Cassidy Comments

October 3, 2021, 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Gospel of Mark, Chapter 10:2-16 As we look at the Gospel of Mark today, the Pharisees challenge Jesus about divorce.  In today's two-minute reflection, I briefly address the issue of annulment (which is not a Catholic divorce), clarifying an annulment to be a finding that a marriage did not exist according to Church law (even though a civil marriage may have existed). While pursuing an annulment in the Church may seem a bit daunting, I highly recommend discussing the topic with your priest if you find yourself in need of one.  It is a worthwhile process for many reasons. God bless, Janet Cassidy janetcassidy@flintcatholic.org

In preparation for Mass this weekend, I have recorded a short reflection on the First Reading, which comes from the Book of Numbers, Chapter 11:25-29. I hope you have a blessed day in God's Word! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com

Do you have days when you feel spent? Do you ever feel like you do not have any motivation? In today's Cassidy Comments podcast, I'd like to offer a prayer for you that I wrote during the time leading up to my mom's death. You can find a link to this prayer under the "Uplifting Prayers" tab on my blog at janetcassidy.blogspot.com along with some of the other prayers I wrote.  God really blessed me during those days, moving me from elation to exhaustion and everything in between! Have a blessed day in God's Word! Janet Cassidy

Returning to my audio version of Cassidy Comments, I hope you will enjoy today's reflection on the Seven Social Sins Mohandus Ghandi wrote about in his weekly newspaper in 1925! They are definitely something to think about! I welcome your comments and invite you to subscribe to my blog at janetcassidy.blogspot.com. Do you think these social sins apply to us today? Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com

Where is God in the midst of this pandemic?  Did he cause the Coronavirus to punish us? Why doesn't he stop this and save us? These are good questions and today I talk about the one reason God is allowing us to go through this.  Be sure to check it out in today's edition of Opening God's Word! I also invite you to check out my blog at janetcassidy.blogspot.com for more inspirational and informative discussions. I hope you have a blessed day in God's Word! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net

Do you love others like you love a pepperoni pizza, or do you practice a selfless love like Jesus did? What Jesus did for us, and what he asks us to do for each other, goes far beyond the way we think of love today. Today I look at how our seemingly ordinary acts of service can be transformed into acts of genuine, sacrificial love. I hope you have a blessed day in God's Word! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net

Would you have the courage to "Step out of Line" if you were faced with an unbelievable decision? In today's episode of Cassidy Comments, I'll explain what I am referring to by "Step out of Line" as I tell the story of a holocaust survivor whose quick, life or death decision, impacted generations. It is a good opportunity for each of us to pause and consider the need to prepare ourselves now for whatever we may face as disciples of Christ. I hope you will tune in and find some inspiration from today's podcast. Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net

Do you feel like you are bearing a cross that is simply too heavy to bear? Are you wondering where you can find some relief? I have a little story for you that I think goes well with today’s gospel reading from Luke (Chapter 9, Verse 23). I hope you will tune in to listen; it’s called The Cross Room. In today’s reading Jesus tells his disciples (and you and me), “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” I look at this as our Lenten assignment. Practice these as best you can; maybe they will even become a virtuous habit for you! Self-discipline, Take up your daily cross, Follow Jesus   Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net

What happens if someone, on their deathbed, asks for forgiveness for a lifetime of sin? What if they have been living without paying any attention to God? Should they be forgiven? In today’s podcast I reflect on Psalm 81 to answer those questions and to raise a few more . . . Are you burdened by past sins? Do you think whatever you have done is unforgivable? When we put all of this together, we see that God in his great wisdom has anticipated these questions, and our needs, and readily supplies us with good news. Check out today’s podcast at janetcassidy.blubrry.net, and don’t forget to share it with a friend! Have a blessed day in God’s Word. Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net Email:  johnseven38@yahoo.com

