The miracle of the Mass touches our lives in a number of crucial ways: We hear the Word of God; we receive the Sacrament of Christ's Body & Blood; we unite as the Lord's disciples and pray together. Below are three key words that can help us experience this miracle more fully:
What happens before, during and after each Mass can transform our hearts and change our lives. May our communion with Jesus Christ nourish us for service in the world!
June 7, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
The mystery of the Holy Trinity - there is one God, revealed in three Persons - communicates that God comes to us in communion. Indivisibly united, the Trinity teaches us that communion - being united together - is a key element to the practical experience of our lives.
Communion is crucial for all of us: family, friendship, co-workers, neighbors, classmates - even strangers - are all part of the fabric of our lives. Indeed, we can evaluate ourselves in a very real way by taking measure of our communion with one another.
Where our communion is vibrant, we grow; where it is wounded, we heal; and where it is broken, we come to the altar to receive Jesus Christ in Holy Communion to renew the communion of our hearts. May this communion within the Trinity transform and unite us with almighty God and one another.
May 30, 2015 - St. William Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts, go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
Like a gentle rain that nourishes and renews the earth, the Holy Spirit comes upon the world to bring life. The power of the Holy Spirit showers graces into our hearts with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. This happens in two profound ways:
A simple diagnostic tool: where do I see unity in my life? Where unity is present, we can build and grow stronger with the Spirit's power. Where it is absent, we have the opportunity to call upon the Spirit for healing and transformation. Either way, come Holy Spirit!
May 23, 2015 - St. William Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
Change and transition are part of human life as seen in graduations, new jobs, relationships, and situations. Like the Apostles on this feast, we can face our changes by keeping in mind three basic concepts:
As the Apostles embraced their transitions the Holy Spirit empowered them to change the world. May we continue to open our hearts to the Spirit and face the changes that come before us.
May 16, 2015 - St. William Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
Just as a passport is essential for travel on earth, so Christ's commandment to love is essential for our travel to Heaven. Consider these similarities:
May 10, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
Like branches on a grape vine, we are dependent on Jesus for grace and strength. Yet when we are connected to the Lord we are able to bear fruit that touches hearts and changes lives.
May 3, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
May we stay connected to the Holy Spirit to empower our lives, as we uniquely and personally share the gifts and blessings we have received with one another!
May 1, 2015 - St. Francis Xavier Church - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
How do we face rejection? How do we confront the obstacles and roadblocks that are part of life? Two key points surface:
May we call upon the Lord for what we need - regardless of our vocation in life - to find our way!
April 26, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
What is the script of my thoughts, words, and actions? If I were to write down what I think, speak, and do would it point to Christ? Would it even include Jesus?
We are witnesses for the Lord, and as his disciples we can make changes in our lives - changing the script - so that grace of Christ renews and strengthens our lives.
April 18, 2015 - St. William Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
Working together demands effort, cooperation, collaboration, and dedicated people who are committed to each other. While never easy, the early Church showed the power of unity as they gathered in "one heart and mind" to proclaim the Good News. Three things can help us live this "blue collar cousin" to Christian love:
April 12, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
How do we make our personal prayer real? This homily podcast highlights practical tips that bring power and meaning to our personal prayer.
April 11, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
Their lives were changed; the sorrow cast from the shadow of the Cross is now transformed by resurrection glory...He's alive! The grace of Jesus Christ inspired the disciples to go out to the world - carrying their crosses - with the power the Lord's triumph.
Christ brings this transformation to us today; his power continues to work in the world. May we open our hearts to the resurrection...and be transformed!
April 5, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
The Cross of Christ - ugly, filthy with the blood of countless victims, jagged, and splintered - becomes the sign of the depth and breadth of agony Jesus endured. As he embraces his suffering, the Cross becomes a bridge whereby he unites with all humanity, meeting us in our most profound moments of weakness and sin, and gives us hope through his triumph over death.
We must understand the Cross in the light of Easter joy:
We look to the Cross and allow Christ's Passion to touch our lives. We unite with Jesus and give grateful thanks that he has redeemed us in every aspect of our lives.
Come to the Cross and unite your heart to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ.
Be redeemed by Love Himself, who gave his life to save and set us free.
April 3, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts, go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
At the Last Supper Jesus teaches and commands his disciples:
In our reception of Holy Communion may we be strengthened and renewed to offer our lives, following the example of Christ.
April 2, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts, go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
Christ comes to Jerusalem - knowing that he will suffer and die - that through his Cross and Resurrection we might be saved from sin and death. Like a firefighter, he approaches the fire to rescue us. He invites us to take his hand, that he might lead us into a freedom of faith and eternal life.
Our invitation is to let go of the sins and hurts that have bound us; to unclench our hands from past injuries and allow his saving grace to set us free.
March 29, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
This is the 4th of four presentations given at a Parish Mission on March 9-12, 2015 for Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Green Valley, Arizona.
The power of the Resurrection and subsequent outpouring of the Holy Spirit transforms the disciples - they have encountered the Risen Lord and no longer fear sin and death. Rather, they engage the world with Good News and share the gift of their lives with power and joy. This transformation must always be understood through the double lens of the Cross/Resurrection; only with a clear understanding of the sacrifice of Christ can we begin to truly appreciate the gift of Eternal Life. Two key concepts surface:
Our STRENGTH comes from the Lord. Through our daily encounter with Christ through prayer and sacrament we our empowered to choose our attitude and seek opportunities to live our faith in the unique and precious moments of each day.
