The Holy Family encountered great extremes of blessing and hardship. Their witness can teach us two crucial lessons:
The example of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph can inspire us to call upon God's help as we walk with our families through life.
December 28, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci
studyprayserve.com
In A Christmas Carol we see two completely different portraits of Ebenezer Scrooge: on one hand he is a tight-fisted miser whose heart is cold; on the other hand he is a fully alive uncle and employer who wishes "Merry Christmas!" to friends and strangers alike.
What happened? What brought about the transformation? Simply put, the power of Christmas - Jesus Christ - touched his heart and changed his life.
This power continue to speak to us today. The incarnation of Jesus - God becoming like us - removes all barriers and obstacles that keep us from the Lord and one another. By recognizing the parts of our lives that have "Bah! Humbug!" and turning to Christ, we can receive the power and grace of Christmas.
December 25, 2014 - Midnight Mass - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci
studyprayserve.com
At the end of A Christmas Carol Scrooge chooses to make a change in his life that will affect everything. In the Gospel, Mary chooses to embrace the message of the angel Gabriel.
Our choices carry powerful consequences for ourselves and those around us. Sometimes they are major events in life, but often they occur throughout a day as we freely decide to either step up (seeking what is good) or step down (giving in to temptation and sin).
This Christmas, may the choices we make be guided by the love and grace of Jesus Christ!
December 21, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci
studyprayserve.com
We take out the trash regularly from the kitchen, or else we live with the stink and stench of smelly garbage. In the same way Advent gives us a ready made opportunity to search our hearts and through the sacrament of reconciliation to remove the stink of sin so that God's grace might give us healing and peace
December 13, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci
studyprayserve.com
There are times when we formally say "Yes, I accept" to new opportunities in our lives. Mary's "yes" to the angel Gabriel gives us an example and model as the Lord invites us to follow our call.
December 8, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci
studyprayserve.com
A Christmas Carol has several characters that stand out:
Fan (Scrooge's sister) - full of love for her older brother
Fred (Scrooge's nephew) - full of Christmas cheer
Fezziwig (Scrooge's old boss) - knows how to celebrate Christmas
Bob Cratchit (Scrooge's clerk) - loves his family deeply
Tiny Tim (Bob's weakly son) - strives to live thoughtfully with goodness/kindness
Note: They are all filled with hope, even as they face the difficulties of life: Fan will die young; Fred grew up without a mom; Fezziwig knew the challenges of running a business; Bob knew about poverty and making tough sacrifices; and Tiny Tim knew firsthand the hard realities of illness.
It invites us to ponder - how do we prepare our hearts with Advent hope? Are we receiving hope, and are we passing it on to one another?
December 7, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci
studyprayserve.com
This talk was part of an Advent retreat offered at Cathedral of Christ the King. Six categories are offered to help us see more clearly the face of Christ:
December 6, 2014 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci
studyprayserve.com