The Scriptures this week reveal two key aspects of the Disciples' lives:
Simply put, they have become Living Gospels - receiving the Risen Lord so that they might boldly share their faith with others. In just the same way, may we receive Christ - in Sacrament, Scripture, Fellowship and Prayer - so that we can give the love of Christ to those we meet.
April 2, 2016 - St William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
This is now the third day in a row where we perceive the same pattern: An encounter with Christ in the Gospels and the response of the disciples in the first reading. Today's response highlights persecution - those moments when our faith comes at a cost - and we witness the change in Peter who acts very differently in the light of Easter joy.
April 1, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Continuing the readings from yesterday, we discover how the disciples hear the Good News in the Scriptures and then boldly share the message of Jesus Christ with others. May we do the same!
March 31, 2016 - Fr. Andrew's Buick on Hwy 53 - Northwestern Wisconsin
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Two great readings! The road to Emmaus shows how two disciples encountered Christ; the miracle performed by Peter & John in the name of Jesus reveals how the disciples now continue the Lord's work. We, too, are invited to encounter the Lord so that we can share what we have received with one another.
March 30, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes, or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Both Peter and Mary Magdalene are transformed by the power of the resurrection: Peter, formerly bound by fear, is now on fire to spread the Good News; Mary, overcome by sorrow, is now filled with joy. What in our life needs to be touched by the power of Christ's resurrection? How can Easter transforms our lives today?
March 29, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Change and transition are part of human life as seen in graduations, new jobs, relationships, and situations. Like the Apostles on this feast, we can face our changes by keeping in mind three basic concepts:
As the Apostles embraced their transitions the Holy Spirit empowered them to change the world. May we continue to open our hearts to the Spirit and face the changes that come before us.
May 16, 2015 - St. William Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
Just as a passport is essential for travel on earth, so Christ's commandment to love is essential for our travel to Heaven. Consider these similarities:
May 10, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
Like branches on a grape vine, we are dependent on Jesus for grace and strength. Yet when we are connected to the Lord we are able to bear fruit that touches hearts and changes lives.
May 3, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
How do we face rejection? How do we confront the obstacles and roadblocks that are part of life? Two key points surface:
May we call upon the Lord for what we need - regardless of our vocation in life - to find our way!
April 26, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
What is the script of my thoughts, words, and actions? If I were to write down what I think, speak, and do would it point to Christ? Would it even include Jesus?
We are witnesses for the Lord, and as his disciples we can make changes in our lives - changing the script - so that grace of Christ renews and strengthens our lives.
April 18, 2015 - St. William Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
Working together demands effort, cooperation, collaboration, and dedicated people who are committed to each other. While never easy, the early Church showed the power of unity as they gathered in "one heart and mind" to proclaim the Good News. Three things can help us live this "blue collar cousin" to Christian love:
April 12, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
Their lives were changed; the sorrow cast from the shadow of the Cross is now transformed by resurrection glory...He's alive! The grace of Jesus Christ inspired the disciples to go out to the world - carrying their crosses - with the power the Lord's triumph.
Christ brings this transformation to us today; his power continues to work in the world. May we open our hearts to the resurrection...and be transformed!
April 5, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
The Holy Spirit - the third Person of the Trinity - descended upon the disciples and empowered them to proclaim the Good News of Christ. With the power of the Spirit these disciples will change the world.
Here are two powerful ways the Spirit helps us:
The Spirit continues to work through us today - guiding and empowering us to live our lives for the Lord. Come Holy Spirit!
June 8, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci
studyprayserve.com
There are times in life when we need to say goodbye - letting go of familiar things and embracing new opportunities and challenges. Transitions are difficult, yet they are a common way we grow.
The Feast of the Ascension reminds us that the disciples faced their transition as the Lord was lifted up to Heaven. We, too, are called to step out and undertake the opportunities and challenges that the Lord sets before us, embracing our transitions so that the Lord can stretch and transform us!
June 1, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci
studyprayserve.com
God commands us to love, both the Lord and one another. Love is a way we live - a verb that calls us to actions. 3 thoughts:
May 25, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci
studyprayserve.com
For other podcasts, go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
Stones are the bones of the earth. They may or may not be attractive, but when they are shaped and formed they can become powerful - capable of supporting tremendous weight.
Our hearts can do the same. When we shape and form our hearts - working together with those around us - we become a living temple that gives glory to God. In our unity we become strong, united in the Lord's love for service in the world.
May 18, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci
studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts, go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
Jesus is not only the shepherd who calls us, he is the gate that protects and guards. When our our lives on earth are finished, the Lord will not only call us - but he will be at the gate. Will we be ready to greet him? Do we have any unfinished business that needs to be addressed? If so, then perhaps today offers the opportunity for us to attend to our hearts.
May 11, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci
studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts, go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
Christ's greeting "Peace be with you!" in the Gospel teaches us about the Lord's longing for us:
We hunger and long for peace...we need it! And to understand peace, there are two distinct components to look for:
Both are crucial for an authentic expression of the Lord's peace, and both are required if we will live the Peace of Christ in our hearts.
April 27, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci
studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts, go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Day transforms the hearts of the disciples. Formerly afraid and timid, they will now boldly go out into the world - facing terrible fears - proclaiming the Good News with joy.
The power of the resurrection continues through our lives today. We embrace the examples of the apostles and continue the mission of Christ.
This is Easter power! Filled with hope and joy!
April 20, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci
studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts, go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.