Catholic Inspiration

Like a coach who calls a play that leads to action on the field, God calls us to a life of faith by what we think, speak and do.  May we hear the Lord's call in our lives today and respond with full hearts! January 14, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus calls Levi - a tax collector and a sinner - with the simple invitation "Follow me."  In the same way the Lord calls us, not because we are perfect, but precisely so that we can draw near to the one who heals, redeems and loves us.   January 13, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Four people go to extraordinary lengths to bring a paralytic to Jesus for healing.  It begs the question: what do we do to bring people to Jesus, to remove the obstacles that keep others from God?  While it is true that each person must decide to follow Jesus, we can all ask ourselves if we are cooperating with the Lord to help one another encounter Christ. January 12, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus cleanses a leper and restores his health and relationships.  We, too, can look into our hearts, see what does not belong, and draw near to the Lord for the healing and restoration we require. January 11, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord's ministry touches hearts and changes lives, as people encounter Jesus and begin to serve in new and unique ways.  Like them, we can echo the words of Samuel and the Psalmist as we say, "Here am I Lord!  I come to do your will." January 10, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus enters the synagogue and drives out unclean spirits.  Guided by our faith in Christ, we face evil with God's grace and build our lives on the strength of the Lord. January 9, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Magi, guided by the light of the star, brought their gifts to honor the Christ child.  Our faith gives us light to recognize the gifts God has placed in our lives...and provides the light to discover ways to put those gifts to use in our world. January 7, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

 Today offers two options for the Gospel reading - the baptism of Jesus in Mark or the genealogy of Christ in Luke - and reveals to us the humble, simple and open manner in which the Lord meets us in our human weakness.   January 6, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus invites Philip to become a disciple with the words, "Follow me."  The language is clear, direct and simple.  Philip's response inspires us to consider how the Lord invites us to follow today.  How will we respond? January 5, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Andrew and another disciple respond to the invitation of Jesus to "come and see."  Their day with Jesus will change their lives forever as they invite others to encounter the Lord as well.  May we do the same! January 4, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

John the Baptist calls Jesus "the Lamb of God" and invites us to draw upon the significance of this title within the salvation story.  May we call upon the Lord's sacrifice for our sins, and see our brothers and sisters through the eyes of Christ's saving grace. January 3, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI  Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

John the Baptist redirected the attention he received toward Jesus, and his example inspires us to consider how our words and actions - attentive to the needs of those around us - can bring people closer to the Lord. January 2, 2018 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Since from the beginning of time the plan of salvation included the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross, we thus understand that Mary's role as the Mother of God was present as well.  Chosen by God, her acceptance of the angel Gabriel's announcement reveals her as the first disciple; her role as Mother of the Messiah reveals her as a Mother to all disciples.  May her example inspire us to draw near to her Son! January 1, 2018 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Family life is crazy and chaotic, sometimes blissful, sometimes frustrating, big and noisy, small and quiet, in a every shape, size and configuration imaginable.  Yet it is within the specific context of our families that we grow in faith and life lessons.  May we look to the Holy Family for inspiration as we seek the best in our families, dedicate earnest effort in supporting them, and pray every day for the Lord's guidance and strength. December 31, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

After the praise of Anna in the Temple, Mary and Joseph return home to Nazareth where Jesus will grow in strength and wisdom.  It's a good reminder about the power of a family to foster faith, encourage goodness and build lasting bonds of love.  May we dedicate ourselves to building up our own families each and every day. December 30, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Simeon looks beyond the outward appearances of the baby of Mary and Joseph and sees the Son of God.  May we pray that the Holy Spirit will give us clear sight to recognize the Lord's presence in our daily actions, empowering us to respond with faith, hope and love. December 29, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Why do the innocent suffer?  Why is there senseless violence, hate, cruelty and pain?  God has granted human souls with the freedom to choose good or evil, and the consequences can be profound.  Yet it was for our sins that the Christ child was born, breaking the chains of evil and offering us a chance for grace and mercy.  May the death of these innocent children inspire us to hold fast to our faith as we follow the Lord. December 28, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

As an apostle, St. John was filled with the Holy Spirit and sent by Jesus; as an evangelist, his writings have inspired generations of Christians with the Good News of the Gospel.  We can look to John for an example: living our faith in the world today as we  testify to the light of Jesus Christ. December 27, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

With the joy of Christ's birth ringing in the air we celebrate today the death of St. Stephen, the first martyr.  Why?  To help us see the connection between the Christ's birth and saving death as we offer our lives for the Lord.  Thus, the Christmas spirit gives us hope to face the sacrifices of this life with the conviction that the Jesus Christ will guide and lead us to Heaven. December 26, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

We rely heavily on our sense of sight to understand and navigate through this life.  Light also plays a crucial role in our spiritual lives, and we look to the birth of Jesus Christ - the Light of the World - as the source of our hope that through Christ we will find the grace we need to make our way to Heaven.  Merry Christmas! December 24, 2017 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com