In response to the words of Nathan the prophet, King David acknowledges his sin before the Lord. His example can help us to fiercely face our most serious sins with a conviction in God's grace.
January 29, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
At the height of his success and power, David commits a series of sins with painful consequences.
January 28, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
David gives praise and thanks to God for the blessings he has witnessed. It begs a question for each one of us: when was the last time I counted my blessings?
January 27, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Paul's conversion from enemy to advocate of Christianity was made possible through the courage of Ananias, whose example inspires us to live our faith with boldness, conviction and trust.
January 25, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
David's leadership, effort and strength is affirmed by the people who acknowledge him as king.
January 24, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Let's explore some of the themes that surface in the readings for the 4th Sunday of the Year.
January 24, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
David's lament for Saul and Jonathan reveals the complex nature of our grief. Saul's mix of good and bad qualities illustrate how we can mourn the loss of people that we meet in the messiness of life. In our own complicated moments of grief may we turn to the Lord and trust that Christ will untangle the knots.
January 22, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
While being hunted by Saul, David prevents his men from harming the king in a cave. His restraint offers us a powerful example of how we repay evil with good.
January 21, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
After his victory over Goliath, David quickly becomes a favorite among the people, and his popularity leads a jealous Saul to consider how to kill him.
January 20, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The battle of David and Goliath illustrates the classic "underdog" theme of victory in the face of impossible odds. Yet David makes it clear that his triumph is not his own doing, for he has put his hope in the Lord.
January 19, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Samuel observes the sons of Jesse to determine who will be anointed king, but the Lord reminds the prophet that God sees beyond the surface and gazes directly into our hearts.
January 18, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
After his victory over the Amalekites, Saul does not carry out the command of the Lord, and his choice will lead to his rejection as king. May we honestly acknowledge our own shortcomings as call upon Christ today.
January 17, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Here are some of the central themes in the readings for the 3rd Sunday of the Year.
January 17, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Mary's command to the servants is our command as well. For us to "do whatever he tells you" requires that we are receptive to God's prompting in our hearts. May we be open to the command of Christ as we follow him today.
January 16, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
In this comedy of errors, Saul goes looking for lost donkeys and ends up being anointed king. (And you think politics is crazy today?) And yet in the midst of the messy we find God at work, leading and directing us on a path that leads to hope.
January 15, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Samuel has now grown old and the people of Israel approach him to ask for a king to rule and fight their battles. The Lord reveals the negative things that will happen, but the people persist in their desire.
January 14, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Philistine army disastrously defeats the people of Israel, who suffer enormous casualties and loss.
January 13, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Samuel's response to the Lord's call offers us an example to follow as we actively listen and respond to God's gentle invitation.
January 12, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Hannah, filled with grief at being childless, pours out her prayer to the Lord.
January 11, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The sorrow of Hannah resonates with all couples who long to parent children but are unable to conceive. This example of our human frailty underscores how our faith can strengthen us in times of trial.
January 10, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Here are some of the main themes in the readings for the 2nd Sunday of the Year.
January 10, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
When the going gets tough, the tough get praying! Our help is in the Lord, and we are invited to be vigilant in our prayer as we face the challenges before us.
November 27, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus uses a fig tree as an example of paying attention to the changes around us. This is true for what we see in nature and discover in our hearts.
November 26, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The spiritual life is not easy, and the Gospel of Luke today makes it clear that perseverance is a crucial component in the life of faith. Hang in there!
November 24, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The response today (taken from the Book of Daniel) reveals all creation giving praise to God. How will we echo this refrain in our lives today?
November 23, 2021 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com