Calling in the clerics
Since there’s no JP2 Group on Thursday, I’m not going to be doing the Lectionary Notes this week. Instead I thought I’d share a sermon instead…
Thanks to Ready with a Reason for finding this one. Below is a video of Fr. John Riccardo, a Catholic priest, who was invited to speak at Kensington Church, a local nondenominational congregation:
I’ll give a quick (RIDICULOUSLY simplified) rundown on this weekend’s readings for everybody (Happy Church New Year!)… 😉
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First Reading, Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7
— We acknowledge God as our Father. We acknowledge that we need Him. We acknowledge that we are lost without Him. We acknowledge that He is GOOD. We must wait for Him as He lovingly and patiently waits for us.
Psalm 80
“Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.”
— Reaffirming that we are nothing without God and that we need Him.
Second Reading, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
— St. Paul pronounces to the people of Corinth that God has given us many gifts through Christ’s grace, including the fortitude to be ever faithful in preparation for when Christ comes again. God loves us and is loyal to us. God wants us to be in communion with Him, through Christ.
Gospel, Mark 13:33-37
— We must live our lives as if Christ is coming at any minute. We must prepare ourselves for that minute by loving as God loves now; not tomorrow, not next week, not next year. Just like the 10 virgins from a few weeks ago, we must always be prepared to come into full communion with the Lord.
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These readings together are an excellent way to begin Advent (the Coming). Christ is coming. Rejoice.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks Joe 🙂
Enjoy your vacation!
I unfortunately still have to work, but it’s nice to have a change of scenery! Change of weather? Not so much… :-<
Thank you so much for this talk by Fr. John. It hit so many key points that I have struggled with for years. What a blessing!!!!
God bless you and Thankyou once again.
In Christ
You welcome! Thanks for the first time comment!
He is my most favorite priest! I’m always looking for videos of his talks and don’t usually find much. Good post. 🙂
Glad you approve!