In today’s first reading from the Second Book of Samuel, David is doing a lot of fussing.  He is living in a cedar house while God is traveling around under a tent of cloth. Listen in as we are told what God’s response is to all of this fuss David is making.  What will happen after David is gone? And then ask yourself what you are fussing about that may be of your own doing, not of God? Tune in for another engaging scriptural reflection that just might have you asking, “What am I worrying about?” You can find all of my podcasts at janetcassidy.blubrry.net and my blog postings at janetcassidy.blogspot.com Please be sure to subscribe and send it to a friend or re-post it to encourage others to listen to the Word of God today! Have a blessed day! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blubrry.net janetcassidy.blogspot.com

Do you ever feeling like you are living in a vacuum, where you are “walking in darkness” and gloom is casting a shadow over you? In today’s podcast I talk about Chapter 8-9 in the Old Testament Book of Isaiah which describes what happens to all of that darkness and gloom with the appearance of Jesus Christ. I hope you will visit me at janetcassidy.blubrry.net for a little encouragement.  Don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend! Have a blessed day in God’s Word! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net

As I was writing out my Christmas cards this year, I was saddened by some of the people that are no longer with us. Flipping through the pages I see the address of an old friend from high school who died this year.  Her name has been in my address book for years, but she passed away without our ever being able to reconnect. The names and addresses of beloved family members that I hold close to my heart, including special aunts and uncles, as well as long ago neighbors, bring back sacred memories as I turn each page. While I keep current the addresses of several people on my phone today, our address book reads like a history book.  It speaks of moves, deaths and friends that have somehow slipped away. Why is it that we stay close with some people, but others have disappeared from our lives?  Is it simply a matter of losing touch, or do we grow apart as we grow up, and our life—and interests—change? This makes me think of a situation recently where I was talking with someone who was not steeped in faith-related topics.  I felt limited in being able to converse with them because we didn’t share that common body of interest in religion or a familiar language of faith. Like scientists and mathematicians who share a language which connects them, the same is true in religious circles as well.  Since I connect with so many of my friends and acquaintances through this common language of faith, when it is missing, it is noticeable. It’s good to be aware of this so that words can be clarified.  Our inclination should not be to avoid challenging conversations, but to find ways to communicate more effectively with one another. In today’s Opening God’s Word, we don’t have to work very hard at all to recognize a common theme that binds us all together.  I invite you to turn to the First Letter of John Chapter 4 as you listen to my podcast so that you, too, will discover the one unifying language God offers us. Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net

Today’s reading follows both the Baptism of Jesus (which we will celebrate January 12th) and the temptation of Jesus by the devil in the desert. In the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 4, Jesus learns that John the Baptist has been arrested so Jesus goes to Galilee.  He has left Nazareth and gone to live in Capernaum “by the sea.” Here’s what I want to focus on:  Jesus takes up the words of John the Baptist when he says, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Of course, the kingdom is at hand due to the presence of Jesus as he is speaking the words, as well as his presence with us today, but what does that message mean for us today? While listening to the latest episode of Opening God’s Word, let those words of John and Jesus sink in.  We are always wondering what we can DO to make a difference in this world, and here we have Jesus himself telling us! Are we ready to repent of our sins and the sins of the world?  Just imagine how doing so would change the way we relate to each other and how we act! I hope you will share this with a friend who might need a little encouragement today. Have a blessed day in God’s Word! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net

My reflection for today’s episode of Opening God’s Word gets its inspiration from the scripture reading for today—the prologue of the Gospel of John. We’re talking about beginnings! As you contemplate the past year and the one to come, I hope you will also be inspired by Psalm 96 to sing a new song to the Lord! Have a blessed day in God’s Word! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net

Oh my!  Is today’s reading from the First Letter of John really telling me I cannot love the world? Am I not allowed to love beautiful sunsets and sandy beaches? And what about my family? My family is in the world.  Am I not supposed to love them either? In today’s episode of Opening God’s Word I clarify this passage by putting it into perspective as I consider the “enticements” this letter warns against and the importance of doing God’s will. After you have listened to this episode, I would like you to do two things.  If you have not already done so, please subscribe.  Secondly, please pray about who in your life might be struggling with worldliness and encourage them to listen to this episode, or better yet, discuss today’s passage with them! I hope you have a blessed day in God’s Word! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net

