The Lord is our light who brings sight to our eyes and dispels the darkness of our hearts.
December 4, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Both Isaiah and the Gospel of Matthew use the strength of rock to illustrate God's powerful protection.
December 3, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The pity and mercy of Jesus are echoed in the prophecy of Isaiah who tells us that "the Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces." May this compassion inspire us to respond to Christ's call today.
December 2, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Both the prophecy of Isaiah and the proclamation of Jesus reveal how the Lord fulfills the great plan of God's salvation.
December 1, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
This Advent Reflection was livestreamed on the Cathedral Facebook Page on November 29, 2020. May all of us use the gift of this holy season to prepare our hearts to welcome Christ!
(Note: there is a slight distortion in the sound quality on the podcast; I apologize for any inconvenience.)
Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Mark's Gospel offers an exhortation from Christ to be watchful and alert, always ready to respond to the Lord's call.
November 28, 2020 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
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