"Love your enemies" may be one of the toughest teachings of Jesus. Sometimes to seek the best in those who are opposed to us is possible only through the grace of God. If that's the case, then today is a good day to pray for that grace!
June 20, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
This homily takes a practical look at answering three questions:
June 17, 2017 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
St. Paul reminds us that we live for the Lord, offering our lives as His ambassadors and sharing the love that we have received through a life of grace.
June 17, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Our human lives are filled with contrasts: on one hand we are fragile "earthen vessels" that can crack and break; on the other hand, we have been given the treasure of Jesus Christ - who heals, saves and renews our lives.
June 16, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord invites us to a higher standard as we reconcile our hearts with one another. May we examine our lives today and remove any obstacle that keeps our relationships from growing in God's grace.
June 15, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus tells the disciples that he has come to fulfill the Law and the Prophets. The Good News is that God is with us! Christ's saving death and resurrection, followed by the gift of the Holy Spirit, means that we are not alone. May we turn to the Lord every day for the grace and strength we need.
June 14, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord describes us as Salt and Light, two things that while good in themselves are also precious when shared with others. With salt our food is tasty and preserved; with light we can see and find our way on the journey of life. May we share our lives with one another, giving glory to God for blessings we have received.
June 13, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
A central aspect of the mystery of the Holy Trinity is the sense of communion. Communion can thus serve as a measure showing just how far we have progressed in our journey as disciples. Simply put, are we striving to build unity with one another in all aspects of our lives? Do we foster our connections with the Lord and one another? For in the end, if we are going to enter into Heaven, then we have today to remove the obstacles that keep us from communion.
June 10, 2017 - St. Anthony Catholic Church - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
What if the gift of our lives was not measured by time or money, but rather by the sacrifice in our hearts? That's the lesson the Lord reveals about the poor widow in the Gospel today.
June 10, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The first reading and psalm response show people praising God with grateful hearts. What are you thankful for today? How can you express in word or action fitting praise for what God has done in your life?
June 9, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Today is my 20th anniversary as a priest! As I reflect on the Gospel reading today, I pray that each of us will live our Christian vocation to love the Lord and one another with all our heart!
June 8, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
What will it be like in Heaven? When the Sadducees try to trap Jesus, the Lord responds with wisdom that gives insight into God's gift of eternal life.
June 7, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus cuts through the hypocrisy and offers some profound wisdom regarding what we owe in Heaven and on earth.
June 6, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Like a power tool, our lives come alive with the power of the Holy Spirit when we:
Come Holy Spirit! Fill our hearts with the fire of your love!
June 3, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior. WI
The Lord tells Peter to follow him and not focus on what others are doing. What a good reminder for us! May we recognize that the Lord has plans for us all; our task: to carry out our work and follow Jesus with all our heart.
June 3, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
"Do you love me?" This is the question that the Lord puts to Peter three times following the resurrection. It's a good reminder, for in the end our lives are measured by the love - shared and received - that's found in our hearts.
June 2, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord prays for the unity of the disciples, and how pertinent that prayer remains today! May we work tirelessly to promote our connections and relationships, building up our community at all levels in life.
June 1, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci
Mary and Elizabeth - pregnant with Jesus and John the Baptist - meet and rejoice at the goodness of the Lord. Both women knew hardship, yet their faith inspires us to see God at work...in good times and in bad.
May 31, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus tells his heavenly Father, "I pray for them." His words offer hope: the Lord prays for us! Our faith, transmitted through time and space from those first disciples, inspires us to pray for one another with the grace and strength of Christ.
May 30, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
We say in the creed, "He ascended into Heaven" yet we often do not consider what that means for our lives here on earth:
With Heaven as our home we can evaluate and review our words and actions in preparation for the day when the Lord calls us to follow Him from this world to the next.
May 27, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
"Whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you" reminds us that our requests are rooted in our relationship with the Lord. As we grow closer to Christ we change and grow, not only learning what to ask for, but trusting that the one who knows us best will give us what we need.
May 27, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord bluntly teaches that grief is part of our journey of faith, but that it is not the final destination. As we face our challenges today we turn to Jesus Christ for the strength and guidance that will bring us to joy in His kingdom.
May 26, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The first reading offers specific details of location, people and occupation - reminding us that the Lord works through the particular aspects of every human life...including our own!
May 25, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord promises us the Holy Spirit, who will guide us in truth. What challenges are you facing today? Call upon the Holy Spirit for the guidance you need!
May 24, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Paul and Silas - beaten and imprisoned for their faith - bring people to faith in Philippi. Their example shows us that God can use our weakness to bring about great deeds.
May 23, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com