into living words of His Love, Mercy, and Grace.

Are we listening for God’s Word in our lives? How can we become prophets of the Good News to others? How can we cultivate the Word through everything we think, say, and do?

O Lord, help us to achieve the end for which you sent us.

Amen.