Catholic Inspiration

Anyone who loves cooking knows the wonderful smell of fresh baked bread.  Our bodies require daily nourishment to thrive, and we rely on spiritual food for our relationship with the Lord.  Jesus offers both in John's account today of the miracle of the fish and loaves. April 13, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Apostles speak boldly about the Risen Lord in the face of opposition, and their example inspires us to call upon the Holy Spirit for strength and wisdom as we journey through this life...with our eyes focused on Heaven. April 12, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

While today's passage from the Gospel of John remains one of the most well known and beloved of all Scripture, the verses that follow indicate the choice that we all have to make.  Do we seek Christ, the Light of the world, or do we prefer darkness...because our deeds are evil?  May we face our temptations and resolutely follow the Lord, whose light shines in our world and helps us find our way. April 11, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci

Jesus speaks with Nicodemus about the Holy Spirit.  We have received this Spirit in our hearts at Baptism, and the Lord gives us the strength and wisdom to make our way through this life to Heaven.  Our task: to let the Spirit work in our lives! April 10, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The unity of the disciples through gratitude, love and peace offers us an example of how we draw together today with the people God puts in our lives.  This is is not easy work...but it is worth it! April 7, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

As the disciples moved from doubt to bold belief, we see the process that often accompanies our transformation in faith.  We need time to understand, integrate and apply God's grace to our lives; may this Easter season help us to proclaim the Good News with boldness! April 7, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Risen Lord appears to some of the disciples while they are fishing on the Sea of Galilee.  Their encounter reveals that God gives us what we need so that we can face the challenges in life. April 6, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

After the resurrection Jesus appears to the Apostles and explains how he has fulfilled the prophecies within the Sacred Scriptures; that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer, die and be raised on the third day.  He concludes this passage with a powerful exhortation, "You are witnesses of these things."  Our faith was built on the witness of others, and our lived example of faith helps others encounter the Risen Lord today. April 5, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Two disciples encounter Jesus on the road to Emmaus.  Their journey reveals how God continues to touch the hearts and lives of believers today.  May we continue on the path as we walk with the Lord! April 4, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Mary Magdalene was the first person to see the Risen Lord.  Empowered by Jesus, she is sent to proclaim the resurrection to the Apostles.  Her example reminds us that God continues to bless us in our weaknesses and strengthen us for service in the world today. April 3, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The resurrection of Jesus brings hope and life as we turn away from our sins and embrace the living Lord.  No matter what's happened in the past, may we draw strength from God's love and walk in the light of Christ's amazing grace.  The Lord is risen!  He is risen, indeed. April 1, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

We wait in vigil through the night to hear the news of Easter joy: Christ is risen!  At the Easter Vigil we join with the Church around the world, welcoming new members to the faith and recalling the great events of salvation history. March 31, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Today we pray with the Church around the world as we recall the sign of God's love through the death of Jesus on the Cross.  May the Lord's suffering and sacrifice open our hearts with gratitude as we reflect on what Christ has done for our eternal salvation. March 30, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Holy Thursday gives us the opportunity to reflect upon two powerful themes: Sacrament & Service.  As we receive the Lord's Body and Blood may we be strengthened by Christ to serve one another. March 29, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Speaking at Mass to the kids at Cathedral School, Fr. Andrew speaks about the Passover, Judas and the blood of Jesus...the Lamb of God.   March 28, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

In the heart of the Last Supper we see two clear examples of human weakness.  Both Judas and Peter will betray Jesus, and their examples offer us two different responses to sin.  Which option will we choose?   March 27, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

We read the Passion of Jesus Christ so that we remember each year the Lord's sacrifice for our eternal salvation.  May the Precious Blood of the Savior wash us clean and renew our hearts for this life...and the life to come. March 25, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Caiaphas the high priest prophesied when he said that "it is better for you that one man should die for the people."  The death of Christ on the Cross takes our place for the sins that we commit which warrant death.  May we accept his saving sacrifice and offer our hearts to the Lord. March 24, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus points to the good works of His Heavenly Father as an indication of His identity as the Son of God.  What's more, we know of His greatest work: His death on the Cross that frees us from sin and opens the door to eternal life. March 23, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

As Jesus claims his divinity in the Gospel of John we are challenged to consider how our lives conform to Christ.  He is our Lord and His example guides and directs our lives in all things. March 22, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com