Catholic Inspiration

The readings today reveal the common theme of the life giving power of water to nourish and heal.  This image in turn points to Christ, the source of all life.  May we draw near to the Lord to be refreshed, so that we may in turn share His life with one another. April 2, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The parable of the Prodigal Son proclaims the tender compassion of the Father.  In our wayward moments the Lord continues to run to us in our need, reaching out with mercy, forgiveness and love. March 30, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus offers a parable that speaks to our hearts.  When we are caught in pride and selfishness, the words of the tax collector can restore our perspective and need for the Lord.  As we reflect on our sins and shortcomings may we call out and say, "O God, be merciful to me, a sinner." March 30, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

When asked what is the most important commandment, Jesus responds by citing Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Leviticus 19:18 and swiftly summarizes the life of faith by condensing the Ten Commandments down to two.  As we take these two crucial commandments to heart may they guide every aspect of our lives each and every day. March 29, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

After casting out a demon, Jesus responds to criticism with a teaching that illustrates the power and unity that flow from the Kingdom of God.  It's a good reminder for us today, for when we are united in Christ then we have the strength we need to face the evil in our lives. March 28, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus tells his disciples that he has come to fulfill the Law and the Prophets.  This understanding of fulfillment is one of the reasons why the Church continues to study the Old Testament, for by learning about our spiritual past we can follow the Lord with faith in our future. March 27, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Peter's question is followed by a parable that underscores the crucial role of forgiveness in the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ.  It begs the question: who do we need to forgive today?  May the words of the Lord inspire us to forgive one another as God forgives us. March 26, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

This second of two presentations was given at St. Pius X Catholic Church on March 18, 2019.  Fr. Andrew addresses the powerful dynamic of family and friendship as we receive God's grace within the context of these two crucial groups of people in our lives. March 18, 2019 - St. Pius X Catholic Church - Solon Springs, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

This is the first of two presentations given at St. Pius X Catholic Church on March 18, 2019.  Fr. Andrew discusses the meaning of grace and how Prayer, Sacraments and Virtue are key components that every person uses to experience grace in their lives. March 18, 2019 - St. Pius X Catholic Church - Solon Springs, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Like the encounter between Moses and God, life changing moments can happen in the blink of an eye, yet leave an impact that redefines us.  The same thing happens when we carry out the command of the Lord as we repent of our sins. March 23, 2019 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The prophet Micah offers words of comfort and hope, reminding us that in the midst of our penitential practices in this season of Lent, we trust in the Lord's mercy and forgiveness of our sins. March 23, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The parable of the landowner and the tenants offers sobering insights into how we live our faith.  Everything we have is a gift on loan from God, and one day the Lord will come and claim it.  How will we respond? March 22, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The parable of the rich man and Lazarus offer insights into how we live.  By putting our trust in God and using the ordinary tools of faith, we find the grace we need to journey through this life until we reach Heaven. March 21, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord offers us a profound insight into the path of discipleship: through suffering and service we conform our lives to Christ as we pour out our lives in love for one another. March 20, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

We know very little about St. Joseph: he makes no speeches; indeed, he says nothing at all.  Yet this hard working, faithful man carried out the task appointed for him by God...showing us that in the last analysis our actions are crucial as we follow Jesus Christ. March 19, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Transfiguration of Jesus reveals the Lord's divine glory and majesty in the presence of Peter, James and John.  This glory offers us the consolation of hope in eternal life, while at the same time challenging us to carry our crosses as we follow the example of Christ. March 16, 2019 - St. William Catholic Church, Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" is perhaps one of the most challenging lines in the Bible.  Yet when we strive to carry this out we begin to conform our lives to Jesus, allowing his grace in us to make it possible. March 16, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord exhorts the disciples to seek a higher standard of holiness.  How?  By making reconciliation an essential ingredient for following Jesus Christ. March 15, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Prayer is not magic.  Rather, it is the way we grow in our relationship with God, listening to the Lord's word and opening our hearts to receive the grace we need to face the difficulties of life.  May our prayer help us to draw nearer to Christ today, so that we can offer our lives for Him. March 14, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus refers to the Book of Jonah as he speaks to the people about the need for repentance.  We, too, have the opportunity every day to repent and call upon the Lord for the grace we need to follow as his disciples. March 13, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com