Know - Grow - Go

It's all about Jesus

Fundamentally, holiness is not churchiness or being theologically literate. It's not having our act together morally, and certainly not about judging other people. Fundamentally, holiness is about having the courage to let Jesus into the center of your life - and then hanging on for the ride! That might not always look the way we think holiness should look, but it's powerful when we see it. In the end, it's all about Jesus.
 
Readings at this Mass: Nm 11:25–29 | Jas 5:1–6 | Mk 9:38–43, 45, 47–48

The Measure of Greatness

What is greatness in in the view of God? Jesus makes it clear: "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all." Greatness can be a good thing, as long as it has love of God and neighbor as its goal. So, this week, put on your calling of being a disciple of Jesus. Find a way to lift someone up. Whether it be at school, work, home, or just being about. Be a good winner or loser. Help a friend. Help a neighbor. Help someone in need.
 
Readings at this Mass: Wis 2:12, 17–20 | Jas 3:16—4:3 | Mk 9:30–37

Our cross, our suffering is redemptive

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

Let the truth set you free

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

Faith: It's an Inside Job

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

Lord, to whom shall we go?

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

Jesus: Real Food for Real Life

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

Mary: The Ark of the New Covenant

The Assumption of Mary is not only a celebration of her glorious destiny but also a powerful reminder of our own future hope of eternal life with Christ. Mary's Assumption encourages us to live our lives trusting in God, in His blessings and promises that prepare us for our own destiny, which Mary has reached: eternal life with Christ.
 
Readings at this Mass: Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab | 1 Cor 15:20-27 | Lk 1:39-56