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
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 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
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
St. Paul writes to the Corinthians, reminding them that our confidence lies in Christ who qualifies us for ministry. Whatever we face today, may we turn to the Lord for the strength and grace we need.
June 12, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus reminds us that we are salt and light - disciples called to live our faith in the world - so that when people see our good deeds they will give praise to our Heavenly Father. May we offer our lives today, trusting that the Lord will take our offering and bless it with grace to continue Christ's mission in the world.
June 11, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
St. Peter's words "we have given up everything and followed you" can inspire us to consider how we offer our lives for the Lord. Recognizing that everything we have comes from God, we begin to see ourselves as stewards, not owners, who offer our lives for the glory of the one who made us.
March 5, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord's advice is both practical and spiritual. How do we know the secret of our hearts? We examine how we respond: under pressure, alone and with a subordinate...and we learn what's really happening on the inside.
March 2, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord's words are beautiful and moving: "Let the children come to me! Do not prevent them!" May we remove all obstacles and provide every opportunity to let our children come to know Jesus Christ.
March 2, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The discussion between Jesus and the Pharisees shows the reality that marriage and divorce have existed from the dawn of human history. As we recognize the challenges of these relationships we do what we can to help build strong marriages as well as help those who have suffered from divorce.
March 1, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
In light of the teaching of Jesus in the Gospel today, we can ask ourselves a simple question when confronted by any behavior, response, or action...is this leading me closer to Heaven, or farther away?
February 28, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
It's not complicated. Either we stand with the Lord or against him. No matter how difficult, how challenging, and however many times we fail...may we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ.
February 27, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The interaction between Jesus and the Apostles offers an important spiritual insight. When we keep the Cross of Christ before our eyes we are able to dispel petty disputes, irritations, and inconveniences as we focus on what is truly important.
February 26, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Yep, you heard that right. Love your enemies. Love one another when it's hard and unpleasant and we don't feel like it. Love the people who push all our buttons and make us see red. Love the people who have hurt us. How? By asking for the Love of Jesus Christ to dwell in our hearts.
February 24, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus is transfigured in heavenly glory before some of the disciples, and then he reminds them of the suffering and death that await him on the Cross. Both of these elements help us to understand how we confront the grim challenges of life with a real and powerful hope.
February 23, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
God states that the rainbow is a sign of the covenant between the Lord and all living things, reminding us that the gift of life is precious, holy, sacred...and meant to be lived to the best of our ability.
February 21, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com