Catholic Inspiration

We say this powerful prayer so many times throughout the course of our lives.  May we embrace this gift from Jesus as we fervently pray these words from our hearts and eagerly carry out its command to forgive one another. March 12, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

As Jesus confronts the devil in the wilderness, his response to three temptations shows us how we can face the deceptions of evil in our lives with courage, faith and wisdom. March 9, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

While spending time with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus' response to the scribes and pharisees offers us hope.  The Lord's willingness to bring healing and forgiveness to those in need reveals Christ's longing for our redemption as well.  May we follow the example of Levi and respond to the Lord's call. March 9, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The prophet Isaiah shows how fasting can be spiritually fruitful or destructive.  As a discipline of our body, fasting has the power to quickly cut through our selfishness and reveal a longing...not just for food, but for the Lord. March 8, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Moses and Jesus exhort the people to make a choice for God - choosing life (and eternal life) over death.  Every day we make this choice as we seek to turn our lives ever closer to Jesus Christ, the source of all life. March 7, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Most of the time we avoid looking at our weaknesses, failures and sins.  Not today.  Today we take a long hard look, examine our conscience, and honestly admit that we are sinners.  Why?  So that freed from the slavery of temptation and sin we can receive the grace of God through Jesus Christ. March 6, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

St. Peter's words "we have given up everything and followed you" can inspire us to consider how we offer our lives for the Lord.  Recognizing that everything we have comes from God, we begin to see ourselves as stewards, not owners, who offer our lives for the glory of the one who made us. March 5, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord's advice is both practical and spiritual.  How do we know the secret of our hearts?  We examine how we respond: under pressure, alone and with a subordinate...and we learn what's really happening on the inside. March 2, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord's words are beautiful and moving: "Let the children come to me!  Do not prevent them!"  May we remove all obstacles and provide every opportunity to let our children come to know Jesus Christ. March 2, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The discussion between Jesus and the Pharisees shows the reality that marriage and divorce have existed from the dawn of human history.  As we recognize the challenges of these relationships we do what we can to help build strong marriages as well as help those who have suffered from divorce. March 1, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

In light of the teaching of Jesus in the Gospel today, we can ask ourselves a simple question when confronted by any behavior, response, or action...is this leading me closer to Heaven, or farther away? February 28, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

It's not complicated.  Either we stand with the Lord or against him.  No matter how difficult, how challenging, and however many times we fail...may we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ. February 27, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The interaction between Jesus and the Apostles offers an important spiritual insight.  When we keep the Cross of Christ before our eyes we are able to dispel petty disputes, irritations, and inconveniences as we focus on what is truly important. February 26, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Yep, you heard that right.  Love your enemies.  Love one another when it's hard and unpleasant and we don't feel like it.  Love the people who push all our buttons and make us see red.  Love the people who have hurt us.  How?  By asking for the Love of Jesus Christ to dwell in our hearts. February 24, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus is transfigured in heavenly glory before some of the disciples, and then he reminds them of the suffering and death that await him on the Cross.  Both of these elements help us to understand how we confront the grim challenges of life with a real and powerful hope. February 23, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

On this feast of the Chair of St. Peter, we hear how Peter acknowledges that Jesus is the Christ.  The Lord affirms that Peter is the rock upon which the Church will be built, and while Satan will try to destroy it, the gates of the netherworld will not prevail. February 22, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

God states that the rainbow is a sign of the covenant between the Lord and all living things, reminding us that the gift of life is precious, holy, sacred...and meant to be lived to the best of our ability. February 21, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Noah's patience and hard work pay off as the flood recedes and humanity is given a second chance.  God never gives up on us, reminding us that today is another chance to begin again. February 20, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Noah builds the ark and preserves life as God permits the great flood to cover the earth.  It begs a question: what needs to be preserved in our lives...and what needs to be washed away?

Living one's life for the Lord does not mean it will be easy; rather, we face the struggles before us with God's grace to carry out what must be done.  A blessed life, then, is not about wealth, health, or earthly glory...it's about being in right relationship with Jesus Christ. February 16, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com