The Lord commands the disciples to "go into the world and tell the Good News." Our faith today is built on the witness of those who have gone before us. But the command of Jesus applies to us as well...prompting us to consider how we will proclaim the Good News to those around us today.
January 25, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The parable of the sower teaches us that the Lord works in a slow and steady way to change our lives. While there are many temptations and distractions that can choke off our faith, we are reminded to foster the Gospel in our hearts and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.
January 24, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord claims us as part of his family in the Gospel of Mark. God chooses us and invites us to accept the Good News and put it into practice.
January 23, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Those little words, "I'm sorry" and "I forgive you" have the power to bring healing and grace as we recognize our weaknesses and ask for mercy. May the example of Jonah and Jesus inspire us to speak them frequently from the heart!
January 20, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The relatives of Jesus in the Gospel today show us that sometimes our family dynamics can cause stress and struggle. Yet our families can also be the place where we are supported and nurtured to grow. May we give our best effort to our family as we encourage and build up one another.
January 20, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus calls the Twelve disciples by name and empowers them for ministry. The Lord does the same for us! May we say yes and allow God's grace to work through our imperfections so that we may serve others with the love of Christ.
January 19, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Gospel of Mark reveals the power of the healing ministry of Jesus. From the beginning the Church has continued this work; may our lives today be open to this ministry as we seek to be instruments of the Lord's healing touch.
January 18, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on a Sabbath, revealing his power as the Son of God and inviting us to consider how we do the Lord's work in the midst of competing values and priorities.
January 17, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
When we say "Jesus is Lord" we claim Him as the center and priority of our lives. May we constantly examine our hearts, looking for anything that is not worthy of God's grace as we continuously re-orient our lives to Christ.
January 16, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Like a coach who calls a play that leads to action on the field, God calls us to a life of faith by what we think, speak and do. May we hear the Lord's call in our lives today and respond with full hearts!
January 14, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus calls Levi - a tax collector and a sinner - with the simple invitation "Follow me." In the same way the Lord calls us, not because we are perfect, but precisely so that we can draw near to the one who heals, redeems and loves us.
January 13, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Four people go to extraordinary lengths to bring a paralytic to Jesus for healing. It begs the question: what do we do to bring people to Jesus, to remove the obstacles that keep others from God? While it is true that each person must decide to follow Jesus, we can all ask ourselves if we are cooperating with the Lord to help one another encounter Christ.
January 12, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus cleanses a leper and restores his health and relationships. We, too, can look into our hearts, see what does not belong, and draw near to the Lord for the healing and restoration we require.
January 11, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord's ministry touches hearts and changes lives, as people encounter Jesus and begin to serve in new and unique ways. Like them, we can echo the words of Samuel and the Psalmist as we say, "Here am I Lord! I come to do your will."
January 10, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus enters the synagogue and drives out unclean spirits. Guided by our faith in Christ, we face evil with God's grace and build our lives on the strength of the Lord.
January 9, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Magi, guided by the light of the star, brought their gifts to honor the Christ child. Our faith gives us light to recognize the gifts God has placed in our lives...and provides the light to discover ways to put those gifts to use in our world.
January 7, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Today offers two options for the Gospel reading - the baptism of Jesus in Mark or the genealogy of Christ in Luke - and reveals to us the humble, simple and open manner in which the Lord meets us in our human weakness.
January 6, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus invites Philip to become a disciple with the words, "Follow me." The language is clear, direct and simple. Philip's response inspires us to consider how the Lord invites us to follow today. How will we respond?
January 5, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Andrew and another disciple respond to the invitation of Jesus to "come and see." Their day with Jesus will change their lives forever as they invite others to encounter the Lord as well. May we do the same!
January 4, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
John the Baptist calls Jesus "the Lamb of God" and invites us to draw upon the significance of this title within the salvation story. May we call upon the Lord's sacrifice for our sins, and see our brothers and sisters through the eyes of Christ's saving grace.
January 3, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
John the Baptist redirected the attention he received toward Jesus, and his example inspires us to consider how our words and actions - attentive to the needs of those around us - can bring people closer to the Lord.
January 2, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Since from the beginning of time the plan of salvation included the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross, we thus understand that Mary's role as the Mother of God was present as well. Chosen by God, her acceptance of the angel Gabriel's announcement reveals her as the first disciple; her role as Mother of the Messiah reveals her as a Mother to all disciples. May her example inspire us to draw near to her Son!
January 1, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Family life is crazy and chaotic, sometimes blissful, sometimes frustrating, big and noisy, small and quiet, in a every shape, size and configuration imaginable. Yet it is within the specific context of our families that we grow in faith and life lessons. May we look to the Holy Family for inspiration as we seek the best in our families, dedicate earnest effort in supporting them, and pray every day for the Lord's guidance and strength.
December 31, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
After the praise of Anna in the Temple, Mary and Joseph return home to Nazareth where Jesus will grow in strength and wisdom. It's a good reminder about the power of a family to foster faith, encourage goodness and build lasting bonds of love. May we dedicate ourselves to building up our own families each and every day.
December 30, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Simeon looks beyond the outward appearances of the baby of Mary and Joseph and sees the Son of God. May we pray that the Holy Spirit will give us clear sight to recognize the Lord's presence in our daily actions, empowering us to respond with faith, hope and love.
December 29, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com