Both St. Paul and St. Joseph respond to God's call, but they do it in very different ways. Their examples reveal that the Lord offers many ways that we can offer our lives, based on our ability and talent. There is nothing to stop us...except ourselves.
December 22, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Elizabeth was aware of God's presence through both the baby in her womb and the woman at her door. May we actively seek the Lord's presence in our lives...so that we are ready when we returns!
December 21, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Mary's response to the Angel Gabriel offers us a powerful example of discipleship as she says "May it be done!" Her words inspire us to accept the Lord's invitation today as we carry out our tasks in service of Jesus.
December 20, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As Zechariah hears the message of hope from the Angel Gabriel, he expresses his doubts. May his example help us to honestly confront our own struggles of faith as we turn toward the Lord.
December 19, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
St. Joseph responds to the Angel Gabriel with swift and silent action. His response to God's call inspires us to look for opportunities to put our faith into daily practice.
December 18, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Gospel of Matthew recounts the genealogy of Jesus, showing us the times of blessing and sin within the Lord's extended family. This list gives us hope, as God continues to work in our own families today.
December 17, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus references the prophet Isaiah in answer to the question "Are you the one who is to come?" and offers us a renewed sense of hope as we bring our shortcomings and weaknesses to the Lord.
December 14, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
God often works in ways that we do not recognize in the moment, but only later after time and reflection allow the experience to sink in. May our eyes be open to see the Lord at work in our world today!
December 14, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The prophet Isaiah and the Psalmist show how the Lord teaches us, offering light so that we can see our path and find our way through this life.
December 13, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Both Isaiah and Jesus offer words of encouragement: God renews our strength when we are weary!
December 11, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The readings today proclaim a message of hope - to strengthen, guide, and inspire our lives - because there are times in life where hope in God is what gets through the day.
December 10, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
John the Baptist speaks with fiery eloquence, urging the people to prepare for the one who will baptize with fire. In light of his words, may we take the opportunity today to honestly reflect on our lives and confess our sins in preparation for the coming of Christ.
December 8, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Seeing the crowds, the heart of Jesus was moved with pity for their many needs, and he responds by empowering his disciples to go forth in his name. Their example reveals the opportunity we have every day to serve our struggling brothers and sisters around us.
December 7, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As Jesus heals the two blind men, we see how the Lord recognizes and responds to their faith. May their example inspire our trust in Christ!
December 6, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus uses a parable in the Gospel of Matthew to show us the strength we have when we build our lives on the Lord.
December 5, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Gospel of Matthew highlights several different types of healing miracles, all within the context of a miracle of multiplying bread and fish to feed hungry bodies. The Lord continues to touch our lives today; may we have the courage to draw near and encounter Jesus Christ!
December 4, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The prophet Isaiah testifies to the one who will come, filled with the Spirit of the Lord. As we hear the words of this first reading, may we call upon God's Spirit to dwell in us as we follow the Lord today.
December 3, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
We begin the season of Advent with a message that is both joyful and sobering, hopeful and disciplined: The Lord, the just judge is coming into the world...so be prepared, awake and ready!
December 1, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Elizabeth recognized the presence of the Messiah, and she rejoiced that God had drawn near. As Christmas approaches, we rejoice in the many ways that God pours grace into our hearts through the power and mercy of Jesus.
December 23, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
It's called the Magnificat - a song of praise that Mary offers - and it has been a prayer of powerful reflection for the Church for 2000 years. Recognizing that God is in charge, initiating, leading, empowering and conquering evil, we are united in grace and draw near to the Lord.
December 22, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Mary and Elizabeth, pregnant with their sons as foretold by the angel Gabriel, are filled with the Holy Spirit as they encounter one another. The presence of the Spirit gives us an insight into what happens when we cooperate with God's grace in our lives: the Lord does great things!
December 21, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
While the story of the angel Gabriel and Mary is well known, its familiarity can blind us to the fact that just as God worked through Mary's life, God works in ours. The question is, will we use the blessings we have been given for the Lord's glory? Will we say yes to Jesus Christ today?
December 20, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Luke's Gospel sets the context for the birth of John the Baptist - the last and greatest prophet who will proclaim Jesus as the Lamb of God - and shows us how God constantly works through our lives to bring about something new.
December 19, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
St. Joseph's reception and response to the angel's message offers us a fitting example of faith in action as we receive God's word and respond in love to Jesus Christ!
December 18, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Scriptures today reveal Zephaniah, the Psalmist, St. Paul and John the Baptist as God's messengers who communicate to the people. They remind us that we are all messengers for Jesus Christ, called to proclaim and receive a message of joy.
December 15, 2018 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com