Catholic Inspiration

Peter and John show how the name of Jesus brings hope and life to a beggar.  Following their example, we offer our lives today as a living witness to the power of God in the world. April 24, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Both Peter and Mary Magdalene reveal how Christ's resurrection transforms our human weakness and empowers us for service in the world.  We, too, are called to receive the grace of Easter into our hearts as the Lord takes the gift of our lives and equips us to proclaim the Good News. April 23, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Beyond the agony of the Cross and the sorrow of the Tomb on that first day of the week the message was proclaimed:  He’s Alive! April 21, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

We join the Church around the world as we wait in hope for the resurrection of the Lord.  This extraordinary Mass empowers us to look at the challenges in our lives with the conviction that God will give us the grace we need for the task at hand. April 20, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Today the world stands silent at the foot of the Cross.  Only the unconditional love of God could remedy human sin, and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ gives us hope for eternal life. April 19, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

We begin the Sacred Triduum with the solemn gathering around the altar.  Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, we are strengthened by God's grace for service in the world. April 18, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Passover meal is prepared, the disciples are gathered around Jesus, and with sorrow the Lord announces that a betrayer is in their midst.  The point?  There is no spin or sugar coating salvation history as we embark on the Sacred Triduum.  For in the midst of human darkness and sin, the Son of God will shine the light of grace upon our world. April 17, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

We discover in the Gospel of John of the betrayal of Judas and the denial of Peter.  This is a dark hour in the history of our salvation, and it underscores the consequences of our actions and our reliance on God's infinite grace. April 16, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Passion of Christ is the greatest love story ever told.  As we reflect on the depth of the Lord's sacrifice for our sins, may we encounter the compassion, mercy and forgiveness of Jesus, who gave his life that we might be with him in Heaven. April 13, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The prophetic words of Caiaphas reveal an insight into God's plan for our salvation, "it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people."  Jesus Christ takes our place by his death on the Cross so that our sins might be washed clean by his blood.  May this fact bring us to our knees in grateful thanks for what God has done for us. April 13, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus reveals his majesty as the Son of God through his relationship with the Father and the works that he performs.  The moment we acknowledge this fact our lives profoundly change as we conform our thoughts, words and actions to the will of our Lord. April 12, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus teaches in the Gospel of John that "whoever keeps my word will never see death."  As the Son of God, his sacrifice on the Cross becomes the means by which we gain eternal life.  May the promise of Heaven inspire our words and actions here on earth. April 11, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus speaks of his relationship to the Father and invites us to become his disciples by remaining in his word.  What attacks this connection?  Sin.  Yet the closer we draw near to the Lord the clearer we see our need for God and the grace that Christ alone can offer us. April 10, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

In John's Gospel we hear Jesus state that he is "I AM" not once but twice.  These words echo back to the time of Moses, who was told by God that "I AM" is his name.  Let us be clear: Jesus is Lord, the 2nd Person of the Trinity whose divinity will be fully revealed when we stand before him at the end of time.  May we live accordingly! April 9, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Fr. Andrew offered a Teaching Mass for the kids from the Cathedral religious education program on April 3, 2019.  This 40 minute presentation summarizes the explanation about the Mass and how we can get more out of this crucial prayer that Jesus left us. April 3, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The encounter between Jesus and the woman caught in adultery offers an insight into both the judgment and mercy of God.  May we cherish the Lord's compassion as we honestly examine our hearts for whatever keeps us from God and one another. April 6, 2019 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

As doubt and division surround Jesus in the Gospel of John, we recognize the presence of division in our lives and throughout the world today.  Wherever we find ourselves isolated and at odds with one another, may we draw near to the Lord and ask for his grace to bring unity and peace. April 6, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The book of Wisdom and the Gospel of John reveal the conflict that arises when we follow the Lord in our daily lives.   April 5, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

When questioned about the "testimony" he can offer about himself, Jesus points to John the Baptist, his works and the words of his Father.  Finally, he directs people to reflect upon Moses, whose words and actions are fulfilled in the saving passion, death and resurrection of the Christ. April 4, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Both Isaiah and John's Gospel reveal the compassion and power of God.  This power, however, will not be forced upon us; rather, the Lord invites us to accept his invitation and receive grace for this life and the next.  How will we respond? April 3, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com