Catholic Inspiration

The parable of the sower and the seed reminds us that there are many obstacles that seek to prevent us from following the Lord. May we cultivate our hearts so that Christ may raise up a rich harvest. July 24, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord teaches that those who do the will of his Heavenly Father are part of his family. May we claim this relationship as we put into practice our faith in Jesus Christ! July 23, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus reminds Martha that only one thing is important, and her sister Mary has found it as she drew near to the Lord. May Christ be the center and priority of our lives as well! July 20, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

In the face of opposition and threats against his life, Jesus continues to minister to the crowds and give them hope. May we bring the broken fragments of our lives to the Lord today, confident in his healing grace. July 20, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

While speaking to the Pharisees, Jesus reveals his authority over all creation. May we recognize the Lord's role in our hearts as well. July 19, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The compassion of Christ is evident in this well known passage from Matthew: come to me all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. May these words inspire us in our moments of weakness to draw near to the Lord for the grace and strength we need. July 18, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

As Moses approached the burning bush he stood on holy ground and spoke with God. Our faith in Jesus Christ - who fulfills the law of Moses - allows us to draw near to the living God through our study, prayer and service. July 17, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord reproaches the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum because they did not repent when they witnessed the mighty acts of God. We, too, have been given much by God; will we turn to the Lord and live? July 16, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

In this passage from the Gospel of Luke the Lord teaches his disciples that the term "neighbor" applies to all people, regardless of race, color, religion or political view.  Using the example of the Good Samaritan, Jesus reveals how we are called to respond with mercy toward all. July 14, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Three times in the Gospel today Jesus tells his disciples to be not afraid.  Three times!  The fact is, fear is a part of the landscape of our lives, and with God's help we can face it with faith as we follow the Lord. July 13, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Matthew's Gospel reminds us that we are called by the Lord to use all our resources of mind, heart and soul.  Each of these aspects of our humanity fosters our growth as disciples as we offer our lives for the glory of God. July 12, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The story of Joseph in the Book of Genesis recounts the power of reconciliation within a family.  Joseph chooses the higher path and overcomes hatred and discord as he returns compassion toward his brothers.  His example inspires us to examine our own families and actively seek opportunities to foster peace. July 11, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The call of the twelve Apostles reveals the personal connection Jesus has with his disciples.  Called by name (with their own unique strengths and weaknesses) the Lord will empower them to serve in his name.  The Lord does the same for us! July 10, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Matthew's Gospel shows how the Lord was moved with pity as he gazed on the people who were troubled and abandoned.  The mercy of Christ consoles us to draw near to God with open hearts, even as it challenges us to look at one another (especially those who push our buttons!) with the love of the Lord. July 9, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus empowers 72 disciples to go in pairs and continue his mission of preaching, healing and driving out evil.  Facing opposition and hostility they return rejoicing at the power of God at work in their lives.  May we be inspired to follow their example! July 6, 2019 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Throughout our lives there are many spiritual lessons to be learned.  Whether it's repentance or rejoicing, suffering or celebration, fasting or feasting.  God calls us to discern what we need today...and then ask the Lord for the grace to respond.

The call of Matthew to follow Jesus reminds us that the Lord calls all of us - in spite of our sinfulness - to take his hand and journey along the path of faith.  Christ beckons...will we respond? July 5, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The man brought to Jesus was healed of his affliction and forgiven of his sins.  God longs to heal and restore our lives, and even when we are unable to initiate the process the Lord brings people around us to make his grace possible. July 4, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

St. Thomas reminds us that as disciples we can be honest with our human doubts even as we embrace our faith in Christ.  As we bring our struggles to the Lord, we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus...calling for the grace we need each day. July 3, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The cry of the disciples during a storm on the Sea of Galilee echoes a common thought that occurs in our lives.  When we are down, struggling, at a loss or overcome...we call upon the one who is the source of our hope. July 2, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com