The call of Matthew in the Gospel reminds us that God calls all of us - regardless of our weaknesses, failures or past history - and invites us to offer our lives. In other words, God does not call the perfect; rather, the Lord chooses us (warts and all) and blesses us with what we need to accomplish our task. Like Matthew, may we accept the invitation and follow Christ!
July 6, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord's healing of the paralytic in the Gospel today invites us to consider both what needs to be healed in our lives and how we might bring others to Jesus for the healing they require.
July 5, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord drives out demons from two people in the Gospel, inviting us to discern how we recognize and respond as we focus our lives on Christ.
July 4, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Often in life we experience the need for healing, both in our lives and in the lives of those around us. As we grow in faith we acknowledge the Lord's power to bring this healing to our hearts...and as his disciples we become agents for the healing grace of Christ to work through us in the world.
June 30, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The faith of the Roman centurion reveals his complete trust in the authority and power of Jesus. His example inspires us to turn to the Lord with open hearts and allow God's grace to work in and through our lives.
June 30, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
More practical advice from Jesus: his words are good, but when they are turned into actions we create a foundation for our lives that no storm can destroy.
June 28, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus offers practical insight into how we deal with others. By looking at the fruitfulness of one's life we can get a good sense of what is going on down deep in the heart.
June 27, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
"Do to others whatever you would have them do to you" is the modern translation of the Golden Rule. Jesus gives us this rule to help us relate to one another from a common framework of understanding and respect; now we have to act on it!
June 26, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Perhaps it's human nature to worry, yet all too often we spend ridiculous amounts of time and effort worrying about things over which we have no control. In those moments when we are tempted to let worry enslave us we gratefully count our blessings and direct our hearts to the Lord.
June 23 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci -www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord teaches the disciples to consider what they should treasure. While we are called to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to our care, we acknowledge that there are truly priceless things that no amount of money can buy...and we will carry these with us into Heaven.
June 22, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord's Prayer is a powerful gift that we frequently use in many ways throughout life. Whether alone or with others, this prayer helps us draw close to God and one another. May we use it frequently!
June 21, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The practices of fasting, prayer and almsgiving are powerful disciplines that the Church has embraced from the teaching of Jesus, and they offer immense power in shaping and guiding our spiritual lives.
June 20, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord teaches the disciples about love by using examples from his Heavenly Father. While it is sometimes easy to love, the real test happens when we overcome the obstacles within and without, choosing to love others as God loves us.
June 19, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Gardeners know that fruitful plants begin from tiny seeds that grow slowly and steadily through a process of change. God brings about transformation in a similar way in our souls: we start small, work a process of growth and the Lord gives the grace we need.
June 16, 2018 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus teaches the disciples to speak simply and plainly. In a world full of words it is a good reminder! May our words reflect our actions with clear transparency, helping us deepen the relationships in our lives with trust and integrity.
June 16, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The prophet Elijah watched and waited for the Lord. While the wind, earthquake and fire were visibly amazing, Elijah recognized God in a tiny whispering sound. It's a good reminder for us today to be on the lookout for the Lord, for even in the smallest and simplest of experiences God is constantly present and in our midst.
June 15, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord boldly states that we are called to reconcile with one another. That begs a simple question: who do I need to forgive in my life today? Once we recognize the essential aspect of forgiveness in our lives the next step is to call upon Christ for the grace required to make it happen.
June 14, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
From the miracle of Elijah to the Lord's fulfillment of the Law, our faith is a gift that allows us to see God at work in our lives. What's more, as disciples we continue Christ's saving work as his instruments in the world.
June 13, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord offers a bold job description for disciples: You are the Salt of the earth and the Light of the world! As we draw near to Jesus we also become conduits of his grace, touching the hearts and lives of those around us. May we shine with the Good News of the Gospel!
June 12, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Our faith acknowledges the presence and power of sin in our world today. Temptation is all around us, working to ensnare us and lead us astray. The solution? Jesus comes into our world to free us from the chains of sin and lead us into the grace that only God can provide.
June 9, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Mary and Joseph are searching for Jesus in Jerusalem, only to find him in the Temple. When asked by his mother his response "I must be in my Father's house" invites us to follow his example and meet the Lord in church...where he is always present in the tabernacle!
June 9, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus teaches that love - of God and one another - is the greatest commandment. Why? Because we are called into relationship with the Lord and each other, and these relationships are nurtured, strengthened and guided by our willingness to love one another as God loves us.
June 7, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The reading from the Second Letter to Timothy offers the exhortation to "stir into flame the gift of God" and live with conviction and courage. This gift is our Christian faith; and just as a tiny spark can produce a bonfire, so too, our faith can provide the spark that ignites our lives for service in the world as we draw near to the Lord and one another.
June 6, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Your life is a gift. Freely given by God, this treasure is meant to be shared and lived with a passionate conviction. May gratitude fill our hearts as we offer our lives to the Lord!
June 5, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com