Furthermore, the Good News of Christ leads to a SUNRISE of HOPE. We recognize that our personal witness is most authentic when our lives exude the hope and joy that come from Christ's resurrection. Guided by the Fruits of the Spirit, we can honestly look within our hearts and cast out anything that keeps us from God and one another.
March 12, 2015 - Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church - Green Valley, AZ
Fr. Andrew Ricci
studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
This is the 3rd of four presentations given at a Parish Mission on March 9-12, 2015 for Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Green Valley, Arizona.
Carrying his Cross for the salvation of the world, the Lord reveals two key insights for Christians:
SACRIFICE - giving up something for the sake of something more important - becomes self evident as the Lord offers his life as a perfect offering. Innocent and without sin, he takes our place and helps us to recognize our own sacrifices as a participation in his Cross.
SUPPORT appears when we look at two familiar figures in the Stations of the Cross - Simon of Cyrene and Veronica. We read about Simon in the Scriptures, and Veronica has been a part of the tradition of this devotional prayer for centuries; both of them show that even the smallest of actions proclaims the value of human life in our relationships with one another. Running toward suffering and sacrifice, we can (like a Firefighter) be agents in great and small ways for compassion, mercy, and tenderness.
March 11, 2015 - Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church - Green Valley, AZ
Fr. Andrew Ricci
studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
This is the 2nd of four presentations given at a Parish Mission on March 9-12, 2015 for Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Green Valley, Arizona.
At the Last Supper on the night before he died, the Lord Jesus imparted two key commands that he gave to his disciples:
In SERVICE the Lord taught with through his example of washing the disciples' feet. Found in John 13:1-15, Christ shows his disciples in a clear and direct way that following Jesus demands a call to serve one another. Service is the path that invites us to give our lives, sharing the unique skills, resources, experiences, and talents we have for the good of others.
In SACRAMENT the Lord defined the bread and wine as his body and blood. In addition to the Institution of the Eucharist found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke - St. Paul writes of this in 1st Corinthians 11:23-26. Jesus teaches his disciples about his Body & Blood, and then commands his follower.
March 10, 2015 - Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church - Green Valley, AZ
Fr. Andrew Ricci
studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
This is the 1st of four presentations given at a Parish Mission on March 9-12, 2015 for Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Green Valley, Arizona.
This presentation sets the stage of Holy Week by discussing several key points:
March 9, 2015 - Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church - Green Valley, AZ
Fr. Andrew Ricci
studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
Live is precious and sacred - a gift from God that can invite us to consider two points:
Jesus Christ values our lives; he paid for them with his blood on the Cross. May we cherish and live this precious gift with faith, hope, and love!
March 22, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
The Cathedral hosted the Youth Rally on March 18, 2015. This homily was given to the 400+ youth who came together for adoration, a keynote talk from Joel Stepanek, and Mass.
Keep praying for our youth that the Lord will touch and bless their lives with grace, wisdom, and strength!
March 18, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
This is the 3rd of four presentations given at a Parish Mission on March 9-12, 2015 for Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Green Valley, Arizona.
Carrying his Cross for the salvation of the world, the Lord reveals two key insights for Christians:
SACRIFICE - giving up something for the sake of something more important - becomes self evident as the Lord offers his life as a perfect offering. Innocent and without sin, he takes our place and helps us to recognize our own sacrifices as a participation in his Cross.
SUPPORT appears when we look at two familiar figures in the Stations of the Cross - Simon of Cyrene and Veronica. We read about Simon in the Scriptures, and Veronica has been a part of the tradition of this devotional prayer for centuries; both of them show that even the smallest of actions proclaims the value of human life in our relationships with one another. Running toward suffering and sacrifice, we can (like a Firefighter) be agents in great and small ways for compassion, mercy, and tenderness.
March 11, 2015 - Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church - Green Valley, AZ
Fr. Andrew Ricci
studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
Jesus uses an image of a grain of wheat: how it falls to the ground, dies, and then rises into new life. This pattern of death to new life will be traced in Holy Week as the Lord offers his life on the Cross and changes the world through his Resurrection.
This pattern of death to new life applies to us as well. One day we will also make the journey from death to eternal life. Furthermore, at this moment we can use this pattern to die to sin and rise with God's grace.
March 3, 2015 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci
studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com
We use the words "I love you" all the time - even when life is difficult. Love is an affirmation that we cherish others...particularly when challenges and struggles occur. The same is true for the Lord:
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son..."
These words are spoken to us in hope - that even when we make big mistakes God reaches out to us in love. God remains faithful, welcoming, and present to us. May we accept the love of God into our hearts and share that love with those placed before us.
March 3, 2015 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci
studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com
Often as spring starts to roll around many of us look around at the parts of the house that you could use a little cleaning. Maybe it's something we haven't used for a long time, or perhaps there are items that simply need to be recycled, repurposed, or regifted to another. Whatever it is, the process is the same: we evaluate what we have and determine what should stay, and what needs to go.
The same process is true for our spiritual lives. The 10 Commandments were given to the people of Israel to help them know how to live - to determine what needed to stay or go from their hearts.
In the Gospel, Jesus cleanses the Temple and teaches that his own body - a temple - will be destroyed and raised up. This cleansing and the lesson of death/life is true for us as well. Christ comes to cleanse our hearts, and through his death and resurrection he will not only purify our lives, but he will create a temple where he will dwell among us.
March 3, 2015 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci
studyprayserve.com
For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.
or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com