Catholic Inspiration

In the Gospel of John today we hear how the Lord comes as Light in our world, showing us the Father and guiding us out of darkness on a path that leads to eternal life. May 10, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Our relationship with Jesus Christ includes our journey on earth and our destination in Heaven.  As pilgrims passing through this life, we draw near to the Lord in preparation when we will be united completely in his divine love. May 9, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

In our moments of need we can learn from the Psalmist and say "The Lord is my shepherd" as we face the challenges of life.  What's more, as we follow Jesus Christ we offer our lives to help one another to seek the Lord as well. May 7, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The first reading and the Gospel are at opposite ends of how people respond to the call of faith.  In the first reading Peter's prayer in the name of Jesus restores a dead woman, Tabitha, to life; in the Gospel the invitation of the Lord to eat his body and drink his blood causes many to walk away.  It begs the question: How's your faith?  Is it vibrant or feeble, building others up or filled with doubts? May 6, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

In the first reading today we hear of the conversion of St. Paul, who begins the passage "breathing murderous threats" against the Church and ends with his preaching in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.  May Paul's change of heart inspire us to draw ever nearer to the Lord! May 5, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Philip took time to instruct the Ethiopian eunuch about the book of the prophet Isaiah, which led to his conversion and baptism.  Every day we have opportunities to share our faith and help guide others so that they can grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.   May 4, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The apostles - sent and empowered by Christ - proclaimed the Gospel and carried on the mission of the Lord.  Our faith today was transmitted by generations who have testified to the light of Jesus Christ; may we continue to pass that faith on to the next generation. May 3, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

My godson, Luke, traveled to the Cathedral from Spooner, WI today.  He made his First Communion on Sunday, and today I got to give him his Second Communion...he even got to wear his suit again!  The Gospel of John is appropriate today as the Lord states, "I am the bread of life." May 2, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

On the road to Emmaus two disciples encountered Jesus as he explained the Scriptures and broke the bread.  These two elements - Scripture and Sacrament - are the core of every Mass.  As Christians have been nourished by the Eucharist from that very first Easter, may we continue to grow in grace every time we encounter the Lord in the breaking of the bread. April 29, 2017 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord's words to the disciples to "do not be afraid" speak to us today.  May we face our fears with God's grace as we respond with faith in Jesus Christ. April 29, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord feeds the 5000 and sustains them body and soul.  This strength will empower the disciples to face their difficulties with joy, reminding us that every time we receive the Eucharist we are fed by the Lord. April 28, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Filled with the Holy Spirit, the disciples boldly proclaim the Good News in the face of opposition...inviting us to call upon the Spirit to strengthen us in our moments of difficulty. April 27, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

"God so loved the world..."  These words remind us that Christ comes to us in love, transforming our lives and empowering us to go forth with God's grace to share this love with those around us. April 26, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

In the Gospel of Mark the Lord says, "Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature."  As we celebrate the Feast of St. Mark today, may our lives offer a living witness to the Good News as we share our faith with those around us. April 25, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The power of the resurrection transformed the early Church, showing us today that the Risen Lord continues to change our hearts and lives with the grace of His love.  May we respond with an eager and lively faith! April 22, 2017 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

When the going gets tough, the tough live their faith!  The early Church faced opposition even as it was filled with the grace of the Holy Spirit.  We, too, call upon the Lord to face our trials with the same strength that inspired and strengthened the disciples. April 22, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

In the face of opposition Peter and John powerfully proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.  Their lives, transformed by the resurrection, inspires us to live with a bold and vibrant faith. April 21, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The appearance of the Risen Lord to the disciples offers some insights about a central teaching of our faith: the resurrection of our bodies and life everlasting.  May we use the gift of our own bodies as an offering in this life...in preparation for the body we shall receive one day in Heaven. April 20, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Peter & John share their faith in Christ to bring healing to a beggar...who receives far more than a few coins.  May we not only ask the Lord for what we truly need, but may we also open our hearts to the Lord so that we become His instruments - bringing the Good News to the world.

Mary Magdalene is transformed from sorrow to joy in the light of the Risen Lord.  She is sent forth by Jesus to proclaim a message of hope to the disciples, reminding us that we are also called to share the Good News of the resurrection through the witness of our lives. April 18, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com