As Jesus confronts the devil in the wilderness, his response to three temptations shows us how we can face the deceptions of evil in our lives with courage, faith and wisdom.
March 9, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
While spending time with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus' response to the scribes and pharisees offers us hope. The Lord's willingness to bring healing and forgiveness to those in need reveals Christ's longing for our redemption as well. May we follow the example of Levi and respond to the Lord's call.
March 9, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The prophet Isaiah shows how fasting can be spiritually fruitful or destructive. As a discipline of our body, fasting has the power to quickly cut through our selfishness and reveal a longing...not just for food, but for the Lord.
March 8, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Moses and Jesus exhort the people to make a choice for God - choosing life (and eternal life) over death. Every day we make this choice as we seek to turn our lives ever closer to Jesus Christ, the source of all life.
March 7, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Most of the time we avoid looking at our weaknesses, failures and sins. Not today. Today we take a long hard look, examine our conscience, and honestly admit that we are sinners. Why? So that freed from the slavery of temptation and sin we can receive the grace of God through Jesus Christ.
March 6, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Speaking at Mass to the kids at Cathedral School, Fr. Andrew speaks about the Passover, Judas and the blood of Jesus...the Lamb of God.
March 28, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
In the heart of the Last Supper we see two clear examples of human weakness. Both Judas and Peter will betray Jesus, and their examples offer us two different responses to sin. Which option will we choose?
March 27, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
We read the Passion of Jesus Christ so that we remember each year the Lord's sacrifice for our eternal salvation. May the Precious Blood of the Savior wash us clean and renew our hearts for this life...and the life to come.
March 25, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Caiaphas the high priest prophesied when he said that "it is better for you that one man should die for the people." The death of Christ on the Cross takes our place for the sins that we commit which warrant death. May we accept his saving sacrifice and offer our hearts to the Lord.
March 24, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus points to the good works of His Heavenly Father as an indication of His identity as the Son of God. What's more, we know of His greatest work: His death on the Cross that frees us from sin and opens the door to eternal life.
March 23, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As Jesus claims his divinity in the Gospel of John we are challenged to consider how our lives conform to Christ. He is our Lord and His example guides and directs our lives in all things.
March 22, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego faced the fiery furnace with their faith in God. Their example reveals the strength and conviction that come when God's word dwells in our hearts and directs our lives. May this holy fire of faith burn in our hearts!
March 21, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
United in love with his heavenly Father, Jesus teaches the people that they will know who he is when he has been lifted up. As we gaze upon Christ on the Cross may we recognize our hope as we turn from our sins and accept his forgiveness.
March 20, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Only after the grain of wheat dies can new life begin; this process from death to life shapes both our physical and spiritual lives. What doesn't belong in our hearts? What needs to "die" so that Jesus Christ can raise up new life within us? The Lord offers the grace...may we walk with Him from death to new life.
March 17, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
John's Gospel offers a glimpse at the division that occurs among the crowd - all who are trying to figure out who Jesus is - as doubt, isolation and discord rise to the surface. Division is part of our human experience; in light of today's reading we have the opportunity to consider how we work to unite with one another in a spirit of peace.
March 17, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Gospel of John reveals that people are questioning the identity of Jesus and trying to kill him. Who is he? He is Christ the Lord, the Son of God who comes from the Father to save and set us free.
March 16, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus speaks about several different sources that offer testimony on his behalf. It begs a question: Do our lives offer a similar witness? Does what we say and do give testimony that Christ is the Lord of our hearts?
March 15, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Gospel of John reveals the relationship between Jesus and his heavenly Father, establishing Christ as the Just Judge before whom we will all stand. Our opportunity is to take each day as a precious gift, reconciling our hearts and seeking to follow the Lord with all our heart.
March 14, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus heals a lame man at the Pool of Bethesda, providing us with an opportunity today to reflect on how the Lord calls us to be agents of healing for those in our midst.
March 13, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The love of Jesus is a light that shines in the darkness of our world. As we draw near to Christ we open our hearts and allow his love to fill and flow through our lives.
March 10, 2017 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The parable of Jesus today offers us a profound phrase for our daily meditation: "O God, be merciful to me a sinner."
March 10, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus takes the 10 Commandments and simplifies them down to two. This focus allows us to concentrate our efforts on what is most important in the life of faith: loving God and one another.
March 9, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus drives out a demon and then responds to a comment from the crowd. As we face evil in our lives we call upon the Lord for the strength we need.
March 8, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus fulfills the Law and the Prophets, creating a new covenant by which we know God and offer our lives with meaning and power.
March 7, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
St. Peter asks the question that all the disciples are thinking...and Jesus drives home the point about forgiveness with a powerful parable.
March 6, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com