When you cook, you need a certain amount of time to get prepared: clear the work space; make an ingredients list; set out your utensils and cookware. In a similar way we need time and attention to prepare to encounter Jesus Christ in our spiritual lives. May the example of John the Baptist inspire us to make the necessary preparations we need, and empower us to help others encounter the Lord as well.
December 14, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
We all experience moments of feeling burdened, exhausted and worn out. What's the answer? Jesus Christ! May we draw near to the one who knows us best and draw strength to face the tasks at hand.
December 13, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled in John the Baptist to "prepare the way of the Lord" for the coming of Jesus. Advent offers us the opportunity to make our own preparations as we repent, reconcile and look for the holy.
December 9, 2017 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord offers an example of ministry and then empowers the Apostles to do the same. Our Church today is not only founded on their work, but continues through our efforts to proclaim the Gospel in our lives today.
December 9, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord reminds us that when our actions serve God we build our lives on solid rock that can withstand the storms of life. Today we look at what we do and determine how we can offer our lives to Jesus Christ.
December 7, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The readings describe the abundance and richness of God's feast which nourishes the body, mind, heart and soul. Our daily need for food underscores our fundamental need for the Lord; may we today reflect on what we need and call upon Jesus with confidence.
December 6, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus rejoices in the Holy Spirit, and Isaiah's prophecy reveals uplifting qualities about the Savior...qualities that offer us an example as we live our lives for the Lord.
December 5, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Zechariah's canticle of praise reveals both the work of John the Baptist and the glory of the Lord. God continues to work in our world; may this Christmas renew our faith as we do our part to share the Good News with one another.
December 24, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
John's birth and his naming foreshadow the glory of Jesus. God's great work of salvation leads us to rejoice as we witness how the Lord involves many (including us!) in the mission of Jesus Christ.
December 23, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The exchange between Elizabeth and Mary follows up the events we heard at Mass yesterday. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes Jesus as her own child (John the Baptist) leaps for joy in her womb. May this Christmas offer us the opportunity to draw near to the Lord and be filled with the same Spirit!
December 21, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The interchange between Gabriel and Mary offers us rich insights regarding how we embrace our faith.
December 20, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
We call upon the Lord as Emmanuel which means "God is with us" when we are alone, exhausted, searching and sinful. May we turn to the Lord in our need and rejoice in the saving power of God!
December 17, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The genealogy of Jesus outlined in Matthew's Gospel recalls the crucial role of family. Our families are crucial networks where we grow and face the challenges of life. While no one has a perfect family (certainly not Jesus!) we all can find within our own families opportunities to foster faith, hope and love.
December 17, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord points out that the works he performs testify on his behalf. Following his example and the words of Isaiah the prophet, we have the opportunity every day to lead others to Christ as we observe what is right and do what is just by offering Christian witness in our daily actions.
December 16, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus offers us a glimpse of the power and beauty of the Kingdom of God, inspiring us to live the Lord's love today as we set our eyes on the world to come.
December 15, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus tells the disciples of John the Baptist to report what they see and hear - wonders that show that Jesus is Lord. May we carry the same message into our lives today!
December 14, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Actions speak louder than...yeah, you know the rest. Now all we have to do: act in a manner worthy of Christ.
December 13, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Christ's words to the disciples of John the Baptist proclaim Good News. The Lord's work - filled with power and might - brings hope to all who receive God's gift of grace.
December 10, 2016 - St. Anthony Catholic Church - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Like Elijah, John the Baptist came to help the people return to the Lord. May this Advent season help us to draw close to Christ and be filled with the Lord's love.
December 10, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Have you ever found yourself in a grumpy mood, where it's easy to complain regardless of the situation? A good antidote: focus on Jesus Christ, the light of life.
December 9, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As a child rests in a parent's embrace, so we are invited to draw near to Christ and rest in his love. Are you weary? Tired? Stressed? Come to Jesus and be renewed by his peace.
December 7, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Like a shepherd who seeks the lost sheep, so the Lord seeks and saves us when we have lost our way. May we learn from Jesus, the gentle Shepherd, and reach out to one another with the same compassion.
December 6, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Repentance provides us with the opportunity to remove what is not worthy of heaven and replace it with graces that are fruitful and life-giving. May this Advent empower us to turn away from sin and embrace a life in Christ.
December 4, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As Jesus looked with pity on the people in their need, he not only served them but he empowered and directed his disciples to do the same. As we look to the Lord for guidance and strength we also remember the command to love and serve those entrusted to our care.
Two blind men hear about Jesus, and they believe that he can heal them. Seeing clearly with their hearts they were given sight to their eyes. May we have the same depth and strength of faith as well!
December 2, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com