Catholic Inspiration

The Lord's Prayer is a powerful gift that we frequently use in many ways throughout life.  Whether alone or with others, this prayer helps us draw close to God and one another.  May we use it frequently! June 21, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The practices of fasting, prayer and almsgiving are powerful disciplines that the Church has embraced from the teaching of Jesus, and they offer immense power in shaping and guiding our spiritual lives. June 20, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord teaches the disciples about love by using examples from his Heavenly Father.  While it is sometimes easy to love, the real test happens when we overcome the obstacles within and without, choosing to love others as God loves us. June 19, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Gardeners know that fruitful plants begin from tiny seeds that grow slowly and steadily through a process of change.  God brings about transformation in a similar way in our souls: we start small, work a process of growth and the Lord gives the grace we need. June 16, 2018 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus teaches the disciples to speak simply and plainly.  In a world full of words it is a good reminder!  May our words reflect our actions with clear transparency, helping us deepen the relationships in our lives with trust and integrity. June 16, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The prophet Elijah watched and waited for the Lord.  While the wind, earthquake and fire were visibly amazing, Elijah recognized God in a tiny whispering sound.  It's a good reminder for us today to be on the lookout for the Lord, for even in the smallest and simplest of experiences God is constantly present and in our midst. June 15, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord boldly states that we are called to reconcile with one another.  That begs a simple question: who do I need to forgive in my life today?  Once we recognize the essential aspect of forgiveness in our lives the next step is to call upon Christ for the grace required to make it happen. June 14, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

From the miracle of Elijah to the Lord's fulfillment of the Law, our faith is a gift that allows us to see God at work in our lives.  What's more, as disciples we continue Christ's saving work as his instruments in the world. June 13, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord offers a bold job description for disciples: You are the Salt of the earth and the Light of the world!  As we draw near to Jesus we also become conduits of his grace, touching the hearts and lives of those around us.  May we shine with the Good News of the Gospel! June 12, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Our faith acknowledges the presence and power of sin in our world today.  Temptation is all around us, working to ensnare us and lead us astray.  The solution?  Jesus comes into our world to free us from the chains of sin and lead us into the grace that only God can provide. June 9, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Mary and Joseph are searching for Jesus in Jerusalem, only to find him in the Temple.  When asked by his mother his response "I must be in my Father's house" invites us to follow his example and meet the Lord in church...where he is always present in the tabernacle! June 9, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

This feast day fosters both personal piety and a communal connection within the Church to Jesus Christ, our savior, redeemer, brother and friend.  The Lord offers his heart for the salvation of the world as he gives his life on the Cross.  May the love in his heart fill up what is lacking in ours! June 8, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus teaches that love - of God and one another - is the greatest commandment.  Why?  Because we are called into relationship with the Lord and each other, and these relationships are nurtured, strengthened and guided by our willingness to love one another as God loves us. June 7, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The reading from the Second Letter to Timothy offers the exhortation to "stir into flame the gift of God" and live with conviction and courage.  This gift is our Christian faith; and just as a tiny spark can produce a bonfire, so too, our faith can provide the spark that ignites our lives for service in the world as we draw near to the Lord and one another. June 6, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Your life is a gift.  Freely given by God, this treasure is meant to be shared and lived with a passionate conviction.  May gratitude fill our hearts as we offer our lives to the Lord! June 5, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Every Mass offers us the miracle of an encounter with Jesus Christ.  As we draw near to the altar to receive the Lord in Holy Communion, may we strive to understand WHAT we are doing and WHY we are doing it! June 2, 2018 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus responds with wisdom and insight when questioned about his authority.  As his disciples we call upon the Lord for the grace, power and authority we need to live our lives with the Holy Spirit in our hearts. June 2, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord exhorts the disciples to have faith in God.  Sometimes that is easier to say than do!  Yet as our trust in the Lord grows we discover that we are able to see our path in life and have the strength to continue along the way. June 1, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

In the exchange between Mary and Elizabeth the two women give praise and thanks to God for the blessings they have witnessed.  May we take their example to heart and do the same in our lives each and every day. May 31, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord teaches the disciples that those who wish to be great must be the servant of all.  This insight helps us to understand the Lord's example on the Cross: as Jesus offers his life, so we are called to share the gift of our lives with one another. May 30, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com