Fasting reminds us through our experience of hunger about our fundamental need to receive nourishment. This experience helps us understand our spiritual need for the Lord, and out of this awareness we can cultivate gratitude in our heart for the blessings lavished upon us. What's more, as we comprehend our basic needs we become more willing to help those in their need as well.
February 12, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Moses tells the people he has set life and death before them...choose life! Jesus reminds his disciples what profit is there to gain the whole world and lose your life? As we repent and believe in the Gospel, may we always choose to follow the Lord - the source of all life.
February 11, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or at www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Ashes are common in our daily life - every fire leads to them. But note these two qualities:
Welcome to the reality of sin: The ashes we wear are an outward sign that we wish to turn away from all that soils our souls and harms our hearts. May the words we hear today help us to seek the cleansing life that comes from Christ. The words are clear:
Repent, and Believe in the Gospel
February, 10, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
God keeps calling, inviting us to respond. What's holding us back? What grace do we need to pray for so that we can offer our hearts to the Lord and one another? Here I am Lord! I come to do your will.
February 7, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Every church is a spiritual home where we bring our hearts to encounter Jesus Christ. Big or small, ornate or simple, all churches come alive when they are filled with faithful disciples who seek the Lord and one another. To all the people who call the Cathedral their home...happy anniversary!
February 5, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Life offers its share of transitions, moments when we entrust our work to another and turn over our efforts into someone else's care. Of course, that means that things are going to get done differently - maybe in a way that we would never do - and we learn how to let go and allow things to happen beyond our control. The key ingredient to this handoff? Trusting and relying on God to see it through.
February 4, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Jesus gives us the example of how we forgive one another. Forgiveness can be part of our lives in two special ways:
Special blessings to all our Catholic Schools this week!
February 3, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
The King of Glory comes to Jerusalem, but not in the way that people expect; rather, Mary & Joseph present their baby who is recognized by Simeon and Anna as the the Savior of the world. Simply put, God comes to us in unique and unexpected ways - inviting us to be on the watch for God's presence in our lives and open to the little ways that the Lord can take our lives and do amazing things.
February 2, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for and archive of all presentations.
Life has its share of heartache and hardship. We all face struggles, challenges, and conflict. The question is, what guides and directs the words we say and the actions we do? What aspect of our faith can serve as the essential compass to steer us through life? The answer: LOVE.
January 30, 2016 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
The story of David and Bathsheba sounds like a Biblical soap opera, yet we are reminded that God's grace overcomes sin - often through slow and steady growth that starts small. Like a mustard seed, our faith in Christ confronts the challenges of this world and grows into a love that casts out all sin in the light of Christ.
January 29, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
The Light of Christ is like a lamp - meant to be set forth to give light to all. St. Thomas Aquinas, through his study and prayer, sought the Divine Light, and he offers us an example to follow today.
January 28, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
We pass on the faith that was handed to us. Like Saints Timothy & Titus, we are part of a vast chain of disciples - sharing the faith we have received so that the Good News of Jesus Christ may continue to touch hearts in our world today.
January 26, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcast go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
We call upon the Spirit of the Lord to strengthen us, so that we in turn can share God's Spirit with one another. Working together, like St. Paul's example of a body, the Lord empowers us in community to bring the Good News to the world.
January 24, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
David's example of mercy toward King Saul shows us a path to follow in our own lives. Rather than returning evil with evil, we are invited to bring the love and grace of Christ to the situations before us.
January 22, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Samuel meets the sons of Jesse to anoint one king of Israel. Each son appears kingly, but God replies:
“Not as man sees does God see,
because he sees the appearance
but the LORD looks into the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
May we see as God sees – both within our hearts and in the hearts of others – and respond with the love of Christ!
January 19, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
At the wedding at Cana the Lord's miracle of water to wine shows that God gives with quality and generosity. This notion of gift is picked up in Paul's 1st Letter to the Corinthians. These precious gifts - given by God - are meant to be used. Our invitation today: to acknowledge the good things Christ has given and put them into practice.
January 17, 2016 - St. Anthony Catholic Church - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts please go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
The encounter between the Lord and the leper reveals the direct access that people have to Christ - even with horrible illness. The leper's plea is met with the overwhelming response for healing and wholeness. In the same way, may we openly approach Jesus in our need, trusting in his mercy and tenderness.
January 14, 2016 - Hershman House - Fishers, IN
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Jesus heals the man with the unclean spirit, showing his power and authority. In the same way, we turn to the Lord to cast out what does not belong in our own hearts.
January 12, 2016 - Hershman House - Fishers, IN
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
The baptism of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke today invites us to consider how our own baptism ignites the fire of faith in our lives. Each day we have unique opportunities to share the gift of grace that comes from our own baptism - extending the light and love of Christ in our world.
January 10, 2016 - Hershman House - Fishers, IN
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Fr. Andrew's nieces and nephews help him explore the reading from 1 John in Mass today. God loves us - even when we are far from perfect - and strengthens us to love each other. Sometimes it is difficult (if not downright painful) to love like Jesus...but we call upon the Lord to help us with his grace to love one another.
January 7, 2015 - Hershman House - Fishers, IN
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Fr. Andrew's nieces and nephews talk about how Jesus walked on the water to the disciples during a storm. May we recall that just as Christ calmed the storm and comforted his friends, we too can draw near to the Lord in the storms and fears of our lives.
January 6, 2016 - Hershman House - Fishers, IN
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presesentations.
The Miracle of the Fishes and Loaves reminds us that God continues to Take, Bless, Break, and Give from the little we offer and transform it into abundance. With a little help from his nieces and nephews, Fr. Andrew reminds us that every Mass participates in the grace of Jesus Christ.
January 5, 2016 - Hershman House - Fishers, IN
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations
The light of the star guided the sight of the wise men to the infant Jesus. God's light continues to shine in our world today through Prayer, Scripture, Sacraments, and Fellowship. May we not only use our sight to recognize the Lord's presence, but may we also shine with the light of faith to help others draw near to Christ.
January 3, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Mary's title "Mother of God" began when she said "yes" to the Angel Gabriel. Chosen by the Father, she bore her Son who would be the bridge between Heaven and Earth...to save and set us free. Thus, Mary was the instrument by which the Son of God came into the world.
Which is another way of saying that God works through people. God chooses the unlikely to do amazing things...with the Lord's help.
Mary offers us an example about how we can cooperate with God's grace. When we say "yes" to the Lord new possibilities arise. As we embark on this New Year may we be open to the Lord's call in our lives and allow Christ to work through us to proclaim Good News in the world.
January 1, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.
Simeon, filled with the Holy Spirit, held the baby Jesus in his arms and praised God, saying:
“Lord, now let your servant go in peace;
your word has been fulfilled:
my own eyes have seen the salvation
which you prepared in the sight of every people,
a light to reveal you to the nations
and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32)
May our eyes be open, to see God's hand touching and blessing our lives today!
December 29, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.