Podcasts – deacon rudy's notes

Accepting Jesus as our Lord and King should change the way we engage with each other in person and in social medial.

We must be beacons of light in a dark world trying to help lead everyone to the new Temple – to Jesus Christ.

The resurrection of the dead is a central Christian belief today. We profess this idea in the Creed we recite every Sunday.

Nothing can save us. Our salvation comes from Christ alone! I think Zacchaeus understood that.

The tax collector's prayer has become known as the Jesus prayer. The prayer is a reminder that we are not the center of the universe – that we are accountable to the people around us and to the God who will judge us at the end of time.

We are part of a community of believers. So, when our arms are tired, figuratively speaking, and we perhaps desire to take the easy path, let persistence nudge us forward and open us up to ask for help.

Isn’t it ironic that so many of us are indifferent to or even hostile to the stranger – the outsider – the foreigner? But like in today’s readings, the example of thankfulness can come from outside our circle of family and friends. The question is, are we open to those experiences?

The lesson Jesus is trying to give us is that the good and faithful servant in all of us must carry. We must fulfill our purpose in life.

Today’s parable about the rich man and Lazarus is meant to reach out the Pharisees then and today – those who are so consumed by their position in life – like their status and their wealth – that they can’t recognize God in their presence.

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time Mass Readings First Reading: Amos 8:4-7 Responsorial: Psalm 113:1-2, 4-8 Second Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-8 Gospel: Luke 16:1-13 You can’t serve both God and mammon! My brothers and sisters, in today’s readings we hear a little bit of a confusing story about the dishonest steward. It’s a little confusing because … Continue reading "Extravagant Mercy"