Hungry and grumbling, the people complain to Moses that they will die in the wilderness without food. The response? God feeds them with quail and manna.
July 21, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As Moses stretches out his hand, God sweeps back the sea so that the people could pass through on dry ground; just as quickly, the waters cover Pharaoh's army and save the children of Israel.
July 20, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Today's first reading shows how Pharaoh pursued the Hebrews after they left Egypt. Despite the fear of the people, God promises to defend them in their moment of need.
July 19, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Let's take a look at some of the key themes that surface in the readings for this 17th Sunday of the Year.
July 19, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The time honored words of Psalm 23 have inspired and sustained countless souls throughout salvation history. The images of shepherds and sheep continue to offer insight today as we consider how our faith in Jesus Christ challenges us at times to lead and follow.
July 18, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As the people of Israel begin their journey out of Egypt they will experience the awkward sense of being unsettled as they make the transition from slavery to freedom. Transitions are part of our experience, and this passage from Exodus invites us to trust in the Lord as we face the uncertainty of life.
July 17, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Today's reading from Exodus reveals how the Lord directed the Passover Meal to Moses and Aaron. This passage thus establishes the Passover as a central part of Jewish prayer which will ultimately set the context for the Eucharist. It was during a Passover Meal with his disciples that Jesus offers the New Covenant through his Body and Blood...which frees us from the bondage of sin and leads us to eternal life.
July 16, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As God speaks to Moses about his task in Egypt, the Lord refers to a land that shall be given to the people of Israel after they have been liberated from slavery...a land flowing of milk and honey.
July 15, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Moses stands on holy ground in the sight of the burning bush and has an encounter with God, who commands him to return to Egypt. The awkward response of Moses prompts us to reflect on how we have experienced the Lord in our lives and consider what challenging situations we need to address today.
July 14, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Todays' first reading explores the early life of Moses, from his birth to his flight in Midian. The passage also reveals the pattern of conflict that often persists in human life.
July 13, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For the next three weeks we will encounter the key elements that surface from the Book of Exodus, which offers an encounter of freedom from the bondage of slavery that is crucial for both Jewish and Christian prayer.
July 12, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The readings today reveal how God chooses and empowers us so that we might offer our lives for service in the world. Everyday the Lord invites...how will we respond?
July 10, 2021 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Having warned the Apostles of the cost of discipleship, Jesus urges them to let go of fear and follow in faith. It's a good reminder for us all!
July 10, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Having empowered the Apostles with his authority, Jesus expresses the cost of their discipleship. What's at stake is the Cross...the looming reality that following Christ means that we offer our lives completely for the Lord.
July 9, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Having been chosen by Christ, the Twelve are now commissioned to do specific ministry in the name of Jesus. May we take to heart their example and actively seek our opportunities to serve the Lord today.
July 8, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus selects the Twelve apostles and empowers them with his authority for ministry. May we see in their call our own opportunity today to proclaim the Kingdom of heaven by the gift of our lives.
July 7, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As the Lord carries out his earthly ministry, his compassion and pity emerge through his response to the people in their need.
July 6, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The response from Psalm 91 today urges us to put our trust in God. It's a good reminder as we embark on the daily adventure of our lives...looking to the Lord for the grace we need.
July 5, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Both Ezekiel and Jesus faced opposition as they carried out their ministry. In light of their challenges we recall the hard work and effort that forged our country as we cherish our faith and freedom, recognizing that there are times when we are required to make sacrifices for our convictions.
As Jesus calls Matthew in the Gospel today, we take hope that the Lord calls us as well, even in the midst of our shortcomings and sins. May we respond with the same conviction!
July 2, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus heals a paralytic and at the same time forgives his sins. May we recognize the healing power of forgiveness in our lives as we seek to follow Christ as we put his commands into practice.
July 1, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As Jesus drives out demons from two men, the local people are frightened at this display of God's power over evil. In those moments when we confront the darkness in our lives, may we turn to the Lord for grace and strength.
June 30, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Gospel of Matthew reveals a couple of examples of things that distract us from the Lord. When Christ is the center and priority of our lives, however, everything else comes into focus.
June 28, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus heals two people, encouraged those present to have faith in him. May we pray for the needs in our lives as we follow Christ today and learn the lessons the Lord is teaching in our hearts.
June 27, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus heals many people, including a soldier of the Roman Empire, and in so doing teaches us about God's desire for all of creation to flourish in faith.
June 26, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com