Jesus teaches his disciples that to follow his example requires us to become servants, pouring out our lives for one another.
February 24, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
"Practice what you preach" means simply that the words we say are mirrored in the actions we do. Sounds great, right? Yet that short phrase challenges us all to live as disciples of Christ - aware that our lives are constantly proclaiming a message. May people see and hear God's grace shining through us!
February 23, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
There are moments in life that change and transform us - mountaintop experiences - that lead us in new and powerful directions. Just as the Apostles encountered God's grace on the mountain, so too we can be guided by Christ as we open our hearts to the Lord's prompting both within and without.
February 21, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Jesus makes it clear that any offering we give to God must include forgiveness between one another. As Ezekiel reminds the people of Israel, we are called to turn away from the path that leads to evil and walk in virtue, justice and life - with the Lord and one another.
February 19, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Queen Esther, alone and in anguish, turns to the Lord. Her victory - made possible by God's help - inspires us to call upon the Lord as we ask, seek and knock for the help we need.
February 18, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Jonah preached to the people and they repented - through the signs of sackcloth, fasting, and supplication. When the people ask Jesus for a sign he recalls what happened at Nineveh, and he invites us to offer this "sign" of repentance that comes from our hearts - turning from sin and following the Lord.
February 17, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Consider all the times we pray the Lord's Prayer: at Mass; for special devotionals like the Rosary; in our private prayers; in the company of others. This little prayer (only 55 words) has tremendous horsepower to strengthen and guide us through life. The next time you pray the prayer Jesus taught (try it right now!), savor the words and allow their ancient wisdom to touch your heart with God's grace.
February 16, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or to www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Those moments...when our guts constrict and the air goes out of our lungs. The times in life when we are overwhelmed, lost, consumed by pain or grief, feeling abandoned, tempted to the breaking point...
And Jesus understands. Forty days of solitude in the wilderness, hungry and thirsty, the Lord triumphed over the temptations of Satan. It is crucial to note that these temptations - over physical needs, personal power/control, and death itself - would all be faced by Christ at Calvary. What's more, he will triumph!
Our faith reminds us of two key facts. Yes there will be times of trial, but as we confront the reality of life we do so equipped with the victory of Jesus. We face our struggles with God's grace, and we call upon the Lord as we say:
Be with me Lord, when I am in trouble!
February 14, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or to www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Fasting reminds us through our experience of hunger about our fundamental need to receive nourishment. This experience helps us understand our spiritual need for the Lord, and out of this awareness we can cultivate gratitude in our heart for the blessings lavished upon us. What's more, as we comprehend our basic needs we become more willing to help those in their need as well.
February 12, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Moses tells the people he has set life and death before them...choose life! Jesus reminds his disciples what profit is there to gain the whole world and lose your life? As we repent and believe in the Gospel, may we always choose to follow the Lord - the source of all life.
February 11, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or at www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Ashes are common in our daily life - every fire leads to them. But note these two qualities:
Welcome to the reality of sin: The ashes we wear are an outward sign that we wish to turn away from all that soils our souls and harms our hearts. May the words we hear today help us to seek the cleansing life that comes from Christ. The words are clear:
Repent, and Believe in the Gospel
February, 10, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
God keeps calling, inviting us to respond. What's holding us back? What grace do we need to pray for so that we can offer our hearts to the Lord and one another? Here I am Lord! I come to do your will.
February 7, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Every church is a spiritual home where we bring our hearts to encounter Jesus Christ. Big or small, ornate or simple, all churches come alive when they are filled with faithful disciples who seek the Lord and one another. To all the people who call the Cathedral their home...happy anniversary!
February 5, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Life offers its share of transitions, moments when we entrust our work to another and turn over our efforts into someone else's care. Of course, that means that things are going to get done differently - maybe in a way that we would never do - and we learn how to let go and allow things to happen beyond our control. The key ingredient to this handoff? Trusting and relying on God to see it through.
February 4, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Jesus gives us the example of how we forgive one another. Forgiveness can be part of our lives in two special ways:
Special blessings to all our Catholic Schools this week!
February 3, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
The King of Glory comes to Jerusalem, but not in the way that people expect; rather, Mary & Joseph present their baby who is recognized by Simeon and Anna as the the Savior of the world. Simply put, God comes to us in unique and unexpected ways - inviting us to be on the watch for God's presence in our lives and open to the little ways that the Lord can take our lives and do amazing things.
February 2, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for and archive of all presentations.
Life has its share of heartache and hardship. We all face struggles, challenges, and conflict. The question is, what guides and directs the words we say and the actions we do? What aspect of our faith can serve as the essential compass to steer us through life? The answer: LOVE.
January 30, 2016 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
The story of David and Bathsheba sounds like a Biblical soap opera, yet we are reminded that God's grace overcomes sin - often through slow and steady growth that starts small. Like a mustard seed, our faith in Christ confronts the challenges of this world and grows into a love that casts out all sin in the light of Christ.
January 29, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
The Light of Christ is like a lamp - meant to be set forth to give light to all. St. Thomas Aquinas, through his study and prayer, sought the Divine Light, and he offers us an example to follow today.
January 28, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
We pass on the faith that was handed to us. Like Saints Timothy & Titus, we are part of a vast chain of disciples - sharing the faith we have received so that the Good News of Jesus Christ may continue to touch hearts in our world today.
January 26, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcast go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
We call upon the Spirit of the Lord to strengthen us, so that we in turn can share God's Spirit with one another. Working together, like St. Paul's example of a body, the Lord empowers us in community to bring the Good News to the world.
January 24, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
David's example of mercy toward King Saul shows us a path to follow in our own lives. Rather than returning evil with evil, we are invited to bring the love and grace of Christ to the situations before us.
January 22, 2016 - 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 for an archive of all presentations.
Samuel meets the sons of Jesse to anoint one king of Israel. Each son appears kingly, but God replies:
“Not as man sees does God see,
because he sees the appearance
but the LORD looks into the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
May we see as God sees – both within our hearts and in the hearts of others – and respond with the love of Christ!
January 19, 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 for an archive of all presentations.
At the wedding at Cana the Lord's miracle of water to wine shows that God gives with quality and generosity. This notion of gift is picked up in Paul's 1st Letter to the Corinthians. These precious gifts - given by God - are meant to be used. Our invitation today: to acknowledge the good things Christ has given and put them into practice.
January 17, 2016 - St. Anthony Catholic Church - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts please go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
The encounter between the Lord and the leper reveals the direct access that people have to Christ - even with horrible illness. The leper's plea is met with the overwhelming response for healing and wholeness. In the same way, may we openly approach Jesus in our need, trusting in his mercy and tenderness.
January 14, 2016 - Hershman House - Fishers, IN
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.