Catholic Inspiration

On this feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we read in Luke's Gospel of the birth of Jesus...mindful that if Mary had not been born then God's plan for our salvation would not have taken place. September 8, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

St. Paul writes to the people of Corinth that we are servants and stewards.  As we care for one another and use the resources we have received, we recognize that one day we will all stand before the Lord for judgment. September 7, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

It's a great fishing story: Christ speaks to the people from a boat, directs the nets, catches the fish...and gains new disciples!  What's more, these disciples will grow to become apostles who will continue to do the Lord's work and serve as an example for us today. September 6, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

As the crowds gather around Jesus we see two central elements of his earthly ministry: healing the sick and driving out demons.  The Lord's work reveals what the demons already know; he is the Christ, the Son of God who has the power to save and set us free. September 5, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord teaches with authority and power in the Gospel today.  Learning is not just for school; rather, we have lessons to learn throughout life.  May we look to the challenges of today and engage our faith with confidence. September 4, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord points out that the spiritual battle happens on the inside - in our hearts - and within this precious real estate we have the opportunity each day to do our part to keep it clean. September 1, 2018 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The parable today reveals a crucial insight: We will be measured by what we do with what we have.  Comparing ourselves with others is often a waste of time; what's crucial is using what we have been given to the best of our ability. September 1, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus offers a parable to the disciples about being alert and prepared, reminding us that preparation is a part of our daily life...and reveals our wisdom when we put it into practice. August 31, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord urges his disciples to be awake and prepared.  Every day we have opportunities to stay "spiritually fit" as we call upon God's grace for the demands we encounter. August 30, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

John's death vividly reveals the potential price tag for our faith.  Yet we can find new strength to face the injustices of life through our conviction that we are made for more...in this life and in the life to come. August 29, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

On this feast of St. Augustine (the patron of my Diocese) we pause to reflect on God's love for us.  God is love, and this love is meant to find a home in our hearts and then flow out into the lives of those we meet. August 28, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The passage from John's Gospel marks a low point in the active ministry of Jesus.  The people have seen healing miracles and the multiplication of the fishes and loaves, but when they hear the Lord's teaching about the Eucharist they turn away.  It is in this rock-bottom moment that Peter reminds us that we face hard times with the power of our faith in Christ.

Do you want to be great in the Kingdom of Heaven?  Then follow the path of service.  Our example is Jesus, and the Lord will walk with us every step of the way. August 25, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Nathaniel is brought to the Lord by Philip and testifies that Jesus is the Son of God.  We, too, can acknowledge that Jesus is Lord, and in doing so we have the opportunity to put our faith into practice. August 24, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The parable in the Gospel of Matthew shows a variety of responses to an invitation.  The same is true for our response to the Lord's invitation to live our faith.  What will we do today? August 23, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus offers a parable that reveals God's amazing generosity toward us...inspiring us to extend that generosity to one another. August 22, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Scriptures today reveal the awesome power of God - the source of all life and grace - and helps us understand that our relationship with the Lord requires us to receive with humble respect from the Almighty as we share the gifts we have been given with grateful hearts. August 21, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus states that we must eat his flesh and drink his blood to have eternal life.  May our reception of the Body and Blood of Christ in Holy Communion nourish our souls as the Lord renews us with his grace. August 19, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus rebukes the disciples for preventing the children to draw near.  It's a powerful reminder for us: how do we help our children come to the Lord?  How do we help them grow in faith, hope and love? August 18, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The exchange about marriage and divorce in the Gospel of Matthew reminds us that these topics have been challenging and messy from the beginning of time.  May we call upon the Lord today for the strength to support the marriages around us and help those who face the pain of divorce with the compassion of Christ. August 17, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com