The story of Joseph in the Book of Genesis recounts the power of reconciliation within a family. Joseph chooses the higher path and overcomes hatred and discord as he returns compassion toward his brothers. His example inspires us to examine our own families and actively seek opportunities to foster peace.
July 11, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The call of the twelve Apostles reveals the personal connection Jesus has with his disciples. Called by name (with their own unique strengths and weaknesses) the Lord will empower them to serve in his name. The Lord does the same for us!
July 10, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Matthew's Gospel shows how the Lord was moved with pity as he gazed on the people who were troubled and abandoned. The mercy of Christ consoles us to draw near to God with open hearts, even as it challenges us to look at one another (especially those who push our buttons!) with the love of the Lord.
July 9, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus empowers 72 disciples to go in pairs and continue his mission of preaching, healing and driving out evil. Facing opposition and hostility they return rejoicing at the power of God at work in their lives. May we be inspired to follow their example!
July 6, 2019 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Throughout our lives there are many spiritual lessons to be learned. Whether it's repentance or rejoicing, suffering or celebration, fasting or feasting. God calls us to discern what we need today...and then ask the Lord for the grace to respond.
The call of Matthew to follow Jesus reminds us that the Lord calls all of us - in spite of our sinfulness - to take his hand and journey along the path of faith. Christ beckons...will we respond?
July 5, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The man brought to Jesus was healed of his affliction and forgiven of his sins. God longs to heal and restore our lives, and even when we are unable to initiate the process the Lord brings people around us to make his grace possible.
July 4, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
St. Thomas reminds us that as disciples we can be honest with our human doubts even as we embrace our faith in Christ. As we bring our struggles to the Lord, we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus...calling for the grace we need each day.
July 3, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The cry of the disciples during a storm on the Sea of Galilee echoes a common thought that occurs in our lives. When we are down, struggling, at a loss or overcome...we call upon the one who is the source of our hope.
July 2, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
In our best moments we know that we are works in progress - people growing through the ups and downs of life - and that we have to follow directions because some assembly is required. May we trust in the Lord to lead us through this life as we follow with all our heart.
June 30, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
They are two great lights in the Church, and their influence has shaped the lives of billions of Christians over the last 2000 years. May the example of these two saints inspire us to follow the Lord with all our heart!
June 29, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
All of the readings today reveal the compassion of God that flows from the sacred heart of Christ. God's mercy reaches out to us, invites us to reconcile, and urges us to turn away from our sins and toward the Lord. May we accept this amazing grace!
June 28, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Life challenges us with difficulties and distractions, temptations and turmoil. How do we find the strength and wisdom to navigate? Jesus offers the answer when he says that the storms of life are securely faced when we build our lives on the rock of faith.
June 27, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
It's our actions, not our words, that reveal to others the contents of our hearts. The Lord makes this clear when he teaches that we know people by the fruitfulness of their lives. May Christ's words inspire us to bear fruit in all that we do!
June 26, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Psalm 15 offers some beautiful advice for living a just life for the Lord. Holiness is not just found in the extraordinary; often, our most powerful Christian witness occurs in the normal, everyday interactions that we have with one another.
June 25, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Eucharist was defined and commanded by the Lord so that his disciples would be strengthened with his Body and Blood to face the challenges of life. May we receive Jesus Christ through our participation at Mass with fervent desire!
June 22, 2019 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyrprayserve.com
The Lord's insight about useless worry addresses a common human condition. We can easily waste the gift of life being anxious over things that give us nothing in return! Instead, may we focus on the Kingdom of God for the grace and strength we need.
June 22, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus offers sound spiritual advice that has practical application to our daily lives. Our treasures reveal the depth of our hearts and display what we value and cherish. May we consider the things of heaven to help guide how we live each day here on earth.
June 21, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord's Prayer has shaped billions of Christians, offering a short, powerful prayer that cuts to the heart of the spiritual battles we face every day. May we take a moment to reflect on some of the key insights of these words and allow them to transform our hearts.
June 20, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus teaches that our actions are accountable to God and not to be done for our own gratification. Prayer, fasting and almsgiving are powerful ways to live our faith, provided that they are done for God's glory and not our own.
June 19, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
This command of Jesus will test us in the depth of our hearts! Yet when we love our enemies we grow as disciples and become more and more like the Lord, who graces us with God's love so we can put this teaching into daily practice.
June 18, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The love between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit becomes the model for Christian discipleship. The indivisible unity of the Trinity - overflowing with love - guides and directs the Church to unite from within and without as we strive to grow closer together in love.
June 15, 2019 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
St. Paul shows how the sacrifice of Jesus Christ makes reconciliation possible in our world. As disciples of the Lord, we are called to be ambassadors - agents of healing - who help continue the Lord's saving mission to reconcile people to God and one another.
June 15, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
St. Paul reminds us that we hold a treasure from God in our fragile, human hands. As disciples of Jesus Christ we always recognize two issues: on one hand we are inheritors of God's glory; on the other hand we are weak and prone to sin. May we accept God's grace and allow the Lord to touch our lives with his healing love.
June 14, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus makes it clear in today's Gospel reading (part of the Sermon on the Mount) that reconciliation is a non-negotiable aspect of Christian Life. Who do we need to reconcile with today? How can we take the first step in putting the Lord's command into practice?
June 13, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com