Merry Christmas! Are you afraid to speak up when you find yourself in a conversation with someone about faith? Do you feel that you don’t know enough? Are you afraid that you will look rather stupid? Are you concerned you might get into an argument? Do not be afraid! In today’s episode of Opening God’s Word I talk about the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 10, and how to find the courage to speak up! Please be sure to share this episode with a friend.  Today’s topic is of concern to many of us would-be disciples. Have a blessed day in God’s Word! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net

In today’s episode of Opening God’s Word I talk about the hymn O Come O Come Emmanuel and the idea that we are living in exile from God! I hope this will give you a little “food for thought” as we inch our way ever closer to Christmas! Have a blessed day in God’s Word! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net

What will God find you doing when he comes again? That’s the question I explore today as we reflect on last Sunday’s reading from the Letter of James. I hope you will give this some serious thought because it can have a great impact on how we set our priorities and even the choices we make. Don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend! I hope you have a blessed day in God’s Word. Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net

In today’s gospel from Luke, Chapter 1, we hear four life-giving words from the Angel Gabriel.  Words that we can cling to. Gabriel is very busy in the readings this week.  In today’s reading he tells Zechariah that he and his wife Elizabeth are going to have a baby in their old age. As you might expect, this is quite surprising to Zechariah, but even more surprising is what happens to Zechariah after he gets the news! In today’s episode of Opening God’s Word you can find some encouragement from the angel that will help you in your own life. Take his four words to heart. I encourage you not to be distracted this week by all of the shopping and the never-ending list of things you have to do.  Take today’s episode as a way to re-focus on the big event coming our way! Please share this with a friend who might be feeling burned out trying to prepare for Christmas.  These readings are a great little retreat for us. I hope you have a blessed day in God’s Word! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net

Joseph had to listen carefully to the angel in his dream as Mary was betrothed to him and it was discovered that she was pregnant! What was Joseph to do? I’ll go over this passage today in the latest episode of Opening God’s Word and talk about Joseph’s response to Mary’s pregnancy. As we move through this 3rd week of Advent, I hope you are paying very close attention and anticipating the miraculous event coming next week – the birth of Christ! Don’t let yourself be distracted!  Don’t let these days of Advent distract you from what is most important – the coming of the Savior of the World! I hope you will share this podcast with a friend or family member who needs a bit of encouragement.  Many people get very disheartened during these last few days before Christmas as it is so easy to take our eyes off Christ. I hope you enjoy these remaining days of Advent! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net Email:  johnseven38@yahoo.com

In today’s episode of Opening God’s Word we’re talking about lists!  Opening to that first chapter of Matthew we find “The Genealogy of Jesus.” For many of us this might simply look like a list of names of unknown people, but that is not how it would have been initially received. Let’s talk about the significance of this list and make a relatable list of our own family history. I hope you are having a wonderful Advent and that you have been opening your mind and heart to the wonders of this season.  It’s not too late to increase your prayer life and improve your practices as we move through these final days before the coming of Jesus. Have a blessed day in God’s Word. Janet Cassidy Blog: janetcassidy.blogspot.com Podcasts: janetcassidy.blubrry.net Email:  johnseven38@yahoo.com

In today’s episode of Opening God’s Word, I am encouraging you not to be a fence sitter. Maybe you have questions about the existence of God or faith in general; today’s scripture passage puts our questions (and our answers) into perspective. The leaders in the time of Jesus questioned his authority, and when he responded to their question with a question of his own, they got stuck. I want to be sure that you don’t get stuck. What questions do you struggle with that keep you sitting on the spiritual fence? As we move through this 3rd week of Advent, we have a lot to rejoice about—Jesus, the Savior of the world is bringing his light to us.  Let us respond to his light by opening our hearts to all that God has given us, and all that he has to give. I hope you have a blessed day in God’s Word. Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net Email:  johnseven38@yahoo.com  

