The Prologue of the Gospel of John offers a beautiful, mystical reflection on the person of Jesus Christ. The Lord, who is the Word made flesh, is the light of the world who shines in the darkness. May we run to this light!
December 31, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph offers us an example of family life and inspires us to reach out to our own families with the love of the Lord.
December 30, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The First Letter of John offers us a crucial spiritual insight about our relationship with the Lord and one another. May our desire to follow Jesus Christ inspire us to continue to walk in his light as we love one another.
December 29, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Herod's murder of the baby boys in Bethlehem reveals the senseless violence of our darkened world. This evil, and all the forms it embodies, is overcome by the baby laid in a manger...the Christ who breaks the bonds of sin and death by his victory on the Cross.
December 28, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
St. John - Apostle and Evangelist - inspires us to be living witnesses for Jesus Christ by authentically living the Good News in our daily lives.
December 27, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Here are some of the themes for the readings for the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God.
December 26, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Church celebrates the martyrdom of St. Stephen immediately after Christmas, in no small way to remind us that the child we worship in the manger will grow to offer his life for the salvation of the world. May Stephen's example inspire us today to live our lives for the Lord.
December 26, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Merry Christmas! Depending on the Mass you attend, there are four different sets of readings. Yet as we ponder God's love for our fallen world, may the hope in our hearts burst forth as we proclaim the Good News with tidings of glad joy: today is born our savior, Christ the Lord!
December 24, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Canticle of Zechariah brings the season of Advent to a close with a resounding proclamation of praise to God. May these words ring out in our hearts!
December 24, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The birth of John the Baptist indicates a new element in salvation history. The hand of the Lord is upon the one who comes to prepare the way for Christ our savior.
December 23, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Mary's Magnificat becomes a model for our prayer and praise to God. May these words inspire us to keep our focus upon the Lord as we draw strength from the one who saves us.
December 22, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The encounter between Mary and Elizabeth reveals how God's gift of joy surfaces in the presence of faith and fellowship. As we count our blessings today, may we express the Good News of the Lord's love in our lives with those around us.
December 21, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Mary encounters the angel Gabriel, who announces God's saving power that comes to our world through Jesus Christ. May this Good News sustain us in our difficult moments...for nothing will be impossible for God!
December 20, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The angel Gabriel speaks to Zechariah, announcing that his wife Elizabeth will conceive a son who will go forth with the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare a people for the Lord.
December 19, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
There are FOUR different options for Mass Readings on the Feast of Christmas! As it depends on the Mass you attend (and the preference of the presider) I will limit my reflection to the Gospel readings.
December 19, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As we transition from Advent to Christmas, we prepare to meet Jesus Christ, who is "Emmanuel" which means "God is with us". With joy, then, we open our hearts and let the Lord enter, for he is the King of Glory!
December 17, 2022 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The genealogy of Jesus walks us through several high points in salvation history. Yet, once we understand that we are grafted on to this tree through the gift of faith, we see our connection to Christ enriched and enlivened. We are a part of the Lord's family!
December 17, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Just as John the Baptist was "a burning and shining lamp" that guided the people to Jesus, we, too, are called by the Lord to shine with the light of Christ in the world today.
December 16, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus speaks about John the Baptist to the crowds, revealing the greatness of the prophet and inspiring us to follow the call to repentance.
December 15, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Isaiah speaks with bold and passionate intensity, revealing God as the source and center of our lives. May we reaffirm this truth each and every day as we follow Jesus Christ with full and open hearts.
December 14, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord reminds the disciples that it is crucial to follow God's call with actions of repentance. May we take this insight to heart as we put our faith into practice.
December 13, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
To all who have a special devotion to the Blessed Mother, happy feast day! May her example inspire us to draw closer to her Son!
December 12, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Let's explore the themes in the readings for the 4th Sunday of Advent.
December 12, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Psalm response reveals our universal cry to God for help in moments of grave need. May the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy through the actions of Christ inspire us to call out everyday to the Lord with gratitude and trust.
December 10, 2022 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
In speaking with his disciples, Jesus reveals the suffering that he and John the Baptist must endure.
December 10, 2022 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com