Mary, Elizabeth and John the Baptist all show the speed of a vibrant response to the coming of the Messiah. Their example inspires us to consider how our faith guides and directs our actions with the people before us each and every day.
December 21, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Gospel of Luke recounts today the exchange between Gabriel and Mary. We know the details, and as we hear the specific names and particular locations we recall that God continues to touch our lives through this great account of salvation through our lives today.
December 20, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
In the Gospel today we learn about the priestly lineage of John the Baptist. John's ministry - calling people to repentance and showing them the "Lamb of God" - fulfills the priestly role and sets the stage for the coming of the Messiah.
The readings are filled with examples of God's power, offering us hope, life and joy as we embrace the Lord's grace in our lives. Where do we see Good News in our lives? How can we bring Good News to others? May these final days of Advent inspire us to live our faith!
The Lord explains how Elijah returned in the person of John the Baptist, and then Jesus goes on to say how he will suffer just like John. As we draw near to the Feast of Christmas, we remember how God so loved the world he gave His only Son...to teach us how to offer our lives for one another.
December 16, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
We can be pretty good at finding excuses not to do something, yet the Lord - who never gives up on us - continues to invite us to follow him that we might have eternal life.
December 15, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
When you cook, you need a certain amount of time to get prepared: clear the work space; make an ingredients list; set out your utensils and cookware. In a similar way we need time and attention to prepare to encounter Jesus Christ in our spiritual lives. May the example of John the Baptist inspire us to make the necessary preparations we need, and empower us to help others encounter the Lord as well.
December 14, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
We all experience moments of feeling burdened, exhausted and worn out. What's the answer? Jesus Christ! May we draw near to the one who knows us best and draw strength to face the tasks at hand.
December 13, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Blessed Virgin Mary offers an example of faith that transformed the people of Mexico and continues to inspire millions to follow her son, Jesus Christ. May we look to Mary for guidance and wisdom as we continue to proclaim the Good News of the Lord in our lives.
December 12, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled in John the Baptist to "prepare the way of the Lord" for the coming of Jesus. Advent offers us the opportunity to make our own preparations as we repent, reconcile and look for the holy.
December 9, 2017 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord offers an example of ministry and then empowers the Apostles to do the same. Our Church today is not only founded on their work, but continues through our efforts to proclaim the Gospel in our lives today.
December 9, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Mary was chosen and prepared by God to become the Mother of Jesus, and she accepted this role with a beautiful faith. We, too, have been chosen by the Lord and endowed with particular blessings to bring the Good News to the world. Will we accept the Lord's call in our lives? May Mary's example inspire us to say YES!
December 8, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord reminds us that when our actions serve God we build our lives on solid rock that can withstand the storms of life. Today we look at what we do and determine how we can offer our lives to Jesus Christ.
December 7, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The readings describe the abundance and richness of God's feast which nourishes the body, mind, heart and soul. Our daily need for food underscores our fundamental need for the Lord; may we today reflect on what we need and call upon Jesus with confidence.
December 6, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Jesus rejoices in the Holy Spirit, and Isaiah's prophecy reveals uplifting qualities about the Savior...qualities that offer us an example as we live our lives for the Lord.
December 5, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
There are many ways to get ready for Advent, but one place to begin is at home. Consider entering into this holy season by examining where you live and determining if it is ready for Jesus Christ.
December 2, 2017 - Cathedral Parish House - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord calls us to be vigilant - against drowsiness, anxiety, and drunkenness - as we pray for the strength to face our challenges in this life. For always remember: one day we will stand before the Son of Man.
December 2, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The prophet Daniel speaks of the Lord's everlasting dominion, and Jesus affirms that his words are everlasting. In the midst of the distractions and frantic pace of life, may we remember the permanence and strength we receive when we join our hearts to Christ.
December 1, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord calls Peter, Andrew, James and John by name to carry out a specific task: invite others to follow Jesus Christ. This work continues today, and our invitation is to consider how the Lord calls us to invite others to follow as well.
November 30, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The Lord speaks bluntly to the disciples, saying that many who follow him will suffer persecution. Yet as we persevere in faith we are reminded that God will give us what we need to keep going.
November 29, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
"When will it end?" This common question has been with humanity since the dawn of time. When people ask Jesus, the Lord responds with two simple points of common sense:
Thus, we live each day as the precious gift it is, ready at a moment's notice to step from this life to the next.
November 28, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
He is our creator, our savior, our judge and our friend. In simple and unassuming ways, he will meet us in our struggles through this life with the courage and conviction to continue in the toughest of times. As our king he deserves our allegiance; yet he lays down his life that we might be saved. We owe everything to Jesus Christ, our King!
November 26, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
The resurrection. Life after death. Eternal communion with God and one another. This crucial teaching reminds us of what is at stake in the battlefield of our souls - the opportunity for everlasting life with the peace, joy and love of Jesus Christ. I want to be there, and I want you to join me!
November 25, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
In this passage of Luke's Gospel, Jesus focuses his time and attention in the Temple area. This "house of prayer" is a place of teaching, reflection, insight and communion with God and one another. Every time we step inside a church to pray we enter holy ground; may we frequently take time to encounter the Lord and grow as his sons and daughters.
November 24, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com
Once a year as a nation we pause and give thanks for our blessings. It's a great idea, and as disciples of Jesus Christ we pause everyday to thank the Lord with a grateful heart. What are you thankful for today? How can you share your blessings and be a light in the world?
November 23, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI
Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com