Catholic Inspiration

The prophet Daniel speaks of the Lord's everlasting dominion, and Jesus affirms that his words are everlasting.  In the midst of the distractions and frantic pace of life, may we remember the permanence and strength we receive when we join our hearts to Christ. December 1, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

The Lord calls Peter, Andrew, James and John by name to carry out a specific task: invite others to follow Jesus Christ.  This work continues today, and our invitation is to consider how the Lord calls us to invite others to follow as well. November 30, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord speaks bluntly to the disciples, saying that many who follow him will suffer persecution.  Yet as we persevere in faith we are reminded that God will give us what we need to keep going. November 29, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

"When will it end?" This common question has been with humanity since the dawn of time.  When people ask Jesus, the Lord responds with two simple points of common sense: Do not be deceived Do not be afraid Thus, we live each day as the precious gift it is, ready at a moment's notice to step from this life to the next. November 28, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

He is our creator, our savior, our judge and our friend.  In simple and unassuming ways, he will meet us in our struggles through this life with the courage and conviction to continue in the toughest of times.  As our king he deserves our allegiance; yet he lays down his life that we might be saved.  We owe everything to Jesus Christ, our King! November 26, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The resurrection.  Life after death.  Eternal communion with God and one another.  This crucial teaching reminds us of what is at stake in the battlefield of our souls - the opportunity for everlasting life with the peace, joy and love of Jesus Christ.  I want to be there, and I want you to join me! November 25, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

In this passage of Luke's Gospel, Jesus focuses his time and attention in the Temple area.  This "house of prayer" is a place of teaching, reflection, insight and communion with God and one another.  Every time we step inside a church to pray we enter holy ground; may we frequently take time to encounter the Lord and grow as his sons and daughters. November 24, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Once a year as a nation we pause and give thanks for our blessings.  It's a great idea, and as disciples of Jesus Christ we pause everyday to thank the Lord with a grateful heart.  What are you thankful for today?  How can you share your blessings and be a light in the world?   November 23, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus offers a parable about servants who have been given resources by their master.  The passage reminds us that we have all been blessed with opportunities to serve the Lord, and everyday we have a chance to act upon them. November 22, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus speaks to Zacchaeus and initiates a conversation that leads to a conversion of heart.  We, too, are called to reach out to one another with the Good News of Christ...to seek and save what was lost. November 21, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Gospel reading makes it clear that all of us will be judged according to what we have been given in this life.  Our invitation?  To take stock of the gifts and talents we have and make something special for the glory of God. November 18, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

The Lord invites us to pray always and never become weary.  May the blessings and burdens of each day be a part of our daily prayer, as we call upon the Lord for what we need. November 18, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Life happens.  Sometimes we can get caught up in the cycle of our routine, only to find that everything can change in the blink of an eye.  Jesus reminds his disciples that the Son of Man will appear when least expected - empowering us to live each day as if it is our last, taking nothing for granted as we keep our eyes fixed on the Lord. November 18, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus exhorts the disciples not to go looking for the Kingdom of God "here or there," but recognize that in Him the Kingdom is already present.  Our task?  To live for Christ here on earth so that we are ready to greet him in Heaven. November 16, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

10 lepers were healed by Jesus and delivered from their horrible illness by his divine power.  Only one came back to say thanks - a foreigner - and his example inspires us to practice gratitude for the moments of grace we receive throughout our daily lives. November 15, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI  Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

What does it mean to follow Jesus Christ?  As his disciples we draw near to the one who has given us everything: life, redemption, eternal life and communion with God and one another.  What's more, we follow the Lord's example - serving one another - as the primary mode by which share God's gifts. November 14, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Wisdom - the ability to see the big picture - is a quality that helps us experience life to the fullest.  Through prayer, reflection and action we can open our hearts to this gift of the Holy Spirit and offer our lives for one another. November 11, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Trust is an essential ingredient in our relationships, and Jesus reveals two key concepts that help us become more trustworthy with the Lord and one another. November 11, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

A lazy steward is praised by Jesus.  Why? Because he worked hard and made sacrifices, reminding us that sometimes we can be more eager about earthly things than eternal ones.  May we hustle and work hard for the praise of God in Heaven. November 10, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Ezekiel and the Psalmist show how the temple is a source of living water that brings forth life; Jesus speaks of his own body as a temple, and as his followers we discover that we are built upon Christ as the great foundation.  May we work together to continue to proclaim the building up of God's kingdom here on earth as we serve the Church which Christ founded. November 9, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com