Remember as kids when we learned how to do long division?  Remember what happens when you make a mistake early on, only to find out at the end that the answer is wrong?  And remember how you have to:

• Go back to the beginning
• Find the mistake
• Rework the problem to a new solution?

The same is true for spiritual life.  Both the first reading and the Gospel call us to repent - turning away from our sins and mistakes and following God with full hearts.  May we call upon the Lord's grace to move forward with God's help as we embrace the Good News.

January 24, 2014 - St. William Church - Foxboro, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci

studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts, go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com

This "Theology on Tap" reflection offers some practical ways to strengthen your prayer life and grow closer to God.  Some topics include:

• Time, Space, Location, and Preparation
• Dealing with Distraction
• Using resources - including Scripture and Devotionals
• Finding what works for you

Originally given on November 11, 2013 - Dubh Linh's Pub - Duluth, MN

Fr. Andrew Ricci

studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts, go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com

The call of the Lord today touched the hearts of Samuel and two disciples of John the Baptist through the assistance of Eli and John.  Their example speaks to us:

• Are we listening to the Lords call in our lives?
• Are we helping others find their call?

May we keep our hearts open through Scripture, Prayer, and Fellowship; may we speak to others in love - sharing what we see so that they can find their path.

January 18, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci

studyprayserve.com

For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or 

www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com

Water is an essential element here on Earth - capable of death and life. 

• Death: the destructive force of a flood, or the cleansing power to remove filth
• Life: crucial for physical life, and capable of peace & serenity in our souls

The Baptism of the Lord was a moment that transforms and empowers all baptisms - configuring the newly baptized to Jesus Christ.  His death on the Cross destroys our sin and death; his resurrection opens the doors of Heaven for our eternal life.

Today, what sin and/or temptation needs to be destroyed by the grace of Baptism?  What virtues and abilities need to be nourished by the Lord's saving power that comes to us through our Baptism?

January 11, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci

studyprayserve.com

The Magi followed the Star which led them to Jesus Christ - the source of all Light.  Through their journey, they reveal two points for consideration today:

• How do we seek the Light of Christ in our lives?
• How do we share the Light of Christ with one another?

The Feast of the Epiphany - where light shines upon us for understanding, insight, and hope - strengthens us to welcome God's light into our hearts, that we may be a light to those around us!

January 4, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci

studyprayserve.com

The Incarnation of Jesus - who is both the Son of God and the Son of Mary - helps us understand the way that God has drawn near to us.  The bridge between the human and divine was made possible when Jesus - born of Mary - closed the gap between heaven and earth.  God comes to us so that we may come to know God!

As we begin to move into a New Year, what gaps and obstacle are before us?  As we begin to see the challenges in our lives, may we turn to the Son of Mary for the help and strength we need to face life with the conviction that God continues to reach out to us in love.

January 1, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI

Fr. Andrew Ricci

studyprayserve.com