The words of John the Baptist serve as a reminder for all of us to let Jesus Christ take greater and greater control of our hearts.
January 12, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord reveals his compassion for the leper who begs to be healed in the Gospel today. May we trust in Christ's merciful will for us in our need as we draw near to the one who longs for us to be made whole.
January 11, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As Jesus proclaims the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah in his hometown of Nazareth, we are reminded that through Christ we have the same Spirit in our hearts. Our task: to live it!
January 10, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord's words to the disciples speak to us as well: "Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!" As we face the challenges of life may we look to Jesus for the grace we need to carry on.
January 9, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord takes pity on the crowd and he nourishes them through teaching, compassion and food. Following his example, we are called to do the same as we help our brothers and sisters by building them up...body and soul.
January 8, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
While we all know the Magi who greet the Christ child with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, we can sometimes take for granted that the light they saw led them to action. While knowledge is power, it is useless until it is applied; may the wise men inspire us to put the gift of our lives in service for the Lord.
January 5, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Philip's invitation to Nathaniel in the Gospel today to "come and see" serves as a powerful reminder for the Church today. Not only are we directed to invite others to join us in faith, but we are also charged to live the faith with vibrant conviction.
January 5, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
An encounter with the Lord empowers two disciples of John the Baptist to go out and invite other people to meet Jesus. As we draw closer to Christ may we eagerly reach out to those around us with the joy of the Good News.
January 4, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
John the Baptist testifies that Jesus is the "Lamb of God." These words proclaim the sacrifice of Christ's life for our salvation; by his blood on the Cross he will redeem our souls from sin and death.
January 3, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The response of John the Baptist offers us an insight into how we approach the Lord for our daily needs.
January 2, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
She is the Mother of God and the Mother of the Church. May the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary strengthen our desire to offer our hearts in loving service to her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
December 31, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Msgr. Ed Meulemans was my pastor when I arrived at the Cathedral as a newly ordained priest in 1997. Over the years he has been a great friend and mentor, teaching me many lessons about discipleship and priesthood. May he rest in peace!
December 31, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Holy Family faced the blessings and burdens of life with Christ in their lives. Jesus is present in our hearts, our homes...and our families. May we do all that we can to build up the relationships we have within our families, in preparation for when God unites us with our family in Heaven.
December 29, 2018 - St. Anthony Catholic Church - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As Simeon sees the Christ Child he recognizes the Messiah and gives praise to God. As the Kingdom of Heaven continues to unfold here on earth, we have daily opportunities to seek out the face of Jesus in our lives and respond with joy and gratitude.
December 29, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The horrific massacre of the baby boys in Bethlehem echoes the heart wrenching evil witnessed throughout human history. Yet in the face of senseless violence and tragic evil, we hold fast to the hope that God's justice and mercy will prevail through the power of the savior, Jesus Christ.
December 28, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Just as St. John announced the Word of God through his Gospel and Letters, we have a daily opportunity to testify to the Lord whenever we open our hearts to Christ and proclaim the Good News of Jesus.
December 27, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
St. Stephen's death serves as a sharp contrast from the glory Christ's birth. Yet this contrast helps us engage in the spiritual battle that is part of our earthly life as we face our struggles with the grace of Jesus.
December 26, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Messiah is born! King of kings and Lord of lords, the ruler of the universe comes to us as a defenseless and vulnerable infant. Why? To get past all our defenses and touch our hearts with a gentleness that shakes the foundations of the world. Merry Christmas!
December 24, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Elizabeth recognized the presence of the Messiah, and she rejoiced that God had drawn near. As Christmas approaches, we rejoice in the many ways that God pours grace into our hearts through the power and mercy of Jesus.
December 23, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
It's called the Magnificat - a song of praise that Mary offers - and it has been a prayer of powerful reflection for the Church for 2000 years. Recognizing that God is in charge, initiating, leading, empowering and conquering evil, we are united in grace and draw near to the Lord.
December 22, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Mary and Elizabeth, pregnant with their sons as foretold by the angel Gabriel, are filled with the Holy Spirit as they encounter one another. The presence of the Spirit gives us an insight into what happens when we cooperate with God's grace in our lives: the Lord does great things!
December 21, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
While the story of the angel Gabriel and Mary is well known, its familiarity can blind us to the fact that just as God worked through Mary's life, God works in ours. The question is, will we use the blessings we have been given for the Lord's glory? Will we say yes to Jesus Christ today?
December 20, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Luke's Gospel sets the context for the birth of John the Baptist - the last and greatest prophet who will proclaim Jesus as the Lamb of God - and shows us how God constantly works through our lives to bring about something new.
December 19, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
St. Joseph's reception and response to the angel's message offers us a fitting example of faith in action as we receive God's word and respond in love to Jesus Christ!
December 18, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Scriptures today reveal Zephaniah, the Psalmist, St. Paul and John the Baptist as God's messengers who communicate to the people. They remind us that we are all messengers for Jesus Christ, called to proclaim and receive a message of joy.
December 15, 2018 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com