The Lord's words are beautiful and moving: "Let the children come to me! Do not prevent them!" May we remove all obstacles and provide every opportunity to let our children come to know Jesus Christ.
March 2, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The discussion between Jesus and the Pharisees shows the reality that marriage and divorce have existed from the dawn of human history. As we recognize the challenges of these relationships we do what we can to help build strong marriages as well as help those who have suffered from divorce.
March 1, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
In light of the teaching of Jesus in the Gospel today, we can ask ourselves a simple question when confronted by any behavior, response, or action...is this leading me closer to Heaven, or farther away?
February 28, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
It's not complicated. Either we stand with the Lord or against him. No matter how difficult, how challenging, and however many times we fail...may we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ.
February 27, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The interaction between Jesus and the Apostles offers an important spiritual insight. When we keep the Cross of Christ before our eyes we are able to dispel petty disputes, irritations, and inconveniences as we focus on what is truly important.
February 26, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Yep, you heard that right. Love your enemies. Love one another when it's hard and unpleasant and we don't feel like it. Love the people who push all our buttons and make us see red. Love the people who have hurt us. How? By asking for the Love of Jesus Christ to dwell in our hearts.
February 24, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus is transfigured in heavenly glory before some of the disciples, and then he reminds them of the suffering and death that await him on the Cross. Both of these elements help us to understand how we confront the grim challenges of life with a real and powerful hope.
February 23, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
God states that the rainbow is a sign of the covenant between the Lord and all living things, reminding us that the gift of life is precious, holy, sacred...and meant to be lived to the best of our ability.
February 21, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Noah's patience and hard work pay off as the flood recedes and humanity is given a second chance. God never gives up on us, reminding us that today is another chance to begin again.
February 20, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Noah builds the ark and preserves life as God permits the great flood to cover the earth. It begs a question: what needs to be preserved in our lives...and what needs to be washed away?
Living one's life for the Lord does not mean it will be easy; rather, we face the struggles before us with God's grace to carry out what must be done. A blessed life, then, is not about wealth, health, or earthly glory...it's about being in right relationship with Jesus Christ.
February 16, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
In the first reading we hear about the repercussions of the sin of Adam and Eve, reminding us that while we live with the hope of forgiveness and mercy, we must also acknowledge the sober reality of the consequences of our actions.
February 16, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The temptation and sin of Adam and Eve highlights the reality of evil in our lives. Yet as we embrace the hope that we have in Jesus we acknowledge our need for God's mercy and return to the Lord.
February 15, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The creation of Eve reveals the beauty and goodness of God's work, reminding us of our opportunity to take the good things we have received from God and offer them in service to one another.
February 14, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus acknowledges the faith of the Roman soldier, inspiring us at every Mass to echo his words of faith and trust in the Lord.
February 13, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The story of creation includes both the dynamic force of work and the renewing power of rest. We, too, require a balance of both, for when we invite the Lord into our labor and our relaxation we find that they are truly blessed.
February 12, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Both Isaiah and St. Peter initially express doubt and fear in the presence of God's invitation. Yet like them we are called to move beyond our self-imposed obstacles and accept the Lord's prompting in our lives...even when it's hard.
February 9, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Gospel today shows the disciples both at work and at rest with Jesus. Finding balance in our lives can be challenging, yet when we take the long view we recognize that there are many different elements that enrich God's gift of life.
February 9, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The death of John the Baptist reminds us of the cost of discipleship. Yet as we look at the Cross of Christ, we find hope and strength to face the hardship of life with the conviction of the Lord's saving death and resurrection.
February 8, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus comments on the lack of faith he witnesses in his native place. This passage gives us a reason to pause and reflect on our faith, pondering how we might grow in our relationship with Christ.
February 6, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord heals two people in the Gospel of Mark, inviting us to acknowledge our wounds and turn to Christ with trusting faith.
February 5, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Like Jeremiah and Jesus, we experience times in life that are filled with tension and difficulty. Yet following the example of St. Paul, we face these challenging moments with God's grace as we embrace and live the love of Christ each and every day.
February 2, 2019 - St. Anthony Catholic Church - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord teaches about the Kingdom of God using parables that explain that it is a process that starts out small. May these words give us strength to take the next step in our spiritual journey!
February 1, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus reminds us that not only does light reveal all hidden things, but that we are called to shine with the light of Christ in our daily lives.
January 31, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord's parable (and explanation) remind us that Christ is not only the sower but the seed as well. God takes initiative and meets us in our hearts; how will we respond?
January 30, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com