Surely the image on Juan Diego’s tilma must have surprised him! Because today is the Feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we are talking about Mary, the Mother of Jesus again! If you don’t know the story of Mary’s visitation to Juan Diego, be sure to check it out!  The blessed Mother’s image on the tilma (a cloth) can still be seen in Mexico City at her shrine. A couple of things about Mary: She was 100% human. We honor her, we do not worship her.  She is not a god. Mary is our mother, our protector and she understands suffering.  She watched her own son, Jesus, as he went through his life and she suffered the worst event a mother could witness—the torture and death of her son—as he died on the cross. Yet, throughout her very human suffering, she had a deep trust in God. She understands whatever pain or suffering you may be experiencing today.  Be sure to turn to her for help in whatever you may be going through. I hope you have a blessed day in God’s Word! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net

Are you struggling with past sins? Have you rationalized your personal life so that you are comfortable and happy, even though you know it is not wholly aligned with God? Do you think you are a bad person, unworthy of forgiveness? Does God even care about YOU? In today’s episode of Opening God’s Word I talk about this and about the purpose of Christmas and the role of Jesus by using today’s reading from the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 18, about the Lost Sheep. If your feelings of guilt are overwhelming you, making you feel that God could never forgive you for the kind of life you have led (or are leading), you will want to check out today’s podcast. I encourage you to share it with a friend because this is a wondrous time and today’s reading is a good reminder that Jesus is still looking for us! Have a blessed day in God’s Word! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net

Do you know what the Immaculate Conception is?  If not, jump over to my blog at janetcassidy.blogspot.com and you will find a terrific link that explains it. Today, though, I am going to focus on Mary’s Yes! to the angel Gabriel. Then, I’m going to share with you a significant Yes! I made to God. And finally, we’re going to talk about YOUR Yes! to God! You don’t want to miss this episode of Opening God’s Word that will hopefully get you thinking! And if you don’t mind, will you please make your comment on my blog as I requested at the end of this podcast? As always, be sure to share this with a friend! I hope you have a blessed day in God’s Word! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net

You know the bible is the inspired word of God.  You know that it is God revealing himself to us, speaking to us, right? Well, today, in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 9 (verses 27-31) Jesus asks two blind men a question.  It is the same question he asks us today. How will you answer God’s question? I hope you will tune in for a thought-provoking question that should give you pause to deeply reflect on your own faith. Do you know someone who has been asking faith-filled questions, or maybe someone who has great doubt?  If so, I encourage you to send them a link to these podcasts and my blog, with a prayer that they will be inspired to continue seeking the One who can heal us. Have a blessed day in God’s Word! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net

Every Tear will be Wiped Away! Are you ready?  I sure hope so! Here we are in the first week of Advent, reading Isaiah and Matthew.  Isaiah reminds us that God will always take care of us and wipe away every tear! We sure want that, don’t we? The Gospel of Matthew, through the miracle of the loaves and fish, prefigures the holy sacrifice of the Mass that we enjoy today. And together, both readings point us to the heavenly banquet that we will hopefully, one day enjoy.  I say “hopefully” because it is not a guarantee (remember the narrow road!) that each of us will make it. But Jesus came to save all of us, so I ask you again, “Are you ready for the coming of Christ?” Don’t be distracted!  Now is the time to really center yourself on the Messiah, the one who saves us!  Let yourself be transformed, right now, today! I hope you have a blessed day in God’s Word. Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net  

Do you have the faith and confidence of the centurion in the Gospel of Matthew (Chapter 8) in today’s reading? In this episode of Opening God’s Word we are encouraged to trust in Jesus before we experience the healing we need in our life. Persevere in asking God for what you need, but remember, prayer is an act of submission to God’s will, and even though we think we know what is best, we have to trust in God, who loves us without fail. As we begin this season of Advent and look forward to the coming of Christ at Christmas, let us prepare joyfully, in faith, for this miraculous event. I hope you have a blessed day in God’s Word. Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net

What would you do if a mysterious hand appeared on a wall in front of you and wrote and message that you couldn’t read? I’ll bet you would search for someone who could give you the message. Well, that’s what happened to the king in today’s reading from the Book of Daniel. Tune in to find out the three things that were in that message and who it came from. Is it possible that from this Old Testament book we can find an important word for us today?  This is a striking passage and I hope you will check it out for yourself. And after you do that, please spend some time learning a little more about this book and give yourself some quiet time to see if God might be speaking into your life. I hope you have a blessed day in God’s Word. Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net

