St. Paul reminds us that we hold a treasure from God in our fragile, human hands. As disciples of Jesus Christ we always recognize two issues: on one hand we are inheritors of God's glory; on the other hand we are weak and prone to sin. May we accept God's grace and allow the Lord to touch our lives with his healing love.
June 14, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus makes it clear in today's Gospel reading (part of the Sermon on the Mount) that reconciliation is a non-negotiable aspect of Christian Life. Who do we need to reconcile with today? How can we take the first step in putting the Lord's command into practice?
June 13, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
St. Paul writes to the Corinthians, reminding them that our confidence lies in Christ who qualifies us for ministry. Whatever we face today, may we turn to the Lord for the strength and grace we need.
June 12, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus reminds us that we are salt and light - disciples called to live our faith in the world - so that when people see our good deeds they will give praise to our Heavenly Father. May we offer our lives today, trusting that the Lord will take our offering and bless it with grace to continue Christ's mission in the world.
June 11, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Sometime this week Catholic Inspiration will surpass one million downloads. As I share a few thoughts about my philosophy of this online ministry, I want to thank you for listening and encouraging others to check out these podcasts. God bless you all!
June 17, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Holy Spirit comes to unite us to God and one another, breaking down the walls of isolation and division, and leading us to cooperation as Sons an Daughters of God. Where do you see dissent and disunity in your life? Call upon the Spirit!
June 8, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The first reading and the Gospel feature elements about Peter and Paul. Both of these men are giants in the early Church, and through their example we recognize that God continues to call new disciples in every generation.
June 8, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
We can place ourselves in the Gospel of John as Jesus invites Peter to follow him. Out of love for the Lord we, too, will be called to make our sacrifices as we put our faith into practice.
June 7, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus prays for his current and future disciples that they will be one - united to God and one another - as they journey through life. May our unity flourish in the love of Christ as we draw nearer each day to the Lord.
June 6, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Both St. Paul and Jesus speak of the challenges all disciples face from the wolves that seek to tear us out of God's hand. Knowing that we will face our own spiritual battles, may we fearlessly call upon the Lord for the grace we need to respond with the gift of faith.
June 5, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus offers a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to the Father, praying for us who believe and follow him as we make our way through the world.
June 4, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord's ascension into heaven marks a shift for the disciples as they transition from their experiences with Jesus to proclaiming the Gospel on their own. Life offers us many such transitions as opportunities that help us grow in wisdom and strength...for this life and the life to come.
June 2, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The disciple Apollos was boldly speaking about Jesus when he encountered other disciples who took him aside and fostered his faith. Throughout our lives we are called to speak and listen as we grow closer to the Lord.
June 1, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Mary's offers a proclamation of praise in her Magnificat, as she glorifies God and offers thanks for the blessings she has received. May we echo her words as we call to mind in our prayer and daily practice how the Lord has touched our hearts and fostered our faith.
May 31, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
St. Paul's example in Corinth reminds us that every moment of our day offers opportunities to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. People are always watching and listening; what is the message they receive from us today?
May 30, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit will guide us through this life. May we call upon the Spirit each day and follow with confidence as we journey toward Heaven.
May 29, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The challenges that Paul and Silas encountered in Philippi reveal the pattern that all Christians face throughout life. Yet the strength we need to meet these trials comes not from our efforts alone; we rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to face what comes our way.
May 28, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
A 2018 Nielsen report shows that Americans now spend over 11 hours a day looking at a screen. Eleven hours! Fr. Andrew's parishioners are familiar with his annual "Summer Challenge," and he offers some thoughts here about what we can to ditch the screen time and embrace hundreds of alternative activities that are good for body, mind, heart, and soul.
May 27, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus assures us that the Holy Spirit will be sent to bring peace to our hearts. Where do we see the need for peace in our lives today? May we turn to the Lord who longs to offer this grace to face whatever we find in the world today.
May 25, 2019 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord offers a sobering lesson in John's Gospel that when we follow the God's command to love, the result at times will be hatred from the world. Our response? Love....but with both eyes open so that we can address this hatred with the grace of Jesus Christ.
May 25, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Gospel of John offers a beautiful insight into the dignity of love that God grants to humanity. Jesus calls us friends, elevating us to a glorious relationship with God, and empowers us to offer the gift of our lives with this precious grace.
May 24, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
This short passage from John's Gospel reveals the interaction between the command to love and the gift of joy. While love often challenges us to stretch our hearts as we care for others, the joy we receive flows straight from the heart of heaven.
May 23, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus teaches in plain language that just like a vine and its branches, when we are connected to Christ we thrive and bear fruit. Today we consider not only how we can continue to draw closer to the Lord, but also how we might share our lives to bring glory and praise to God in the world today.
May 22, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Christ offers consolation - a peace that only he can give - to our troubled and fearful hearts. Where do you see the need for God's peace in your life today? Call upon the Lord and receive this tremendous gift of peace.
May 21, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
We all know that Jesus commands us to love one another, but all too often we overlook the sacrifice it takes to follow the teaching and example of Jesus. All three readings today point out that there will be a cost...and we will pay it with our lives.
May 19, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com