Jesus cleanses the Temple and offers the sign of his resurrection. As we continue through this season of Lent, may we cleanse what does not belong in our hearts and call upon the Lord for the strength we need to live each day as a precious gift from God.
March 4, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Prodigal Son is a favorite parable for many, and it has layers of meaning and insight that serve us well. Whether it's forgiveness or mercy we require, may we run to our Heavenly Father, trusting that the Lord will never give up on us.
March 3, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The story of Joseph and the parable of the vineyard owner's son reveal the capacity for evil that exists in every human heart. In our need we build our lives upon Jesus Christ, the cornerstone who comes to free us from our sins and lead us into a life of grace.
March 2, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The well known parable of the rich man and Lazarus offers a powerful reminder that we have been given what we need to know the Lord. May we draw up these great gifts: Church teaching, Scripture, Sacraments, Prayer, Fellowship, and the example of the Saints!
March 1, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus addresses a dispute among the disciples by teaching them that the journey to greatness is discovered on the path of service.
February 28, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Isaiah exhorts the people to wash themselves clean. Jesus shows how this cleansing happens when we serve one another with a humble heart.
February 27, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Peter, James and John had a profound experience on the mountain, and Abraham encountered an angel in his test of faith. Both experiences were graces that came at different points of their journey through life. As we follow the Lord through the regular practice of our faith may we take to heart any special graces we receive as gifts from God to continue on our path.
February 25, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
While the phrase "love one another" sounds great when we like the people in question, the real test of faith occurs when it's tough. The command of Jesus to "love your enemies" will demand us to become like the Lord - who even forgave those who nailed him to the Cross. To do this we call upon God for the grace we need to be filled with the love of Christ so that we can share his love in all moments of life...even when surrounded by enemies.
February 24, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord makes is clear in the Gospel of Matthew that if someone has anything against us, we are commanded to go first and be reconciled. Seeking forgiveness and being about reconciliation may be the hardest thing we do as Christians, yet it's essential if we seek to follow Jesus Christ.
February 23, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
When Jesus asks his disciples "Who do you say that I am?" Peter gets it right. Jesus is the Christ, the Lord, the one who saves us from our sins and empowers us as Sons and Daughters of God. Our acceptance of this reality transforms our lives with his light and power!
February 22, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
It's human nature to be looking for a sign from God - guiding our actions and helping us to see the right path. Jesus teaches in the gospel of Luke that we don't need any more signs...we have the Lord! The task now? To put our faith into practice.
February 21, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
It's a powerful prayer, and this gift from the Lord strengthens and directs our lives. Only 55 words in English; may we pray it with conviction and conversion of heart.
February 20, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
It's a simple phrase, and yet it has the power to change our lives and renew our hearts. What began on Ash Wednesday continues now with full power: we repent of our sins and turn to the Lord with open hearts that God's grace might renew us and make us whole.
February 18, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
When asked why he eats with sinners and tax collectors, Jesus offers a powerful response, "Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance, but sinners." As we acknowledge our sins and seek repentance we, too, receive the Lord's saving mercy.
February 17, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The spiritual discipline of fasting offers a powerful tool to help us recognize the needs of others. Both Isaiah and Jesus offer key insights into this practice, guiding us to see how fasting in our bodies can bring renewal to our souls.
February 16, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus speaks in direct and blunt language: to be a disciple means that we follow His example as we take up our Cross and follow Him. What's more, the Cross is far more than simple suffering; when we take up our Cross we commit our lives to the service, care and compassion of others...just as Christ offered His life for our salvation.
February 15, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The ashes on our foreheads invite us to repent of the sins that keep us from God and one another. Through fasting, prayer and almsgiving we have powerful tools that can open our hearts and transform our lives in this great season of Lent.
February 14, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The situation is intense at the Last Supper as Judas prepares to betray Jesus, and Peter's boast is met with the foreshadowing that he will deny Christ three times. As we prepare for the Sacred Triduum we pause to reflect on the moments when we have betrayed or denied the Lord, asking God for mercy when we have sinned.
April 11, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Christ's sacrifice on the Cross reveals the value God places on human life and inspires us to share our lives as an offering back to God.
April 8, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
In the Gospel today the stage is set for the drama of the Lord's Passion. The Sanhedrin is convened to figure out what to do about Jesus as his followers increase. The issue: if the crowds become a mob the Romans will come and take away their land and their nation. It's a perfect storm of religion and politics, and at the center is one who is innocent: the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
April 8, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
When Jesus says "the Father is in me, and I am in the Father" he reveals his divinity...and invites us to grow in the invitation to accept his saving death and resurrection offered out of love. May we take his hand and follow Him!
April 7, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
God's promise to Abraham is transformed and renewed by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As we look to our challenges and trials today, may we build upon the foundation of faith that we have received and offer our lives in service to the Lord.
April 6, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego reminds us that there are times in life when our faith is tested. In those moments we call upon the Lord for the strength we need, and we ask God for forgiveness for those times that we have failed. For through it all Christ offers his life for us.
April 5, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
We often talk about Heaven in daily language, yet it is easy to take for granted the significance eternal life. Simply put, how we live matters, and when we know that the Lord has more in store for us we discover new strength to face the challenges of life and death as we prepare for God's everlasting Kingdom.
April 2, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As questions swirl about who is Jesus as the threats against his life continue to grow. The uncertainty - is he a prophet or even the the Christ - causes divisions and doubts among the leaders. As we encounter uncertainty in our own lives we look to the Lord for wisdom, strength, and guidance.
April 1, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com