I’ve got a secret that I will share with you today.  I want to make sure that you are ready for the end.  Like the followers of Jesus in Luke 21, you might be asking, “What sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?” What does Jesus say about the coming of the end of the world? You won’t want to miss this episode of Opening God’s Word! Give me just a few minutes of your time today so you, too, will be in on the secret. I would bet that you know a few people that would be interested in this topic.  Please share this podcast with anyone you think might benefit from it. I hope you have a blessed day in God’s Word! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net  

Let’s talk money! Wait! Before you decide you don’t want to hear anything about money + church, just give me a few minutes of your time. In today’s episode of Opening God’s Word I reflect on what Jesus has to say about our contribution and give my own testimony from “behind the scenes” as to the importance of our—long, sustained—financial support of the church’s ministry and overall mission. Even St. Paul understood the need for a community’s support and it’s no different today! Let’s talk about giving for the decaying church roof vs long-term giving. I’m going to share with you my view of tithing as well! This is an important passage that shows us that even Jesus didn’t shy away from financial stuff, so neither should we! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net

Do you need a kick in the pants?  Looking for some motivation? Is it time to change your ways, or are you ready to make a difference? Today’s episode of Opening God's Word may be just what you need. Jesus is in the temple, cleaning it out.  The prophet Jeremiah—centuries before Jesus—is speaking very candidly to the people about changing their ways. Let God speak to you today.  Take his words to heart and see what he might be asking you to do! I encourage you to subscribe to this podcast and my blog (janetcassidy.blogspot.com) and join me in spreading God’s Word by sharing this with a friend. I hope you have a blessed day in God’s Word! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net

If you were entrusted with ten gold coins to take care of for someone, what would you do with them? That is the question in today’s parable in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 19. What does that mean for us today? Well, we could ask the question, “What will you do with the Good News of salvation that you have been given?” Will you keep it to yourself or try to bring others into it? Tune in to today’s Opening God’s Word to see what God expects of us as shown in this parable. I hope you have a blessed day in God’s Word. Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net

Need a change in your life?  Do what the Blind Beggar did in yesterday’s passage and what Zacchaeus did in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 19 today. Seek Jesus.  Look for him and open your house to him.  Open your heart to him. It doesn’t take much, that’s for sure.  Just open your eyes and look for him.  You will see his presence everywhere. Don’t miss today’s episode of Opening God's Word! I pray that you desire to seek Jesus just as much as the blind beggar and the sinful tax collector did. Have a blessed day in God’s Word. Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blubrry.net janetcassidy.blogspot.com

026 - OGW, Blind Beggar, Lk 18 Today we tune in to a special event in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 18.  Jesus performs a miracle!  He heals a blind beggar! You might want to write this off as just a nice story, but there are so many elements of this real event that speak to us today, I hope you will listen in to this episode of Opening God’s Word to hear Jesus speaking to you. What is your blindness? Are you calling other people to Jesus? Are you persistent in seeking him yourself? Of what do you need healing? Lots of questions and lots of insight to be gained from this brief passage. I hope you will subscribe to my daily podcasts and blog and share them with a friend! Have a blessed day in God’s Word! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blubrry.net janetcassidy.blogspot.com

You may recall me talking about the Book of Wisdom, Chapter 13 before because it is one of my favorite Bible passages.  I have a lot of favorites, but this one WILL make go deeper as you contemplate the existence of God. I encourage you to open your Bible and spend some time with it.  Sit in your favorite chair and think, “Hmm, I guess I hadn’t thought about that before.” Just do it, today, and let God speak to you! This episode of Opening God’s Word can be found at janetcassidy.blubrry.net. I hope you will subscribe and share it with a friend! Have a blessed day in God’s Word. Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidy.blubrry.net

Today we’re talking about the Kingdom of God in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 17. What is it? Is it here, now? Is it coming? It can seem so confusing!  Join me today for this episode of Opening God’s Word and let’s get it cleared up! We’ve only got a couple of minutes, so let’s see what we can do to better understand what the Kingdom of God means for us today! I hope you have a blessed day in God’s Word! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blubrry.net janetcassidy.blogspot.com  

