St. Paul uses the example of the body to teach unity in the midst of diversity. We all have something to offer...and we all have something to learn from those around us. May we work together - offering our best - to strengthen the Body of Christ.
January 22, 2022 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, 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 asked if he was the Christ, John the Baptist redirected the crowd to the coming of Jesus. His humility offers us an example about how to live our lives as we follow the Lord.
January 8, 2022 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The conclusion of the First Letter of John reveals the role of our faith in the messiness of daily life. In our awkward and painful moments, we can run to the Lord - who meets us in the messy - and receive the grace he longs to offer.
January 8, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The First Letter of John proclaims that our eternal life is made possible by Jesus Christ. As we claim Christ as Lord, may we call upon God's grace to live our faith with conviction and joy.
January 7, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The first reading minces no words when it comes to testing the depth of our love for God. As we apply this insight to ourselves, may we call upon the Lord to help us love one another in a manner worthy of Christ.
January 6, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
God's love must be evident in the love we express with one another. May these words inspire us to consider the challenging and difficult situations in our lives today as we call upon Heaven for the help we need to put this love into practice!
January 5, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The first reading offers a beautiful reflection on God as the source of all love. May we receive this love and freely offer it to one another!
January 4, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The First Letter of John exhorts us "to test the spirits to see whether they belong to God." How do we do this? By using the gifts of Faith and Reason we discern how to live each day to the fullest.
January 3, 2022 - 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 the Baptism of the Lord. Please note that there are options for the 1st Reading, Psalm and 2nd Reading!
January 3, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The feast of Epiphany offers us an insight into understanding the pilgrimage of our lives. Guided by the light of Christ we travel on our pilgrim path through this world to our destination in Heaven, learning life's lessons along the way.
January 1, 2022 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com