Catholic Inspiration

In every age people find themselves looking for hope as they face the challenges and battles of life.  Jesus Christ is the foundation of our hope, inspiring us to seek out the Lord in our lives and discerning how we can share our hope with one another. December 8, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Mary's response to the angel Gabriel reveals her role in God's plan for our salvation.  Chosen by the Lord, she offers us an example of faithfulness that inspires us every day to say yes to God's call for our lives. December 7, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

How strong is our faith in the Lord?  Do we see Jesus at work in our lives?  Two blind men in the Gospel of Matthew teach us today how to call upon the Lord in our blindness as we trust in Christ's guidance every day. December 7, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus reminds his disciples that when our actions match the words of our faith we build our lives on a foundation which can weather the storms of life. December 6, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Gospel of Matthew reveals the heart of Jesus - filled with pity for the crowds - and helps us understand how the Lord looks at us, especially when we are weak, wounded, lost and struggling.  May this scripture passage give us hope to return to the Lord once again in our need, and trust in his boundless love. December 5, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The prophet Isaiah offers a vision of hope that will happen when all people are drawn to the Lord's mountain.  Jesus echoes this sentiment when he tells the disciples that they are blessed by what they see and hear...reminding us to keep our eyes fixed on Heaven as we journey here on earth. December 4, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

We have the gift of this short, powerful season of Advent to heed the message of God's love in the person of Jesus Christ.  Are we ready?  This is the time to take the message to heart and put it into practice. December 1, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Throughout our lives we have numerous experiences of vigilance: watching over a loved one, remaining attentive to someone's needs or waiting in expectation for an arrival.  The same is true everyday in the spiritual life as we are vigilant in living our faith for Jesus Christ. December 1, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Today we celebrate the feast of St. Andrew, and we hear how he and his brother responded to the Lord's call.  Indeed, the Lord continues to call all of us...will we follow? November 30, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Our faith clearly acknowledges that there will be a final judgment, and while this reality can bring a grim awareness of our sins, it can also serve as an inspiration to take hold of the gift of today and live our faith with conviction. November 29, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Fr. Andrew speaks to the kids at Cathedral School about how the seed of God's love can grow in our hearts. November 28, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord urges the people to not be led by deception and fear.  Instead, we face these obstacles with the grace that comes God. November 27, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

We are servants and stewards of Christ, our King.  This means that our faith is not some hazy, vague experience; rather, it is dynamic and life-giving as we conform our lives to the commands of the one who claims our obedience. November 25, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

As the Lord teaches about eternal life, we are reminded that our lives here on earth are a preparation for our encounter with the angels and saints gathered around God in Heaven. November 24, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

In the Gospel today the Lord cleanses the temple and then teaches the people.  Every time we enter into a church and stand before the Blessed Sacrament in the tablernacle, we encounter the same Risen Lord - body and blood, soul and divinity.   November 23, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

What are you thankful for today?  What gifts do you recognize right now in your life and how do you share them gratefully with others?  How has God's grace transformed your life?  Now go, and be a blessing in the world! November 22, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The parable today shows the outcome of three servants who were given the opportunity to serve their master.  Like these servants, our lives have the power to make an impact in the world.  It begs a question: What are we doing with our lives? November 21, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The exchange between Jesus and Zaccheus fills us with hope as the Lord initiates an encounter that leads to conversion and change of heart.   November 20, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Gospel today addresses the age-old concern about the end times...which begs a question: if the Lord called you right now, would you be ready?  Are there things in life that need to be fixed, or are there perhaps opportunities that you can help flourish?   November 17, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord uses a parable to express our need to pray always without growing weary.   November 17, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com