The invitation of Jesus to "come and you will see" to two people will become for them a life changing experience as they spend time with the Lord. The same is true for us; may we actively create opportunities to drawn near to Christ, so that we might be filled with His grace.
January 4, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The First Letter of St. John offers a message of consolation and challenge. As children of God we are part of the Lord's family, united in his love; yet this membership means that we take seriously the destructive role of sin as we strive to live in a manner that is worthy of Heaven.
January 3, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
John the Baptist offers an example of discipleship in the Gospel today. As the crowds flock to his preaching and baptism of repentance, John consistently redirects their attention toward Jesus. May we do the same in our lives today.
January 2, 2020 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
There is a grim aspect to the Gospel reading today. Innocent baby boys, slaughtered to satisfy Herod's need to protect his ego, recall for us the reality that cruelty, hatred, evil and sin are part of our human condition. May this terrifying event inspire us to respect all life as a precious and sacred gift from God.
December 28, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
On this feast of St. John - the Apostle and Evangelist - we look to John's example and consider how we are called to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ in our lives today.
December 27, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Stephen is the first person to give his life as a witness to his faith in Jesus Christ. He spoke with a wisdom and spirit that none could refute, and he offers us an example about how we show our love for the Lord every day.
December 26, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
God loves us. Plain and simple. Warts and all. God loves us and meets us where we are, not in polished perfection and immaculate attire, but in a humble manger as a displaced person. God loves us so much that he sent his Son to die and rise that we might have eternal life.
May we all drop to our knees at some point today and say thank you...
Merry Christmas, my friends!
December 25, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Have you ever tried to get a gift for "the person who has everything" and been frustrated in the process? Everything we have comes from God...everything! The Lord needs nothing from us, but asks for only one thing: a loving heart that reaches out to others.
December 24, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The words of John the Baptist serve as a reminder for all of us to let Jesus Christ take greater and greater control of our hearts.
January 12, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord reveals his compassion for the leper who begs to be healed in the Gospel today. May we trust in Christ's merciful will for us in our need as we draw near to the one who longs for us to be made whole.
January 11, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As Jesus proclaims the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah in his hometown of Nazareth, we are reminded that through Christ we have the same Spirit in our hearts. Our task: to live it!
January 10, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord's words to the disciples speak to us as well: "Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!" As we face the challenges of life may we look to Jesus for the grace we need to carry on.
January 9, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord takes pity on the crowd and he nourishes them through teaching, compassion and food. Following his example, we are called to do the same as we help our brothers and sisters by building them up...body and soul.
January 8, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
While we all know the Magi who greet the Christ child with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, we can sometimes take for granted that the light they saw led them to action. While knowledge is power, it is useless until it is applied; may the wise men inspire us to put the gift of our lives in service for the Lord.
January 5, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Philip's invitation to Nathaniel in the Gospel today to "come and see" serves as a powerful reminder for the Church today. Not only are we directed to invite others to join us in faith, but we are also charged to live the faith with vibrant conviction.
January 5, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
An encounter with the Lord empowers two disciples of John the Baptist to go out and invite other people to meet Jesus. As we draw closer to Christ may we eagerly reach out to those around us with the joy of the Good News.
January 4, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
John the Baptist testifies that Jesus is the "Lamb of God." These words proclaim the sacrifice of Christ's life for our salvation; by his blood on the Cross he will redeem our souls from sin and death.
January 3, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The response of John the Baptist offers us an insight into how we approach the Lord for our daily needs.
January 2, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Holy Family faced the blessings and burdens of life with Christ in their lives. Jesus is present in our hearts, our homes...and our families. May we do all that we can to build up the relationships we have within our families, in preparation for when God unites us with our family in Heaven.
December 29, 2018 - St. Anthony Catholic Church - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As Simeon sees the Christ Child he recognizes the Messiah and gives praise to God. As the Kingdom of Heaven continues to unfold here on earth, we have daily opportunities to seek out the face of Jesus in our lives and respond with joy and gratitude.
December 29, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The horrific massacre of the baby boys in Bethlehem echoes the heart wrenching evil witnessed throughout human history. Yet in the face of senseless violence and tragic evil, we hold fast to the hope that God's justice and mercy will prevail through the power of the savior, Jesus Christ.
December 28, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Just as St. John announced the Word of God through his Gospel and Letters, we have a daily opportunity to testify to the Lord whenever we open our hearts to Christ and proclaim the Good News of Jesus.
December 27, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
St. Stephen's death serves as a sharp contrast from the glory Christ's birth. Yet this contrast helps us engage in the spiritual battle that is part of our earthly life as we face our struggles with the grace of Jesus.
December 26, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Messiah is born! King of kings and Lord of lords, the ruler of the universe comes to us as a defenseless and vulnerable infant. Why? To get past all our defenses and touch our hearts with a gentleness that shakes the foundations of the world. Merry Christmas!
December 24, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Magi, guided by the light of the star, brought their gifts to honor the Christ child. Our faith gives us light to recognize the gifts God has placed in our lives...and provides the light to discover ways to put those gifts to use in our world.
January 7, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com