Catholic Inspiration

She is the Mother of God and the Mother of the Church.  May the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary strengthen our desire to offer our hearts in loving service to her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. December 31, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Msgr. Ed Meulemans was my pastor when I arrived at the Cathedral as a newly ordained priest in 1997.  Over the years he has been a great friend and mentor, teaching me many lessons about discipleship and priesthood.  May he rest in peace! December 31, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Holy Family faced the blessings and burdens of life with Christ in their lives.  Jesus is present in our hearts, our homes...and our families.  May we do all that we can to build up the relationships we have within our families, in preparation for when God unites us with our family in Heaven. December 29, 2018 - St. Anthony Catholic Church - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

As Simeon sees the Christ Child he recognizes the Messiah and gives praise to God.  As the Kingdom of Heaven continues to unfold here on earth, we have daily opportunities to seek out the face of Jesus in our lives and respond with joy and gratitude. December 29, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The horrific massacre of the baby boys in Bethlehem echoes the heart wrenching evil witnessed throughout human history.  Yet in the face of senseless violence and tragic evil, we hold fast to the hope that God's justice and mercy will prevail through the power of the savior, Jesus Christ. December 28, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Just as St. John announced the Word of God through his Gospel and Letters, we have a daily opportunity to testify to the Lord whenever we open our hearts to Christ and proclaim the Good News of Jesus. December 27, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

 St. Stephen's death serves as a sharp contrast from the glory Christ's birth.  Yet this contrast helps us engage in the spiritual battle that is part of our earthly life as we face our struggles with the grace of Jesus. December 26, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Messiah is born!  King of kings and Lord of lords, the ruler of the universe comes to us as a defenseless and vulnerable infant.  Why?  To get past all our defenses and touch our hearts with a gentleness that shakes the foundations of the world.  Merry Christmas! December 24, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Elizabeth recognized the presence of the Messiah, and she rejoiced that God had drawn near.  As Christmas approaches, we rejoice in the many ways that God pours grace into our hearts through the power and mercy of Jesus. December 23, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

It's called the Magnificat - a song of praise that Mary offers - and it has been a prayer of powerful reflection for the Church for 2000 years.  Recognizing that God is in charge, initiating, leading, empowering and conquering evil, we are united in grace and draw near to the Lord. December 22, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Mary and Elizabeth, pregnant with their sons as foretold by the angel Gabriel, are filled with the Holy Spirit as they encounter one another.  The presence of the Spirit gives us an insight into what happens when we cooperate with God's grace in our lives: the Lord does great things! December 21, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

While the story of the angel Gabriel and Mary is well known, its familiarity can blind us to the fact that just as God worked through Mary's life, God works in ours.  The question is, will we use the blessings we have been given for the Lord's glory?  Will we say yes to Jesus Christ today? December 20, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Luke's Gospel sets the context for the birth of John the Baptist - the last and greatest prophet who will proclaim Jesus as the Lamb of God - and shows us how God constantly works through our lives to bring about something new. December 19, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

St. Joseph's reception and response to the angel's message offers us a fitting example of faith in action as we receive God's word and respond in love to Jesus Christ! December 18, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Scriptures today reveal Zephaniah, the Psalmist, St. Paul and John the Baptist as God's messengers who communicate to the people.  They remind us that we are all messengers for Jesus Christ, called to proclaim and receive a message of joy. December 15, 2018 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord speaks of a sober reality in the Gospel today:  both he and John the Baptist will suffer.  It's a powerful reminder that Christ came for us...our sins, our weaknesses, our wounds...and he offers his life that we might be reunited with God. December 15, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord reveals how the people complained about him and John the Baptist.  Their "glass is half empty" thinking demonstrates the tremendous influence we have in shaping and determining our attitude...especially in difficult moments in our lives. December 14, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord speaks to the people about John the Baptist as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.  He is Elijah, who points out the Lamb of God, and from this foundation of faith we take our part in God's great story of salvation history. December 13, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

On this feast day it is good to reflect on the history of Mary's apparition to Juan Diego in 1531.  Through the miracles that followed Mary's presence transformed a people, offering us a clear reminder that God continues to work through his angels and saints. December 12, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus reveals how God looks at us in our wounded and vulnerable state.  Seeking what is lost and rejoicing when found, the Lord thus teaches us how to relate to one another. December 11, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com