Today offers two options for the Gospel reading - the baptism of Jesus in Mark or the genealogy of Christ in Luke - and reveals to us the humble, simple and open manner in which the Lord meets us in our human weakness.
January 6, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus invites Philip to become a disciple with the words, "Follow me." The language is clear, direct and simple. Philip's response inspires us to consider how the Lord invites us to follow today. How will we respond?
January 5, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Andrew and another disciple respond to the invitation of Jesus to "come and see." Their day with Jesus will change their lives forever as they invite others to encounter the Lord as well. May we do the same!
January 4, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
John the Baptist calls Jesus "the Lamb of God" and invites us to draw upon the significance of this title within the salvation story. May we call upon the Lord's sacrifice for our sins, and see our brothers and sisters through the eyes of Christ's saving grace.
January 3, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
John the Baptist redirected the attention he received toward Jesus, and his example inspires us to consider how our words and actions - attentive to the needs of those around us - can bring people closer to the Lord.
January 2, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Since from the beginning of time the plan of salvation included the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross, we thus understand that Mary's role as the Mother of God was present as well. Chosen by God, her acceptance of the angel Gabriel's announcement reveals her as the first disciple; her role as Mother of the Messiah reveals her as a Mother to all disciples. May her example inspire us to draw near to her Son!
January 1, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Family life is crazy and chaotic, sometimes blissful, sometimes frustrating, big and noisy, small and quiet, in a every shape, size and configuration imaginable. Yet it is within the specific context of our families that we grow in faith and life lessons. May we look to the Holy Family for inspiration as we seek the best in our families, dedicate earnest effort in supporting them, and pray every day for the Lord's guidance and strength.
December 31, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
After the praise of Anna in the Temple, Mary and Joseph return home to Nazareth where Jesus will grow in strength and wisdom. It's a good reminder about the power of a family to foster faith, encourage goodness and build lasting bonds of love. May we dedicate ourselves to building up our own families each and every day.
December 30, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Simeon looks beyond the outward appearances of the baby of Mary and Joseph and sees the Son of God. May we pray that the Holy Spirit will give us clear sight to recognize the Lord's presence in our daily actions, empowering us to respond with faith, hope and love.
December 29, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Why do the innocent suffer? Why is there senseless violence, hate, cruelty and pain? God has granted human souls with the freedom to choose good or evil, and the consequences can be profound. Yet it was for our sins that the Christ child was born, breaking the chains of evil and offering us a chance for grace and mercy. May the death of these innocent children inspire us to hold fast to our faith as we follow the Lord.
December 28, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As an apostle, St. John was filled with the Holy Spirit and sent by Jesus; as an evangelist, his writings have inspired generations of Christians with the Good News of the Gospel. We can look to John for an example: living our faith in the world today as we testify to the light of Jesus Christ.
December 27, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
With the joy of Christ's birth ringing in the air we celebrate today the death of St. Stephen, the first martyr. Why? To help us see the connection between the Christ's birth and saving death as we offer our lives for the Lord. Thus, the Christmas spirit gives us hope to face the sacrifices of this life with the conviction that the Jesus Christ will guide and lead us to Heaven.
December 26, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
We rely heavily on our sense of sight to understand and navigate through this life. Light also plays a crucial role in our spiritual lives, and we look to the birth of Jesus Christ - the Light of the World - as the source of our hope that through Christ we will find the grace we need to make our way to Heaven. Merry Christmas!
December 24, 2017 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The wedding at Cana in Galilee offers a glimpse at the relationship between Mary and Jesus...helping us to understand that when we allow the Lord to work in our lives we discover that what he wants is nothing less than the best.
January 7, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
John the Baptist proclaims that "one mightier than I is coming" into the world. As we encounter the mystery of God we have the opportunity to let go of our need to control and receive the blessing of heavenly grace.
January 6, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The first reading invites us to love one another in deed and in truth, putting our faith into practice as we recognize the needs of those around us and respond with the compassion of Jesus Christ.
January 5, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
"What are you looking for?" Jesus asks the two disciples, and his question continues to speak to our hearts today. As we draw near to the Lord we have the opportunity to seek our hearts' desire from the one who knows us best.
January 4, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
John the Baptist testifies that Jesus is the one who takes away our sins. As we renew our faith each day, may we seek Jesus above all else and commit our lives to his saving grace.
January 3, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Prologue of the Gospel of John proclaims Jesus Christ - God's Word - who became flesh that we might see and know him. As we draw near to our Savior, we rejoice over God's love and offer our lives as living witnesses of the Lord.
December 31, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As Simeon held the Christ Child in his arms praising God, he recalls the fulfillment of the Lord's promises and points to the redemption of humanity. May we look back and see how God has touched our lives and embrace each day as a new opportunity to the serve the Lord with full hearts!
December 29, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Surrounded by the glory of Christmas, we have a chilling reminder of the reason why the Lord came into our world. Fueled by rage, jealousy, and hate, King Herod attempts to kill the Christ Child by having every baby boy under two killed in the region around Bethlehem. The senseless violence strikes a chord in our hearts to protect life, inspiring us to proclaim the Prince of Peace in our world today.
December 28, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
John's testimony about Jesus as the Word of God provides us with an opportunity to reflect in this Octave of Christmas:
December 27, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Christmas story touches our hearts and gets past our defenses. Why? Because babies evoke a loving response! God's love story with humanity helps us see how the Lord - in taking on our human form - helps us to draw near through the gentleness of an infant. May the Christ child take us by the hand and lead us this Christmas to embrace our faith and give glory to God through the gift of our lives.
December 24, 2016 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The baptism of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke today invites us to consider how our own baptism ignites the fire of faith in our lives. Each day we have unique opportunities to share the gift of grace that comes from our own baptism - extending the light and love of Christ in our world.
January 10, 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.
Fr. Andrew's nieces and nephews help him explore the reading from 1 John in Mass today. God loves us - even when we are far from perfect - and strengthens us to love each other. Sometimes it is difficult (if not downright painful) to love like Jesus...but we call upon the Lord to help us with his grace to love one another.
January 7, 2015 - 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.