Catholic Inspiration

The commandment to love one another as Christ loves us will stretch us and invite us to offer our entire lives as disciples of Jesus Christ.  May our "Yes!" open our hearts to God's love in our lives as we share this love with those we meet today. May 5,2018 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

There is a cost to following the Lord: sometimes we must endure the hardship of hate in this world and contend with forces that would seek to destroy the goodness in our lives.  Yet we do not stand alone; Jesus Christ gives us the strength we need to face this hardship with the power of his grace. May 5, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

"Love one another as I love you" is an awe-inspiring commandment.  We cannot do this alone; rather, Jesus chooses us and appoints us to follow his example and bear the fruit of unconditional love in our hearts.  As our friend, he gives us the grace and strength we need to walk in the light of his love. May 4, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Philip's desire to "see the Father" reminds us that even though the apostles walked with the Son, they longed to see the face of God the Father.  Seeing isn't believing; it's only seeing.  May our relationship with Christ grow stronger each day as we seek to follow the Lord as we journey through life. May 3, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

As followers of Jesus Christ we are called to cultivate a fruitful harvest in our hearts.  This not only means fostering the Fruits of the Spirit in our lives, but it also requires our willingness to be pruned of the spiritual vices and behaviors that keep us from God and one another. May 2, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The memorial of St. Joseph the Worker offers an opportunity to see how our work - great or small - can bring glory to God.  What's your work today?  Look for the Lord in your labors and make your work an offering worthy of God. May 1, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The accident at the oil refinery in Superior last week was a stark reminder how we rely on and support one another in times of danger.  Where do we find the strength to work together?  United in our faith in Jesus Christ we are nourished with God's grace so that we can offer our lives for one another. April 28, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus helps the disciples understand that to see him is to see the Father, and to believe in him leads to doing great works in his name.  But note this: these words are meant for us as well!  As we see God at work in our lives, may our belief flourish as we do the work that is before us for the glory and honor of Christ. April 28, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Trusting in God is one of those phrases that comes quick to the tongue but can be hard to say when confronted with disaster.  Yet this is exactly why Jesus came!  In the struggles and challenges of this world we look to the one who is the way, the truth and the life - so that we can face what comes before us as we make our way to Heaven. April 27, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Who taught you about Jesus?  Who strengthened and fostered your faith?  This gift we have been received is not just for our own use...it must be passed on.  Which begs the obvious question: Who has God placed in your life today, and how can you share your faith? April 26, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

On this feast of St. Mark we hear the command of the Risen Lord to the Eleven: they are to go out into the world and proclaim the Gospel.  May these words inspire us today to share our faith with the people God has placed in our lives. April 25, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord gives us eternal life, and as we focus on Heaven we have the opportunity to live for the Lord here on earth.  We are pilgrims passing through this world, and all that we say and do is guided by the simple fact that this life is homework to prepare us for the life to come. April 24, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Good Shepherd offers his life for the care and protection of the sheep.  The Lord's example inspires us: God calls us - in spite of our imperfections and weaknesses - to care and protect those entrusted to us.  May we call upon the Shepherd for what we need as we continue his service in the world. April 21, 2018 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The crowds find the teaching of Jesus too hard, and many who followed him now leave and go back to their former ways.  Rejection does not stop us from proclaiming the Good News; rather, it reminds us that people have the freedom to choose their path.  May we keep inviting them to follow the Lord! April 21, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord teaches the people that those who eat His flesh and drink His blood have eternal life.  May our frequent reception of Holy Communion strengthen us with God's grace in the messiness of life and inspire us to live for Jesus Christ. April 20, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus teaches the crowds that he is the "Bread of Life" that came down from Heaven.  Whoever eats this bread will never hunger again.  May we draw near to the one who feeds us so that strengthened by the Lord we can share His life with one another. April 19, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

One of the best ways to face a test in school is to start with a prayer, asking the Lord for peace in our hearts.  One of the best ways to face a test in life?  Do the same! April 18, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus states that he is "the Bread of Life" and when we draw near to Him we will never hunger nor thirst again.  We need this spiritual nourishment to grow and thrive in this life...and in preparation for the next. April 17, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

One of the hallmarks of the Early Church was the transformation that took place in the hearts of the disciples.  Standing before the Risen Lord, they were freed from the fear of sin and death as they opened their hearts to the power of repentance.  Their example inspires us to call upon God for the grace we need every day to walk in the light His love. April 15, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

As the early Church began to grow new ministries were called for as needs were discerned.  This is how the Church continues to thrive today: we recognize the need, call forth the people and are guided by key principles to direct our effort.  Now get to work! April 14, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com