The Lord invites us to follow Him and take up our Cross as we crucify selfishness and sin. As we repent and embrace the Good News, may we draw strength from the one who offers us the wisdom and direction to find our way.
March 2, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As we embark on this season of Lent we hear the words as we receive our ashes: "Repent, and believe in the Gospel." May we turn away from sin and look to Christ for the grace we need each day.
March 1, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
"What will you give me?" is the question asked by Judas, and in our moments of temptation and sin it could easily be our own. And yet what we discover in these next few days of the Sacred Triduum is that Christ will answer the question with the blood of his Cross. Judas took silver and it ended in death; Jesus died on the Cross and it ended in eternal life. May we draw near to the Lord - especially in our times of need - to accept his sacrifice and receive his grace.
March 23, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
John's Gospel today shows the Lord with a troubled heart as he announces that both Judas and Peter will deny him. In the same meal where the Christ left us the Eucharist he also acknowledges the weakness of his own disciples. It begs the question: When have we denied the Lord in our lives? When have we turned away from Jesus in a moment of temptation? May this Holy Week renew our faith and help us return to the one who died and rose that we might have a path that leads out of sin into newness of life.
We read the Passion of Christ ever year, not as some sad, distant, impersonal story that happen long ago, but as OUR STORY - a reminder that Christ endured his Cross for US, for our our sins and transgressions. As we enter into this sacred season, may we draw near to the one who saves and sets us free.
We all sin, and sometimes our disastrous mistakes become public humiliations. Yet like the woman in the Gospel today we encounter the Lord who simultaneously acknowledges the sin and blesses us with forgiving grace. Through an honest appraisal of our hearts and an open acceptance of God's love we can be renewed to live with power and joy. Simply put, may we name the sin and claim the mercy.
March 12, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
With some help from 4th graders at Cathedral School, Fr. Andrew comments on how John's Gospel builds the tension that will ultimately lead Jesus to his Cross.
March 11, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
There are times when we stubbornly cling to assumptions and thoughts which distance us from the Lord and one another. The Lord invites us in the Gospel today to believe that we might have eternal life.
March 10, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
The Gospel proclaims that we receive from Jesus what he received from his Father in heaven. As Lord and savior, Christ will judge us at the end of time by our deeds, reminding us that we have a precious opportunity today to live our faith with power and joy.
March 9, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Anyone who farms or gardens knows the crucial need for water. Essential for life, water also calms our souls and heals our hearts. Today's Old Testament and Gospel readings remind us that Christ is the flowing water that brings life to the world.
March 8, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
This Gospel parable is well known and applicable to our lives today. There are times when we can identify with both sons - either in need of mercy or called to give it - and we find a Father who runs out to meet us where we are. May we open wide the doors of our hearts...and encounter Mercy.
March 6, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
The prophet Jeremiah calls us to listen to God - opening our hearts to the Lord's word - and the Psalm reminds us not to harden our hearts. May the the words of Christ inspire us to draw near and allow God's grace to work in our lives.
March 3, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
With a some insights from some students in Mrs. Blomfeldt's 1st Grade class at Cathedral School, Fr. Andrew discovers some practical ways to love the people in our lives. (Hint: Don't bite your sister! Clean your room, even if it's as messy as a pig.)
March 4, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
The Gospel today reminds us that as followers of Jesus Christ we look not only to the Lord's teaching, but also to the salvation history that came before him. As Christ fulfills the Old Testament we can draw strength from the ways that God worked in life of the people of Israel, and we can apply these lessons to our world today.
March 2, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
The Lord is blunt and direct in the Gospel today: we are called to repent...or perish. The life-and-death quality of this command reminds us that God's grace is ready to wash us clean - if we open our hearts through repentance and turn to the Lord. As God directed Moses and led the people from slavery to freedom, may we discover new life in Christ when we repent and believe in the Good News.
February 28, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
With help from some 4th graders from Mrs. Peterson's class at Cathedral School, Fr. Andrew looks at how God can take bad things and bring about great goodness.
February 26, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
The parable of Lazarus and the rich man bring the urgent need for repentance to light. The season of Lent repeatedly reminds us to turn away from our sins as we find our hope in the grace and mercy of God.
February 25, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Jesus teaches his disciples that to follow his example requires us to become servants, pouring out our lives for one another.
February 24, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
"Practice what you preach" means simply that the words we say are mirrored in the actions we do. Sounds great, right? Yet that short phrase challenges us all to live as disciples of Christ - aware that our lives are constantly proclaiming a message. May people see and hear God's grace shining through us!
February 23, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
There are moments in life that change and transform us - mountaintop experiences - that lead us in new and powerful directions. Just as the Apostles encountered God's grace on the mountain, so too we can be guided by Christ as we open our hearts to the Lord's prompting both within and without.
February 21, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Jesus makes it clear that any offering we give to God must include forgiveness between one another. As Ezekiel reminds the people of Israel, we are called to turn away from the path that leads to evil and walk in virtue, justice and life - with the Lord and one another.
February 19, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Queen Esther, alone and in anguish, turns to the Lord. Her victory - made possible by God's help - inspires us to call upon the Lord as we ask, seek and knock for the help we need.
February 18, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Jonah preached to the people and they repented - through the signs of sackcloth, fasting, and supplication. When the people ask Jesus for a sign he recalls what happened at Nineveh, and he invites us to offer this "sign" of repentance that comes from our hearts - turning from sin and following the Lord.
February 17, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Consider all the times we pray the Lord's Prayer: at Mass; for special devotionals like the Rosary; in our private prayers; in the company of others. This little prayer (only 55 words) has tremendous horsepower to strengthen and guide us through life. The next time you pray the prayer Jesus taught (try it right now!), savor the words and allow their ancient wisdom to touch your heart with God's grace.
February 16, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or to www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Those moments...when our guts constrict and the air goes out of our lungs. The times in life when we are overwhelmed, lost, consumed by pain or grief, feeling abandoned, tempted to the breaking point...
And Jesus understands. Forty days of solitude in the wilderness, hungry and thirsty, the Lord triumphed over the temptations of Satan. It is crucial to note that these temptations - over physical needs, personal power/control, and death itself - would all be faced by Christ at Calvary. What's more, he will triumph!
Our faith reminds us of two key facts. Yes there will be times of trial, but as we confront the reality of life we do so equipped with the victory of Jesus. We face our struggles with God's grace, and we call upon the Lord as we say:
Be with me Lord, when I am in trouble!
February 14, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or to www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.