When God said to King Solomon, "Ask something of me and I will give it to you," Solomon offers a response that is profound...inviting us today to consider how we carry out the Lord's plan for our lives as we serve others with God's grace.
July 29, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Martha's conversation with Jesus reveals the depth of her friendship and the conviction of her faith. May her example inspire us to turn to the Lord in our need with the same trust.
July 29, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
As Jesus explains the meaning of the parable of the sower, he provides us with an opportunity to reflect on what needs to be removed from our hearts as we cultivate our lives for the Lord.
July 28, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
God speaks to the people in great and small ways, reminding us that the Lord continues to touch our hearts and invite us to respond.
July 27, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
God does the planting, and it's our job to do what we can to help the seeds grow. What's the Lord planting in your heart today? What are the obstacles? What can you do to cultivate a harvest worth of the Lord?
July 26, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus addresses a teachable moment when he explains that glory in Heaven comes from offering one's life in charity and service. James and John will drink from the cup of of Christ, reminding us that every time we offer our lives for others we follow the example of Christ.
July 25, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Every gardener encounters weeds, and the Lord uses this image in the Gospel of Matthew to remind us that in the garden of our hearts we have a daily opportunity to pull out what does not belong.
July 22, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Gospel of John recounts how Mary Magdalene was the first to meet the Risen Lord. Her conversion and witness inspire us: no matter what our past has been, God's grace can touch our hearts and change our lives!
July 22, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Speaking with the pharisees, Jesus offers an insight into God's compassion and mercy when he says, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." Today we have the opportunity to offer to Christ the gift of mercy as we lovingly respond to the weaknesses of those around us, as we claim the Lord's mercy for ourselves.
July 21, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Moses stands before God and receives his commission to go to Egypt. It will be hard, but the Lord will walk with him. As we face our challenges in life, God will give us what we need as well.
July 20, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Moses, standing on holy ground in the sight of the burning bush, is sent by God on a mission to free the people from their bondage in Egypt. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to continue God's saving work in the world today.
July 19, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus reminds us in the Gospel of Matthew that there are consequences for our actions that will take place in the final judgment. With this awareness in mind, we have the opportunity today to repent of our sins and turn to the Lord for his mercy and forgiveness.
July 18, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Divorce touches our lives in many ways and on many levels. Fr. Andrew offers some pastoral food for thought regarding how we offer healing to those facing divorce and support for couples working on their marriage. (40 Minutes)
July 17, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
What kind of crop is growing in your heart? Do you like what you see? Does something need to be cultivated or planted? Every day we have a new opportunity to take the gift of our lives and raise a crop worthy of the Lord.
July 15, 2017 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
"Do not be afraid" is a statement that should be drilled into the hearts and minds of every disciple. Jesus gives us the example, empowers us with his Spirit, and guides us in the face of opposition and difficulty. May we hang on to his hand and carry out the work he sets before us today!
July 15, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord speaks bluntly when he tells his disciples about the opposition they will encounter: hatred, persecution, suffering, and ridicule will follow them. And yet this opposition only highlights what's truly at stake: eternal life!
July 14, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Our choices in a life of faith lead to consequences: Christ calls us to follow and fully offer our lives, yet we also have the freedom to walk away and ignore the offer. What will you do today?
July 13, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Having offered his personal example, the Lord now extends his authority to the Twelve Apostles so that they can continue his ministry. He calls them by name...just as he calls each one of us today.
July 12, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Gospel of Matthew offers a snap shot of the ministry of the Lord and helps us to focus on how our lives can participate in the ongoing mission of Jesus Christ.
July 11, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Mom always said, "Go play outside!" Summer is a great time to rethink how we live, and this podcast offers some thoughts about how to engage our lives in the great outdoors. (17 minutes)
July 10, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord tells us that he is "meek and humble of heart" and when we draw near to him we will find rest for our souls. May his grace touch our hearts and help us to become more like him every day.
July 8, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus explains to the disciples of John in the Gospel today that there is a time to feast and a time to fast...reminding us that in our journey of faith we are also called to respond to the situations and circumstances of life with the guidance of Jesus Christ.
July 8, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The call and response of St. Matthew in the Gospel today offers us a pattern of discipleship. As we draw near to Christ may we bring as many people with us as we can!
July 7, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
"Courage, child, your sins are forgiven." As Jesus says these words to the paralytic we find that the mercy of Christ is greater than all our sins...and we are inspired to draw near to the one who loves us completely.
July 6, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus reveals his power as the Son of God as he casts out the demons in the Gospel of Matthew. The Lord continues to work in our world, and as his disciples we confront evil with his grace and strength.
July 5, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com