Catholic Inspiration

The Lord invites us to stay awake and alert so that when he calls us we are ready to respond.  It begs a question: Do I have any unfinished business that needs to be addressed today?  May we examine our hearts and take whatever steps are necessary to be prepared to follow Jesus.

The contrast between the first reading and the Gospel shows two very different examples of behavior.  It begs a question: How does our faith help us to live in the routine and everyday challenges we encounter?  When people see us, do they see Jesus Christ? August 30, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

John the Baptist precedes Jesus in his birth, preaching and death.  John's witness to the Lord and the giving of his life inspire us to consider how we offer our lives each day to Christ...until the day when the Lord takes us by the hand at the hour of our own death.

Entrusting the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven to Peter, Jesus establishes the Church upon a rock that hell itself cannot prevail against.  Christ is the key; through prayer, sacraments and virtue we grow in grace through this life so that we can enter into the Lord's Kingdom in the next. August 26, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Gospel today makes it clear that what we say has to measure up to what we do.  When our words and actions are in harmony, then we "practice what we preach" so that others will find in us a living witness of the Good News of Jesus Christ. August 26, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Love - the Greatest Commandment - offers us an insight into the depth and breadth of the love that God has for us.  Pause for a moment and reflect on a time when you experienced love in a blessed way.  Now live that love today! August 25, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Philip brings Nathaniel (also known as Bartholomew) to Christ, changing his life forever.  It reminds us that sometimes we have the opportunity to lead others to the Lord, and sometimes we need to open our hearts to what Jesus has to say. August 24, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus offers a parable about the Kingdom of Heaven where merciful generosity embraces and transcends justice...reminding us that one day we will call upon the Lord for mercy when we stand before him at the end of time. August 23, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Mary's "fiat" to the angel Gabriel cooperates with God's plan of salvation.  Mary serves as our example, Mother, intercessor and guide.  She's also the Queen of Heaven, and through her witness we are inspired to draw near to her Son.

The woman in the Gospel of Matthew is tenancious!  She trusts that Jesus can offer help for her daughter, and she will not be denied.  Her example inspires us to foster a fierce faith - one that receives the gift of God and strengthens it through prayer, Sacraments, and a conviction to offer one's life in love. August 19, 2017 - St. Anthony Catholic Church - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

This short reading from the Gospel of Matthew reveals a beautiful scene: Jesus blessing the children.  May we bring our children to the Lord - in prayer, sacraments, and a holy way of life - so that they can receive the blessing of God's grace as they grow. August 19, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

When asked about divorce Jesus references the Book of Genesis and offers a simple but profound teaching on the sacrament of Marriage: two people become one flesh.  While this holy union is a blessing from God, even in ancient times it came with challenges.  May we work to support and help those who live this sacred vocation! August 18, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus teaches about forgiveness through a parable, reminding us that as we have been forgiven by God for our sins we are directed to forgive one another as well. August 17, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord offers a three-step process to confront division within a relationship.  It's practical and powerful...and crucial for us to put into practice. August 15, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Mary's assumption into Heaven reveals her crucial role in the Church.  As the Mother of God her "fiat" to the Angel Gabriel proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and her fidelity to God's will as she stood at the Cross offers us a profound example as we strive to live our faith in the midst of difficulty. August 15, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Fear is a part of life, yet our response determines the impact it will have upon us.  Peter's experience of fear reminds us that we have an opportunity today to call upon the Lord for the courage we need to face our fears with the power of faith. August 12, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus heals a child that could not be helped by this disciples.  Why?  Their faith was not strong enough.  As the disciples sought to strengthen their faith we can learn from them, training our "spiritual muscles" to become strong as we turn to the Lord for wisdom, strength and guidance. August 12, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

While there are many priorities that can seek out attention, the Lord reminds us today that eternal life is greater than all others.  With this thought in mind may we keep our eyes fixed on Heaven as we strive to live each day with this final destination before us. August 11, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

When a grain of wheat falls to the ground it dies, and through this sacrifice of itself it begets new life.  Our sacrifices - when directed by the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ - can also become a rich offering to the Lord, who will change and transform us with his gift of life. August 10, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The faith of the Canaanite woman was steadfast, and Jesus acknowledges her conviction with joy.  May her example inspire us to hold fast to faith in our moments of need. August 9, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com