Catholic Inspiration

The well known parable of the rich man and Lazarus offers a powerful reminder that we have been given what we need to know the Lord. May we draw up these great gifts: Church teaching, Scripture, Sacraments, Prayer, Fellowship, and the example of the Saints! March 1, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus addresses a dispute among the disciples by teaching them that the journey to greatness is discovered on the path of service. February 28, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Isaiah exhorts the people to wash themselves clean.  Jesus shows how this cleansing happens when we serve one another with a humble heart. February 27, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Peter, James and John had a profound experience on the mountain, and Abraham encountered an angel in his test of faith.  Both experiences were graces that came at different points of their journey through life.  As we follow the Lord through the regular practice of our faith may we take to heart any special graces we receive as gifts from God to continue on our path. February 25, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

While the phrase "love one another" sounds great when we like the people in question, the real test of faith occurs when it's tough.   The command of Jesus to "love your enemies" will demand us to become like the Lord - who even forgave those who nailed him to the Cross.   To do this we call upon God for the grace we need to be filled with the love of Christ so that we can share his love in all moments of life...even when surrounded by enemies. February 24, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord makes is clear in the Gospel of Matthew that if someone has anything against us, we are commanded to go first and be reconciled.  Seeking forgiveness and being about reconciliation may be the hardest thing we do as Christians, yet it's essential if we seek to follow Jesus Christ. February 23, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

When Jesus asks his disciples "Who do you say that I am?" Peter gets it right.  Jesus is the Christ, the Lord, the one who saves us from our sins and empowers us as Sons and Daughters of God.  Our acceptance of this reality transforms our lives with his light and power! February 22, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

It's human nature to be looking for a sign from God - guiding our actions and helping us to see the right path.  Jesus teaches in the gospel of Luke that we  don't need any more signs...we have the Lord!  The task now?  To put our faith into practice. February 21, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

It's a powerful prayer, and this gift from the Lord strengthens and directs our lives.  Only 55 words in English; may we pray it with conviction and conversion of heart. February 20, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

It's a simple phrase, and yet it has the power to change our lives and renew our hearts.  What began on Ash Wednesday continues now with full power: we repent of our sins and turn to the Lord with open hearts that God's grace might renew us and make us whole. February 18, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

When asked why he eats with sinners and tax collectors, Jesus offers a powerful response, "Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but the sick do.  I have not come to call the righteous to repentance, but sinners."  As we acknowledge our sins and seek repentance we, too, receive the Lord's saving mercy. February 17, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The spiritual discipline of fasting offers a powerful tool to help us recognize the needs of others.  Both Isaiah and Jesus offer key insights into this practice, guiding us to see how fasting in our bodies can bring renewal to our souls. February 16, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus speaks in direct and blunt language: to be a disciple means that we follow His example as we take up our Cross and follow Him.  What's more, the Cross is far more than simple suffering; when we take up our Cross we commit our lives to the service, care and compassion of others...just as Christ offered His life for our salvation. February 15, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The ashes on our foreheads invite us to repent of the sins that keep us from God and one another.  Through fasting, prayer and almsgiving we have powerful tools that can open our hearts and transform our lives in this great season of Lent. February 14, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord warns the disciples about the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod, and he reminds them of the multiplication of the loaves to feed thousands.  It's a good insight that both good and bad things start small, and like leaven in dough, they can make big differences. February 13, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Suffering affects our lives on many levels - body, mind, heart and soul - and it can weaken and wound our relationships with one another.  When we respond with compassion, help, unity and God's grace we can restore what was broken with the healing power of Christ. February 10, 2018 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus performs a feeding miracle for the crowds that have been listening to him for three days.  This practical point reminds us that we, too, are called to nourish body and soul for the basic needs of those around us. February 10, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus heals a deaf man with a speech impediment and simultaneously empowers him with the gift of hearing and speaking.  Words have power to build up or tear down; our invitation today is to use the gift of speech for the glory and praise of God. February 9, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The faith expressed by the woman in the Gospel today was simple and direct...and because of this her child was healed.  May her example inspire us to take the gift of faith we have been given and engage our lives with the power and insight of Jesus Christ. February 8, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus describes the evil that can come from our hearts, reminding us that the battle is often within.  As we strive to follow the Lord we turn from these sins and look to the Cross of Christ. February 7, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com