The parable of the sower and the seed reminds us that there are many obstacles that seek to prevent us from following the Lord. May we cultivate our hearts so that Christ may raise up a rich harvest.
July 24, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord teaches that those who do the will of his Heavenly Father are part of his family. May we claim this relationship as we put into practice our faith in Jesus Christ!
July 23, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus reminds Martha that only one thing is important, and her sister Mary has found it as she drew near to the Lord. May Christ be the center and priority of our lives as well!
July 20, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
In the face of opposition and threats against his life, Jesus continues to minister to the crowds and give them hope. May we bring the broken fragments of our lives to the Lord today, confident in his healing grace.
July 20, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
While speaking to the Pharisees, Jesus reveals his authority over all creation. May we recognize the Lord's role in our hearts as well.
July 19, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The compassion of Christ is evident in this well known passage from Matthew: come to me all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. May these words inspire us in our moments of weakness to draw near to the Lord for the grace and strength we need.
July 18, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As Moses approached the burning bush he stood on holy ground and spoke with God. Our faith in Jesus Christ - who fulfills the law of Moses - allows us to draw near to the living God through our study, prayer and service.
July 17, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord reproaches the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum because they did not repent when they witnessed the mighty acts of God. We, too, have been given much by God; will we turn to the Lord and live?
July 16, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
In this passage from the Gospel of Luke the Lord teaches his disciples that the term "neighbor" applies to all people, regardless of race, color, religion or political view. Using the example of the Good Samaritan, Jesus reveals how we are called to respond with mercy toward all.
July 14, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Three times in the Gospel today Jesus tells his disciples to be not afraid. Three times! The fact is, fear is a part of the landscape of our lives, and with God's help we can face it with faith as we follow the Lord.
July 13, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Matthew's Gospel reminds us that we are called by the Lord to use all our resources of mind, heart and soul. Each of these aspects of our humanity fosters our growth as disciples as we offer our lives for the glory of God.
July 12, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The story of Joseph in the Book of Genesis recounts the power of reconciliation within a family. Joseph chooses the higher path and overcomes hatred and discord as he returns compassion toward his brothers. His example inspires us to examine our own families and actively seek opportunities to foster peace.
July 11, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The call of the twelve Apostles reveals the personal connection Jesus has with his disciples. Called by name (with their own unique strengths and weaknesses) the Lord will empower them to serve in his name. The Lord does the same for us!
July 10, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Matthew's Gospel shows how the Lord was moved with pity as he gazed on the people who were troubled and abandoned. The mercy of Christ consoles us to draw near to God with open hearts, even as it challenges us to look at one another (especially those who push our buttons!) with the love of the Lord.
July 9, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus empowers 72 disciples to go in pairs and continue his mission of preaching, healing and driving out evil. Facing opposition and hostility they return rejoicing at the power of God at work in their lives. May we be inspired to follow their example!
July 6, 2019 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Throughout our lives there are many spiritual lessons to be learned. Whether it's repentance or rejoicing, suffering or celebration, fasting or feasting. God calls us to discern what we need today...and then ask the Lord for the grace to respond.
The call of Matthew to follow Jesus reminds us that the Lord calls all of us - in spite of our sinfulness - to take his hand and journey along the path of faith. Christ beckons...will we respond?
July 5, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The man brought to Jesus was healed of his affliction and forgiven of his sins. God longs to heal and restore our lives, and even when we are unable to initiate the process the Lord brings people around us to make his grace possible.
July 4, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
St. Thomas reminds us that as disciples we can be honest with our human doubts even as we embrace our faith in Christ. As we bring our struggles to the Lord, we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus...calling for the grace we need each day.
July 3, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The cry of the disciples during a storm on the Sea of Galilee echoes a common thought that occurs in our lives. When we are down, struggling, at a loss or overcome...we call upon the one who is the source of our hope.
July 2, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
In our best moments we know that we are works in progress - people growing through the ups and downs of life - and that we have to follow directions because some assembly is required. May we trust in the Lord to lead us through this life as we follow with all our heart.
June 30, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
They are two great lights in the Church, and their influence has shaped the lives of billions of Christians over the last 2000 years. May the example of these two saints inspire us to follow the Lord with all our heart!
June 29, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
All of the readings today reveal the compassion of God that flows from the sacred heart of Christ. God's mercy reaches out to us, invites us to reconcile, and urges us to turn away from our sins and toward the Lord. May we accept this amazing grace!
June 28, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Life challenges us with difficulties and distractions, temptations and turmoil. How do we find the strength and wisdom to navigate? Jesus offers the answer when he says that the storms of life are securely faced when we build our lives on the rock of faith.
June 27, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
It's our actions, not our words, that reveal to others the contents of our hearts. The Lord makes this clear when he teaches that we know people by the fruitfulness of their lives. May Christ's words inspire us to bear fruit in all that we do!
June 26, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com