The passage of Genesis about Joseph and the parable of the vineyard in the Gospel of Matthew both foreshadow the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross.
March 13, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus inspires us to open our eyes to the needs of those around us and respond decisively in the spirit of the Gospel.
March 12, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As Jesus speaks to the disciples about his suffering and death on the Cross, he must also contend with the pettiness that often accompanies our human nature...teaching how we offer our lives in service of one another.
March 11, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Humility in our daily actions proclaims the Good News of Jesus Christ. May our lives reflect this crucial virtue in all that we do.
March 10, 2020 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Transfiguration of Jesus offered three apostles a sign of hope as they journeyed on to Jerusalem where the Lord would be crucified. This moment of glory strengthened their faith to face the coming test of suffering and hardship, showing us that God gives us what we need to carry on.
It's the classic test of the depth of our response to the Lord's command...to be able to love those hostile people who make our lives painful and unbearable. Can we follow the example of Christ and love our enemies?
March 7, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The prophet Ezekiel, the author of Psalm 130 and Jesus all highlight the crucial need to turn away from sin and direct our hearts to the Lord.
March 6, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
All of the readings today reveal the power of a fervent prayer from the heart. Prayer does not "change God's mind," but rather it draws our souls into a deeper union with the one who knows what we need.
March 5, 2020 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Sign of Jonah - a call to repent - is the sign that Jesus gives to the crowds...and He continues to offer this powerful sign to us today.
March 4, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord's Prayer has strengthened the faith of millions of Christians through the centuries. May these words speak to our hearts today as we draw near to Christ and one another.
March 3, 2020 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The contrast between the temptation of Adam and Eve by the serpent and the three temptations of Jesus by Satan offers us some crucial insights into how we face the temptations in our lives today.
March 1, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The call of Levi offers us an example of how Christ invites us (wounded, broken and sinful) to follow Him. As Levi accepted this call and invited others to meet Jesus, may we take heart as the Lord calls us today.
February 29, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Fasting is an ancient in the Church that has helped countless Christians grow closer to Christ and one another. May we examine how this discipline can empower us today.
February 28, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
In the first reading Moses makes it clear to the people of Israel that they have to make a choice between life and death. May we choose to live for the Lord, offering all that we have for the path that leads to Eternal Life.
February 27, 2020 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
"Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel." May the start of this season of Lent transform our hearts as we draw closer to Christ and one another.
February 26, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Passover meal is prepared, the disciples are gathered around Jesus, and with sorrow the Lord announces that a betrayer is in their midst. The point? There is no spin or sugar coating salvation history as we embark on the Sacred Triduum. For in the midst of human darkness and sin, the Son of God will shine the light of grace upon our world.
April 17, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
We discover in the Gospel of John of the betrayal of Judas and the denial of Peter. This is a dark hour in the history of our salvation, and it underscores the consequences of our actions and our reliance on God's infinite grace.
April 16, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Passion of Christ is the greatest love story ever told. As we reflect on the depth of the Lord's sacrifice for our sins, may we encounter the compassion, mercy and forgiveness of Jesus, who gave his life that we might be with him in Heaven.
April 13, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The prophetic words of Caiaphas reveal an insight into God's plan for our salvation, "it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people." Jesus Christ takes our place by his death on the Cross so that our sins might be washed clean by his blood. May this fact bring us to our knees in grateful thanks for what God has done for us.
April 13, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus reveals his majesty as the Son of God through his relationship with the Father and the works that he performs. The moment we acknowledge this fact our lives profoundly change as we conform our thoughts, words and actions to the will of our Lord.
April 12, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus teaches in the Gospel of John that "whoever keeps my word will never see death." As the Son of God, his sacrifice on the Cross becomes the means by which we gain eternal life. May the promise of Heaven inspire our words and actions here on earth.
April 11, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus speaks of his relationship to the Father and invites us to become his disciples by remaining in his word. What attacks this connection? Sin. Yet the closer we draw near to the Lord the clearer we see our need for God and the grace that Christ alone can offer us.
April 10, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
In John's Gospel we hear Jesus state that he is "I AM" not once but twice. These words echo back to the time of Moses, who was told by God that "I AM" is his name. Let us be clear: Jesus is Lord, the 2nd Person of the Trinity whose divinity will be fully revealed when we stand before him at the end of time. May we live accordingly!
April 9, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The encounter between Jesus and the woman caught in adultery offers an insight into both the judgment and mercy of God. May we cherish the Lord's compassion as we honestly examine our hearts for whatever keeps us from God and one another.
April 6, 2019 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As doubt and division surround Jesus in the Gospel of John, we recognize the presence of division in our lives and throughout the world today. Wherever we find ourselves isolated and at odds with one another, may we draw near to the Lord and ask for his grace to bring unity and peace.
April 6, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com