The Lord commands the disciples to "go into the world and tell the Good News." Our faith today is built on the witness of those who have gone before us. But the command of Jesus applies to us as well...prompting us to consider how we will proclaim the Good News to those around us today.
January 25, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The parable of the sower teaches us that the Lord works in a slow and steady way to change our lives. While there are many temptations and distractions that can choke off our faith, we are reminded to foster the Gospel in our hearts and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.
January 24, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord claims us as part of his family in the Gospel of Mark. God chooses us and invites us to accept the Good News and put it into practice.
January 23, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Those little words, "I'm sorry" and "I forgive you" have the power to bring healing and grace as we recognize our weaknesses and ask for mercy. May the example of Jonah and Jesus inspire us to speak them frequently from the heart!
January 20, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The relatives of Jesus in the Gospel today show us that sometimes our family dynamics can cause stress and struggle. Yet our families can also be the place where we are supported and nurtured to grow. May we give our best effort to our family as we encourage and build up one another.
January 20, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus calls the Twelve disciples by name and empowers them for ministry. The Lord does the same for us! May we say yes and allow God's grace to work through our imperfections so that we may serve others with the love of Christ.
January 19, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Gospel of Mark reveals the power of the healing ministry of Jesus. From the beginning the Church has continued this work; may our lives today be open to this ministry as we seek to be instruments of the Lord's healing touch.
January 18, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on a Sabbath, revealing his power as the Son of God and inviting us to consider how we do the Lord's work in the midst of competing values and priorities.
January 17, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
When we say "Jesus is Lord" we claim Him as the center and priority of our lives. May we constantly examine our hearts, looking for anything that is not worthy of God's grace as we continuously re-orient our lives to Christ.
January 16, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Like a coach who calls a play that leads to action on the field, God calls us to a life of faith by what we think, speak and do. May we hear the Lord's call in our lives today and respond with full hearts!
January 14, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus calls Levi - a tax collector and a sinner - with the simple invitation "Follow me." In the same way the Lord calls us, not because we are perfect, but precisely so that we can draw near to the one who heals, redeems and loves us.
January 13, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Four people go to extraordinary lengths to bring a paralytic to Jesus for healing. It begs the question: what do we do to bring people to Jesus, to remove the obstacles that keep others from God? While it is true that each person must decide to follow Jesus, we can all ask ourselves if we are cooperating with the Lord to help one another encounter Christ.
January 12, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus cleanses a leper and restores his health and relationships. We, too, can look into our hearts, see what does not belong, and draw near to the Lord for the healing and restoration we require.
January 11, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord's ministry touches hearts and changes lives, as people encounter Jesus and begin to serve in new and unique ways. Like them, we can echo the words of Samuel and the Psalmist as we say, "Here am I Lord! I come to do your will."
January 10, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus enters the synagogue and drives out unclean spirits. Guided by our faith in Christ, we face evil with God's grace and build our lives on the strength of the Lord.
January 9, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord calls us to be vigilant - against drowsiness, anxiety, and drunkenness - as we pray for the strength to face our challenges in this life. For always remember: one day we will stand before the Son of Man.
December 2, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The prophet Daniel speaks of the Lord's everlasting dominion, and Jesus affirms that his words are everlasting. In the midst of the distractions and frantic pace of life, may we remember the permanence and strength we receive when we join our hearts to Christ.
December 1, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord calls Peter, Andrew, James and John by name to carry out a specific task: invite others to follow Jesus Christ. This work continues today, and our invitation is to consider how the Lord calls us to invite others to follow as well.
November 30, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord speaks bluntly to the disciples, saying that many who follow him will suffer persecution. Yet as we persevere in faith we are reminded that God will give us what we need to keep going.
November 29, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Once a year as a nation we pause and give thanks for our blessings. It's a great idea, and as disciples of Jesus Christ we pause everyday to thank the Lord with a grateful heart. What are you thankful for today? How can you share your blessings and be a light in the world?
November 23, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus offers a parable about servants who have been given resources by their master. The passage reminds us that we have all been blessed with opportunities to serve the Lord, and everyday we have a chance to act upon them.
November 22, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus speaks to Zacchaeus and initiates a conversation that leads to a conversion of heart. We, too, are called to reach out to one another with the Good News of Christ...to seek and save what was lost.
November 21, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord invites us to pray always and never become weary. May the blessings and burdens of each day be a part of our daily prayer, as we call upon the Lord for what we need.
November 18, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus exhorts the disciples not to go looking for the Kingdom of God "here or there," but recognize that in Him the Kingdom is already present. Our task? To live for Christ here on earth so that we are ready to greet him in Heaven.
November 16, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
10 lepers were healed by Jesus and delivered from their horrible illness by his divine power. Only one came back to say thanks - a foreigner - and his example inspires us to practice gratitude for the moments of grace we receive throughout our daily lives.
November 15, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com