The Passover meal is prepared, the disciples are gathered around Jesus, and with sorrow the Lord announces that a betrayer is in their midst. The point? There is no spin or sugar coating salvation history as we embark on the Sacred Triduum. For in the midst of human darkness and sin, the Son of God will shine the light of grace upon our world.
April 17, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
We discover in the Gospel of John of the betrayal of Judas and the denial of Peter. This is a dark hour in the history of our salvation, and it underscores the consequences of our actions and our reliance on God's infinite grace.
April 16, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Passion of Christ is the greatest love story ever told. As we reflect on the depth of the Lord's sacrifice for our sins, may we encounter the compassion, mercy and forgiveness of Jesus, who gave his life that we might be with him in Heaven.
April 13, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The prophetic words of Caiaphas reveal an insight into God's plan for our salvation, "it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people." Jesus Christ takes our place by his death on the Cross so that our sins might be washed clean by his blood. May this fact bring us to our knees in grateful thanks for what God has done for us.
April 13, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus reveals his majesty as the Son of God through his relationship with the Father and the works that he performs. The moment we acknowledge this fact our lives profoundly change as we conform our thoughts, words and actions to the will of our Lord.
April 12, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus teaches in the Gospel of John that "whoever keeps my word will never see death." As the Son of God, his sacrifice on the Cross becomes the means by which we gain eternal life. May the promise of Heaven inspire our words and actions here on earth.
April 11, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus speaks of his relationship to the Father and invites us to become his disciples by remaining in his word. What attacks this connection? Sin. Yet the closer we draw near to the Lord the clearer we see our need for God and the grace that Christ alone can offer us.
April 10, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
In John's Gospel we hear Jesus state that he is "I AM" not once but twice. These words echo back to the time of Moses, who was told by God that "I AM" is his name. Let us be clear: Jesus is Lord, the 2nd Person of the Trinity whose divinity will be fully revealed when we stand before him at the end of time. May we live accordingly!
April 9, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Fr. Andrew offered a Teaching Mass for the kids from the Cathedral religious education program on April 3, 2019. This 40 minute presentation summarizes the explanation about the Mass and how we can get more out of this crucial prayer that Jesus left us.
April 3, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The encounter between Jesus and the woman caught in adultery offers an insight into both the judgment and mercy of God. May we cherish the Lord's compassion as we honestly examine our hearts for whatever keeps us from God and one another.
April 6, 2019 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As doubt and division surround Jesus in the Gospel of John, we recognize the presence of division in our lives and throughout the world today. Wherever we find ourselves isolated and at odds with one another, may we draw near to the Lord and ask for his grace to bring unity and peace.
April 6, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The book of Wisdom and the Gospel of John reveal the conflict that arises when we follow the Lord in our daily lives.
April 5, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
When questioned about the "testimony" he can offer about himself, Jesus points to John the Baptist, his works and the words of his Father. Finally, he directs people to reflect upon Moses, whose words and actions are fulfilled in the saving passion, death and resurrection of the Christ.
April 4, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Both Isaiah and John's Gospel reveal the compassion and power of God. This power, however, will not be forced upon us; rather, the Lord invites us to accept his invitation and receive grace for this life and the next. How will we respond?
April 3, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The readings today reveal the common theme of the life giving power of water to nourish and heal. This image in turn points to Christ, the source of all life. May we draw near to the Lord to be refreshed, so that we may in turn share His life with one another.
April 2, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The parable of the Prodigal Son proclaims the tender compassion of the Father. In our wayward moments the Lord continues to run to us in our need, reaching out with mercy, forgiveness and love.
March 30, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus offers a parable that speaks to our hearts. When we are caught in pride and selfishness, the words of the tax collector can restore our perspective and need for the Lord. As we reflect on our sins and shortcomings may we call out and say, "O God, be merciful to me, a sinner."
March 30, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
When asked what is the most important commandment, Jesus responds by citing Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Leviticus 19:18 and swiftly summarizes the life of faith by condensing the Ten Commandments down to two. As we take these two crucial commandments to heart may they guide every aspect of our lives each and every day.
March 29, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
After casting out a demon, Jesus responds to criticism with a teaching that illustrates the power and unity that flow from the Kingdom of God. It's a good reminder for us today, for when we are united in Christ then we have the strength we need to face the evil in our lives.
March 28, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus tells his disciples that he has come to fulfill the Law and the Prophets. This understanding of fulfillment is one of the reasons why the Church continues to study the Old Testament, for by learning about our spiritual past we can follow the Lord with faith in our future.
March 27, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Peter's question is followed by a parable that underscores the crucial role of forgiveness in the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. It begs the question: who do we need to forgive today? May the words of the Lord inspire us to forgive one another as God forgives us.
March 26, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
This second of two presentations was given at St. Pius X Catholic Church on March 18, 2019. Fr. Andrew addresses the powerful dynamic of family and friendship as we receive God's grace within the context of these two crucial groups of people in our lives.
March 18, 2019 - St. Pius X Catholic Church - Solon Springs, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
This is the first of two presentations given at St. Pius X Catholic Church on March 18, 2019. Fr. Andrew discusses the meaning of grace and how Prayer, Sacraments and Virtue are key components that every person uses to experience grace in their lives.
March 18, 2019 - St. Pius X Catholic Church - Solon Springs, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Like the encounter between Moses and God, life changing moments can happen in the blink of an eye, yet leave an impact that redefines us. The same thing happens when we carry out the command of the Lord as we repent of our sins.
March 23, 2019 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The prophet Micah offers words of comfort and hope, reminding us that in the midst of our penitential practices in this season of Lent, we trust in the Lord's mercy and forgiveness of our sins.
March 23, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com