Are you one of the Ten Lepers in today’s Gospel (Luke Chapter 17) who was healed? Are you like the one who turned back to say thank you, or did you go on your merry way as one of the nine and not even recognize who healed you? Maybe you don’t have leprosy, but I’d be willing to bet there are other conditions from which you need to be healed. What is your leprosy? Unforgiveness? Mental or physical suffering? Relationship problems? Encounter Jesus as he enters the village in today’s Gospel, and notice the power he has to heal us—even from a distance! Stand with the Samaritan leper who turned to Jesus to thank him, and let your own encounter with Christ allow you to hear the words: “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.” Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blubrry.net

In today’s episode of Opening God’s Word I explore the question Jesus asks in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 17. Basically, he wants to know how likely it would be for you to ask a person who works for you to drop what he/she is doing, and take a break to sit and eat with you, leaving their tasks undone? He compares this situation to what is expected of those who follow him. Listen in as I give a modern-day example that helps us enter into this passage a little more clearly. I hope you have a blessed day in God’s Word! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com    

Have you found yourself grumbling a lot lately?  Complaining about work or the world around you? Time to sing a new song! Psalm 98 is just what we need when we feel like we are living in a vacuum that is overtaking the joy in our lives. Today’s episode of Opening God’s Word will help you make the shift you need! I have also posted on my blog at janetcassidy.blogspot.com a prayer of gratitude that I pray every day to encourage me to be thankful for all of the blessings God has given me. I hope you will make it a part of your day as well. Have a blessed day in God’s Word. Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com

This is it!  This is all we need to know and we can find it in Paul's Letter to the Romans, Chapter 13. Paul brings up the commandments, but then, he says it:  "Love is the fulfillment of the law." Are you being loving?  Are you giving of yourself?  Are you looking at a situation and thinking, "How can I help?" or, are you thinking, "I'll let someone else do it." After you have listened to today's episode of Opening God's Word, I hope you will follow my suggestion and jump on over to my blog where I have highlighted a special prayer that I use.  This prayer about being In Union with God always helps me when I need to look outward.  I hope you will like it as well.  It can be found at janetcassidy.blogspot.com Have a blessed day in God's Word. Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com janetcassidyinspirations.wordpress.com (for the rest of the Uplifting Prayers for Times of Distress)

Have you ever thought, "I really don't have any gifts to use"? When you look at the great saints, do you ever think, "I could NEVER do that"? Are you kind of quiet and don't feel like you can "get out there" and make a splash like some people do? Or are you an extrovert but you can't seem to find your niche? Today's passage from the Letter to the Romans, Chapter 12, is for you! Are you a pinky finger or a foot?  Doesn't matter.  The important thing is that with God's help you try to identify what it is you can do, and do that! One more thing.  Let's not ever deny our gifts.  Today I talk about humility and accepting what God has given you. Please share this with a friend.  This is a pivotal passage that so many of us need to hear. I hope you have a blessed day in God's Word! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com  

In today’s gospel passage Jesus talks about how you should behave if you are an invited guest to a lunch or dinner, and if you are the host, who you should be inviting. This passage can be difficult for us today as we ask ourselves, “Am I supposed to be inviting strangers into my home and feeding them?” What if you are not in a position to do that?  Do you just ignore this passage altogether? While contextually Jesus is speaking about the people of Israel and the Gentiles of his time, his ultimate teaching about unconditional love and selfless giving is everlasting and very relevant for us today. Tune in and share with a friend! Also, I invite you to visit my blog at janetcassidy.blogspot.com, or if you are looking for Uplifting Prayers for Times of Distress, go to janetcassidyinspirations.wordpress.com I hope you have a blessed day in God's Word! Janet Cassidy Email:  johnseven38@yahoo.com  

How does my shopping experience relate to what I need in a church? I hope you will join me for this episode of Cassidy Comments as I describe what is foundational to any church. What do we need? What don't we need? If you are looking for a church, I invite you to email me at johnseven38@yahoo.com so we can explore the purpose and characteristics of a sound church. Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com Email:  johnseven38@yahoo.com

