What does it mean to follow Jesus Christ? As his disciples we draw near to the one who has given us everything: life, redemption, eternal life and communion with God and one another. What's more, we follow the Lord's example - serving one another - as the primary mode by which share God's gifts.
November 14, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Wisdom - the ability to see the big picture - is a quality that helps us experience life to the fullest. Through prayer, reflection and action we can open our hearts to this gift of the Holy Spirit and offer our lives for one another.
November 11, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
A lazy steward is praised by Jesus. Why? Because he worked hard and made sacrifices, reminding us that sometimes we can be more eager about earthly things than eternal ones. May we hustle and work hard for the praise of God in Heaven.
November 10, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Paul reminds us in the Letter to the Romans that the commandment to love our neighbor both sums up and fulfills the law. Now all we have to do is live it each and every day.
November 8, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
St. Paul teaches that we are part of the Body of Christ, and as members of this body we work with and for one another. What's more, Jesus explains in a parable that the Kingdom of Heaven is open to many that society might not recognize as belonging to this body.
November 7, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Both the prophet Malachi and Jesus exhort the people to take to heart God's commands. As we Listen, Learn and Live we grow as disciples; may we draw near to the Lord, the Church and one another...listening for the wisdom that will help us put our faith into practice.
November 4, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As the Lord observes people positioning themselves for places of honor at a banquet, he uses the opportunity to teach about pride and humility, inviting us to avoid making comparisons and seeking a simple approach.
November 4, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus uses a healing as an opportunity to teach about how we can put God first in our lives, even when it means that we break a few rules.
November 3, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Like a mustard seed and some yeast, the Kingdom of God grows and transforms into something entirely new. What's more, this process happens as we offer our lives...following the example of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
October 31, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The command to love requires that we understand our hearts and see the needs of those around us. As we draw upon the love of Jesus, may we pour out our lives with the abundance of divine love as we share our hearts with one another.
October 28, 2017 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
We are reminded that our faith is built upon the foundation provided by the Apostles who were called by name by Jesus. As we hear the call of Christ in our lives today, we contribute to their efforts as we proclaim the Good News in the world.
October 28, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus reminds us that just as we pay attention to the signs of the weather, so we also respond to the signs within our heart. St. Paul carries this point further as he recognizes sin and calls upon the Lord for the strength to live in faith.
October 27, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord comes to light a fire on the earth, and how we respond will determine the effect of this Holy Fire upon our souls.
October 26, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord exhorts us to be faithful and prudent with the blessings we have received, for "much will be required for the person entrusted with much."
October 25, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus avoids a trap while offering us a way to live within the tensions between this world and the next. The solution: seek God first. With Christ as our guide we keep our eyes fixed on Heaven, as we make our way here on earth.
October 22, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord reminds us of two important facts: first, we will encounter tough times for the sake of the Gospel; second, we will be given the grace we need to face them. May the light of Jesus Christ shine in our hearts during dark moments as we seek to follow the Lord through this life.
October 21, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
What are you afraid of? Jesus invites us to cast out fear and trust in God's providence. May we honestly face our fears and call upon the Lord for the courage and conviction we require.
October 20, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Following the Lord often challenges us to face obstacles and difficulties that we know are worth fighting for. In the midst of these challenges we call upon Jesus for the grace and strength we need.
October 19, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
God calls us to work together as living stones - building up our families, schools and churches. May we work together, guided by the hand of Jesus, to accomplish our tasks for the service of one another.
October 18, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus addresses the Pharisees, exhorting them to clean up - not on the outside but within - to cleanse their souls. While externals can be important, by focusing on what's on the inside we prepare ourselves for a lasting relationship with the Lord and one another.
October 17, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Eucharist is a banquet that nourishes, celebrates and unites our lives. Christ himself feeds us with his Body and Blood so that we might grow in grace. Two simple questions follow from this great gift:
For always remember that one day we will stand before the One who is the source of all grace...and what then will we say?
October 15, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus offers a two step process to be blessed. First, we must hear the Word of God. Second, we have to act on it! Here's the question: do you want to be blessed?
October 14, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
After driving out demons, Jesus takes the opportunity to teach about his authority and his power over the forces of darkness.
October 13, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord invites us to persistently ask for what we need, trusting that God's goodness will reach out to bless us in ways beyond our imagination.
October 12, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Luke's Gospel offers a condensed version of the Lord's Prayer from what we commonly pray in the Gospel of Matthew. Because of it's brevity, we can clearly see the emphasis on holiness of God the Father, the Kingdom, trust in God, forgiveness and protection from evil. May we keep praying everyday!
October 11, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com