On the road to Emmaus two disciples encountered Jesus as he explained the Scriptures and broke the bread. These two elements - Scripture and Sacrament - are the core of every Mass. As Christians have been nourished by the Eucharist from that very first Easter, may we continue to grow in grace every time we encounter the Lord in the breaking of the bread.
April 29, 2017 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord's words to the disciples to "do not be afraid" speak to us today. May we face our fears with God's grace as we respond with faith in Jesus Christ.
April 29, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord feeds the 5000 and sustains them body and soul. This strength will empower the disciples to face their difficulties with joy, reminding us that every time we receive the Eucharist we are fed by the Lord.
April 28, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Filled with the Holy Spirit, the disciples boldly proclaim the Good News in the face of opposition...inviting us to call upon the Spirit to strengthen us in our moments of difficulty.
April 27, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
"God so loved the world..." These words remind us that Christ comes to us in love, transforming our lives and empowering us to go forth with God's grace to share this love with those around us.
April 26, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
In the Gospel of Mark the Lord says, "Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature." As we celebrate the Feast of St. Mark today, may our lives offer a living witness to the Good News as we share our faith with those around us.
April 25, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The power of the resurrection transformed the early Church, showing us today that the Risen Lord continues to change our hearts and lives with the grace of His love. May we respond with an eager and lively faith!
April 22, 2017 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
When the going gets tough, the tough live their faith! The early Church faced opposition even as it was filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit. We, too, call upon the Lord to face our trials with the same strength that inspired and strengthened the disciples.
April 22, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
In the face of opposition Peter and John powerfully proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. Their lives, transformed by the resurrection, inspires us to live with a bold and vibrant faith.
April 21, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The appearance of the Risen Lord to the disciples offers some insights about a central teaching of our faith: the resurrection of our bodies and life everlasting. May we use the gift of our own bodies as an offering in this life...in preparation for the body we shall receive one day in Heaven.
April 20, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Peter & John share their faith in Christ to bring healing to a beggar...who receives far more than a few coins. May we not only ask the Lord for what we truly need, but may we also open our hearts to the Lord so that we become His instruments - bringing the Good News to the world.
Mary Magdalene is transformed from sorrow to joy in the light of the Risen Lord. She is sent forth by Jesus to proclaim a message of hope to the disciples, reminding us that we are also called to share the Good News of the resurrection through the witness of our lives.
April 18, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Easter Season lasts 50 days, and many people ask, "Now what do I do?" This glorious season is meant to transform us by the light of the Risen Lord. Here are three key points:
April 17, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
In the light of that first Easter day the disciples were transformed as they began to comprehend the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Freed from the fear of sin and death, they embraced their faith and changed the world. May we continue to follow their example as we allow Easter joy to fill our hearts and renew our lives.
April 16, 2017 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord - who knows that the agony of the Cross is coming - tells his disciples that one of them will betray him. As we now prepare to embark into the Sacred Triduum of the Lord's Passion and Resurrection, may we acknowledge our sins and receive the mercy of the Lord.
April 12, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The situation is intense at the Last Supper as Judas prepares to betray Jesus, and Peter's boast is met with the foreshadowing that he will deny Christ three times. As we prepare for the Sacred Triduum we pause to reflect on the moments when we have betrayed or denied the Lord, asking God for mercy when we have sinned.
April 11, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Christ's sacrifice on the Cross reveals the value God places on human life and inspires us to share our lives as an offering back to God.
April 8, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
In the Gospel today the stage is set for the drama of the Lord's Passion. The Sanhedrin is convened to figure out what to do about Jesus as his followers increase. The issue: if the crowds become a mob the Romans will come and take away their land and their nation. It's a perfect storm of religion and politics, and at the center is one who is innocent: the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
April 8, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
When Jesus says "the Father is in me, and I am in the Father" he reveals his divinity...and invites us to grow in the invitation to accept his saving death and resurrection offered out of love. May we take his hand and follow Him!
April 7, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
God's promise to Abraham is transformed and renewed by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As we look to our challenges and trials today, may we build upon the foundation of faith that we have received and offer our lives in service to the Lord.
April 6, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego reminds us that there are times in life when our faith is tested. In those moments we call upon the Lord for the strength we need, and we ask God for forgiveness for those times that we have failed. For through it all Christ offers his life for us.
April 5, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
In the Book of Numbers the people of Israel were delivered from their suffering when they looked upon the saraph which Moses set up on a pole; in the Gospel of John we learn that we are relieved of our suffering when we look upon the Lord who offers his life upon the Cross for our sins.
April 4, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
We often talk about Heaven in daily language, yet it is easy to take for granted the significance eternal life. Simply put, how we live matters, and when we know that the Lord has more in store for us we discover new strength to face the challenges of life and death as we prepare for God's everlasting Kingdom.
April 2, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As questions swirl about who is Jesus as the threats against his life continue to grow. The uncertainty - is he a prophet or even the the Christ - causes divisions and doubts among the leaders. As we encounter uncertainty in our own lives we look to the Lord for wisdom, strength, and guidance.
April 1, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com