Need a prescription for life? Are you thinking if someone would just write down what you need to do, that would make things a lot easier? Give me the list and let me follow it instead of trying to figure things out for myself? Well, we have one!  You will find it today in this episode of Opening God’s Word! But beware, just because we have the list, it doesn’t mean it is going to be easy!  A trusted guide can lead the way, as we have found in the Gospel of Matthew (Chapter 5, The Beatitudes), but it is going to take some work. After you have listened to this podcast and dipped your toe into the Beatitudes, I invite you to go deeper.  When were they written?  Who was the intended audience?  What did they mean by “poor in spirit?” Don’t stop there, but let God speak to your heart and transform you in these words. I hope you have a blessed day in God’s Word! Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com Email:  johnseven38@yahoo.com  

What will separate us from the love of Christ? That's a spooky question! What can get in the way--anguish, distress, persecution, famine, peril? The list goes on and on!  What is it?  What is the one thing that can drive a wedge between us and the love of Christ? Listen carefully to today’s episode of Opening God’s Word that comes from the 8th Chapter of the Letter to the Romans to hear what I think! Don’t forget to check out my blog at janetcassidy.blogspot.com and subscribe and share with your friends! I hope you have a blessed day in God’s Word! Janet Cassidy Prayers:  janetcassidyinspirations.wordpress.com Email:  johnseven38@yahoo.com  

Oh My!  I don’t like the sound of this! As Jesus is going through towns and villages, someone asks him a question—his response is chilling. Today he’s talking about the narrow gate.  What will it take to get to heaven, to get through that narrow gate? Is there something we have to do to squeeze through? Tune in to today’s episode of Opening God’s Word to learn what Jesus says (Luke 13:22) about what could happen when if we stand outside and knock. Be sure to check out my blog and subscribe, at janetcassidy.blogspot.com. Janet Cassidy Prayers:  janetcassidyinspirations.wordpress.com Email:  johnseven38@yahoo.com

Does the suffering you are enduring right now seem to be more than you can handle? Have hope! In Paul’s Letter to the Romans, Chapter 8:18, he reminds us that our sufferings today are nothing compared to the glory that we will share as children of God. Does that mean our suffering is nothing?  That we have to pretend that we are not in pain? No, it means that in comparison to the glory that is coming, it is nothing.  Paul speaks of the hope we have in what we cannot see—in the glory that awaits us. Key to this passage is this: We must “wait with endurance.” How long?  We don’t know.  But with God, we can be assured in hope that by his grace, we can endure anything. I hope you have a blessed day in God’s Word. Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com Email:  johnseven38@yahoo.com

Okay, here’s a quiz for you. One question: Who does Paul say in his Letter to the Ephesians (Chapter 2:19-22) that our Christian faith is built upon? Did you say Jesus? You are right, but there’s more!  In today’s Opening God’s Word Paul connects us with “the holy ones,” too, and says we are “members of the household of God.” He also reminds us that it is Jesus himself who is bringing us all together and we are becoming a place where the spirit of God dwells. We walk together, fellow citizens!  Let’s keep that in mind whenever we are feeling lonely or lost. You can find my latest episode at janetcassidy.blubrry.net.  Please don’t forget to subscribe and visit my blog at janetcassidy.blogspot.com. Have a blessed day in God’s Word! Janet Cassidy Prayers:  janetcassidyinspirations.wordpress.com Email:  johnseven38@yahoo.com

Have you ever went out for a walk but first had to check out the sky to see if you were going to get caught in the rain? Which way are the clouds moving?  Should I take a chance? Well, in today’s passage from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 12, Verse 54, Jesus asks a reasonable question: “You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time?” What is he calling YOU to do, at the present time? Spend some time in God’s Word today and reflect on his question. Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com Email:  johnseven38@yahoo.com

What is going on in today’s Gospel?  Isn’t Jesus about bringing people together?  Love?  Forgiveness? Why is he talking about causing division? Why does he want to “set the earth on fire?” Listen closely to today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 12, Verse 49 and following. Jesus is not suggesting we go out and start hating our parents, siblings or in-laws! You are going to want to pay close attention to what he is telling us today. Janet Cassidy janetcassidy.blogspot.com Email: johnseven38@yahoo.com