Catholic Inspiration

Jesus uses a number of illustrations to underscore a practical point: we live each moment to the fullest as we follow the Lord.  Only with our eyes fixed on Jesus can we face the uncertainties of life with calm conviction. November 16, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God is among us.  Our task is not to go chasing around looking for the Lord, but rather to live as his disciples as we apply our faith to every aspect of our lives. November 15, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The healing of the ten lepers reveals the power of God's grace.  The gratitude of the Samaritan shows a response that can teach us all a great deal about how we drawn near to the Lord with a grateful heart. November 14, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

To say "I serve the Lord" has tremendous implications for our understanding and action.  Recognizing Jesus as our Lord, we configure every aspect of our lives to him as our daily actions and interactions are infused with his grace. November 13, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Two widows offer examples of giving generously in the Scriptures today.  Three words - gratitude, sacrifice and expectation - can offer insight into how we can be generous as we follow the example of Jesus.

The Lord offers a blunt teaching about money, reminding us that God is our first and greatest priority...whereas money is a tool that is meant to be put to good and practical use. November 10, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Today the universal Church celebrates the dedication of the Lateran Basilica - the cathedral of the city of Rome - reminding us that every church around the world offers us a direct encounter of the living God when we draw near to the altar to pray. November 9, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Recognizing our sins and asking for forgiveness challenges us to honestly acknowledge our faults and humbly ask for help.  While this is not easy, this process puts us in right relationship with the Lord and one another...allowing us to grow in maturity, wisdom and love. November 8, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Gospel makes it clear that all other blessings, even the most precious relationship, take second place to our relationship with Jesus Christ, who is the source of all our blessings and the Lord our souls. November 7, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The reading from Philippians offers a powerful teaching about Jesus, who emptied and humbled himself for the salvation of our souls.  As the Lord's disciples we acknowledge that our journey to heaven will lead us along a similar path as we share our lives with one another. November 6, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The commandment to love God and neighbor is well known, and it can act as a mission statement that guides every single element of our lives...and helping us to grow as Sons and Daughters of God. November 4, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Sometimes we can get caught up in social status, cherishing feelings of importance and respect.  In the Gospel today Jesus reminds us that true greatness lies in how we offer our lives, directing us away from external accolades and turning us toward the beauty of a life of humble service. November 3, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

 Yesterday's celebration of All Saints inspires us today to pray for All Souls.  We remember our faithful departed and commend them to the loving mercy of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  On this sober feast we recall that one day we will all make the journey from this life to the next, and we ask God for the grace to carry on. November 2, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The victory of the Saints stands as a reminder for us.  For just as Christ sustained the Saints in their trials, so God will also walk with us.  They inspire us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as we encounter the obstacles of life...so that one day we will join their ranks in Heaven. November 1, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord reminds us of a sobering fact: the path that leads to eternal life flows through a narrow gate, and every day we make choices that either lead us closer or farther away.   October 31, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus offers two examples to show how with God's help a small action on our part leads to big changes in our lives, inviting us to consider what small adaptations we can make to grow in our faith today. October 30, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

When Jesus heals Bartimaeus, he does more than simply offer him sight.  An encounter with Christ brings us into a direct experience of God's grace and power; how we respond reveals our recognition of the many ways we see the Lord at work in our lives today. October 28, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Our lives offer us an opportunity to grow and flourish in the grace of God.  However, this chance to be spiritually fruitful lasts until the time when the Lord calls us into eternity, and from that moment there is no turning back.   October 27, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Letter of the Ephesians offers a beautiful call to faith which can inspire us in the darkest moments of our lives.  May we take these words to heart as we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. October 26, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord speaks of division - even within families - in the Gospel today.  Why?  Because in the end all of us will have to choose a path in life, either leading us to God or casting us away. October 25, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com