The exchange between Elizabeth and Mary follows up the events we heard at Mass yesterday. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes Jesus as her own child (John the Baptist) leaps for joy in her womb. May this Christmas offer us the opportunity to draw near to the Lord and be filled with the same Spirit!
December 21, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The interchange between Gabriel and Mary offers us rich insights regarding how we embrace our faith.
December 20, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Christmas offers a rich opportunity for story telling amid the backdrop of the Great Story of the birth of Jesus. Fr. Andrew discusses some of the comments and insights he has received from his Facebook page, inviting us to consider how film can help us all enter into this holy season.
December 19, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
We call upon the Lord as Emmanuel which means "God is with us" when we are alone, exhausted, searching and sinful. May we turn to the Lord in our need and rejoice in the saving power of God!
December 17, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The genealogy of Jesus outlined in Matthew's Gospel recalls the crucial role of family. Our families are crucial networks where we grow and face the challenges of life. While no one has a perfect family (certainly not Jesus!) we all can find within our own families opportunities to foster faith, hope and love.
December 17, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord points out that the works he performs testify on his behalf. Following his example and the words of Isaiah the prophet, we have the opportunity every day to lead others to Christ as we observe what is right and do what is just by offering Christian witness in our daily actions.
December 16, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus offers us a glimpse of the power and beauty of the Kingdom of God, inspiring us to live the Lord's love today as we set our eyes on the world to come.
December 15, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus tells the disciples of John the Baptist to report what they see and hear - wonders that show that Jesus is Lord. May we carry the same message into our lives today!
December 14, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Actions speak louder than...yeah, you know the rest. Now all we have to do: act in a manner worthy of Christ.
December 13, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Fr. Andrew discusses some of the Advent ideas that people shared with him on his Facebook page in the areas of Prayer, Scripture, Spiritual Reading, Liturgy, and Family Life.
December 12, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Christ's words to the disciples of John the Baptist proclaim Good News. The Lord's work - filled with power and might - brings hope to all who receive God's gift of grace.
December 10, 2016 - St. Anthony Catholic Church - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Like Elijah, John the Baptist came to help the people return to the Lord. May this Advent season help us to draw close to Christ and be filled with the Lord's love.
December 10, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Have you ever found yourself in a grumpy mood, where it's easy to complain regardless of the situation? A good antidote: focus on Jesus Christ, the light of life.
December 9, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Mary's "yes" to God offers us an example, for as she participated in God's plan of salvation so we, too, have a daily opportunity to let the Lord's work be done through our words and actions.
December 8, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As a child rests in a parent's embrace, so we are invited to draw near to Christ and rest in his love. Are you weary? Tired? Stressed? Come to Jesus and be renewed by his peace.
December 7, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Like a shepherd who seeks the lost sheep, so the Lord seeks and saves us when we have lost our way. May we learn from Jesus, the gentle Shepherd, and reach out to one another with the same compassion.
December 6, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Repentance provides us with the opportunity to remove what is not worthy of heaven and replace it with graces that are fruitful and life-giving. May this Advent empower us to turn away from sin and embrace a life in Christ.
December 4, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
As Jesus looked with pity on the people in their need, he not only served them but he empowered and directed his disciples to do the same. As we look to the Lord for guidance and strength we also remember the command to love and serve those entrusted to our care.
Two blind men hear about Jesus, and they believe that he can heal them. Seeing clearly with their hearts they were given sight to their eyes. May we have the same depth and strength of faith as well!
December 2, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
In the Gospel of Matthew the Lord reminds us that our faith requires both speech and action - where our words and deeds consistently reveal to others our trust in Jesus Christ.
December 1, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The call of St. Andrew reminds us that the Lord continues to invite us to follow him and proclaim the Good News so that others can experience the saving love of Christ.
November 30, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Isaiah proclaims hope - that from a dead stump there will appear new life and the order of the world will change. Jesus invites us to look closely at what God is doing, as our hope in the Lord gives strength and meaning to how we live today.
November 29, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
All of the Scripture readings evoke a call to action; we are invited to get ready, be prepared, and attentive to the Lord and one another. May this Advent season - a gift of the Church - help us all to get our hearts and minds ready for the birth of Jesus Christ!
November 27, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Life is tough at times, and we can be overcome by exhaustion and distraction. Yet the Lord invites us to remain vigilant, asking for the strength we need to face each day.
November 26, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
We acknowledge that at the end of time there will be a final judgment - where our lives will be examined and we will either be saved or damned in the light of our relationship with Jesus Christ.
November 25, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
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