I love watching "underdog" movies...you know, where someone fights for the impossible dream, against all odds, moving uphill every step of the way. In daily life we see inspiring examples all around us, and in the Church we know that with God's grace we flourish in the midst of struggle.
April 29, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Stephen is the first disciple to be martyred: to die for his faith in Jesus Christ. His example reminds us that we will all make an offering of our lives - in great and small ways - as we put our faith into practice.
April 28, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
St. Stephen's faith gets noticed by a hostile group of people who strive to oppose him. His example reveals a simple truth: a vibrant faith in Christ will draw people...and sometimes require us to stand our ground.
April 27, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
On the road to Emmaus two disciples - disappointed and downcast - are leaving Jerusalem. Their encounter with Christ through the Scriptures and the Eucharist transforms their hearts and renews their faith.
April 26, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
On this Feast of St. Mark the evangelist we are reminded that all of us are called to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ - by our words, actions and example - so that others can see how the Lord brings power and joy to our lives.
April 24, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The wisdom of Gamaliel reveals a spiritual insight: things of divine origin cannot be destroyed. As we place our lives under God's guidance, may we seek the Lord in everything we do.
April 24, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Apostles declare that they "must obey God and not men" as they stand before the hostile Sanhedrin. Risking their lives, they show us the test of faith...even to the point of death.
April 23, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Apostles encounter hostility from their preaching and are thrown in prison; God sends an angel to free them...to get back to the work of God!
April 22, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
"The community of believers was of one heart and mind," and their example - powered by their faith in the Risen Lord - inspires us to draw together as we face the challenges and obstacles in our lives today.
April 21, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
After the release of Peter and John, the community prays for a bold faith to speak and act in the name of Jesus.
April 20, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Acts of the Apostles reveals a powerful example of communal life that challenges us to examine our relationships at every level and interaction. Community is crucial...but not always easy! May we call upon God's Mercy for the help to make our communities flourish.
April 19, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The boldness of St. Peter is not for a moment. Rather, he displays a steadfast conviction to live his life for the Lord Jesus...not quitting, not giving up...for the resurrection of Christ has changed his life forever.
April 18, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
St. Peter's bold response in faith to the opposition reveals an example we can follow as we face the challenges before us today.
April 17, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As the people draw near to St. Peter, amazed by the healing of a crippled man, he redirects the attention on himself to give glory to Jesus Christ.
April 16, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The healing miracle in the Acts of the Apostles reveals the power of the resurrection as Peter acts in the name of Jesus Christ.
April 15, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
St. Peter exhorts the crowd to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. We hear these words in this Easter season because repentance is an ongoing part of our life in the Lord.
April 14, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
St. Peter - transformed by the resurrection of Christ - now speaks the truths of the faith with conviction...inspiring us to share our faith with one another.
April 13, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Once we recognize and affirm the resurrection of the Lord, everything changes: Faith, Hope and Love ignite as our hearts are transformed with God's saving power. May the joy of this day inspire us to live our lives for Risen Savior!
April 12, 2020 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The first reading and the Gospel feature elements about Peter and Paul. Both of these men are giants in the early Church, and through their example we recognize that God continues to call new disciples in every generation.
June 8, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
We can place ourselves in the Gospel of John as Jesus invites Peter to follow him. Out of love for the Lord we, too, will be called to make our sacrifices as we put our faith into practice.
June 7, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus prays for his current and future disciples that they will be one - united to God and one another - as they journey through life. May our unity flourish in the love of Christ as we draw nearer each day to the Lord.
June 6, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Both St. Paul and Jesus speak of the challenges all disciples face from the wolves that seek to tear us out of God's hand. Knowing that we will face our own spiritual battles, may we fearlessly call upon the Lord for the grace we need to respond with the gift of faith.
June 5, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus offers a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to the Father, praying for us who believe and follow him as we make our way through the world.
June 4, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord's ascension into heaven marks a shift for the disciples as they transition from their experiences with Jesus to proclaiming the Gospel on their own. Life offers us many such transitions as opportunities that help us grow in wisdom and strength...for this life and the life to come.
June 2, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The disciple Apollos was boldly speaking about Jesus when he encountered other disciples who took him aside and fostered his faith. Throughout our lives we are called to speak and listen as we grow closer to the Lord.
June 1, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com