Catholic Inspiration

The Easter Season lasts 50 days, and many people ask, "Now what do I do?"  This glorious season is meant to transform us by the light of the Risen Lord.  Here are three key points: Review Lent Face the fear of Sin & Death Evaluate our lives by the light of Heaven April 17, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

In the light of that first Easter day the disciples were transformed as they began to comprehend the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Freed from the fear of sin and death, they embraced their faith and changed the world.  May we continue to follow their example as we allow Easter joy to fill our hearts and renew our lives. April 16, 2017 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord - who knows that the agony of the Cross is coming - tells his disciples that one of them will betray him.  As we now prepare to embark into the Sacred Triduum of the Lord's Passion and Resurrection, may we acknowledge our sins and receive the mercy of the Lord. April 12, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The situation is intense at the Last Supper as Judas prepares to betray Jesus, and Peter's boast is met with the foreshadowing that he will deny Christ three times.  As we prepare for the Sacred Triduum we pause to reflect on the moments when we have betrayed or denied the Lord, asking God for mercy when we have sinned. April 11, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Christ's sacrifice on the Cross reveals the value God places on human life and inspires us to share our lives as an offering back to God. April 8, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

In the Gospel today the stage is set for the drama of the Lord's Passion.  The Sanhedrin is convened to figure out what to do about Jesus as his followers increase.  The issue: if the crowds become a mob the Romans will come and take away their land and their nation.  It's a perfect storm of religion and politics, and at the center is one who is innocent: the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. April 8, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

When Jesus says "the Father is in me, and I am in the Father" he reveals his divinity...and invites us to grow in the invitation to accept his saving death and resurrection offered out of love.  May we take his hand and follow Him! April 7, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

God's promise to Abraham is transformed and renewed by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  As we look to our challenges and trials today, may we build upon the foundation of faith that we have received and offer our lives in service to the Lord. April 6, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego reminds us that there are times in life when our faith is tested.  In those moments we call upon the Lord for the strength we need, and we ask God for forgiveness for those times that we have failed.  For through it all Christ offers his life for us. April 5, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

In the Book of Numbers the people of Israel were delivered from their suffering when they looked upon the saraph which Moses set up on a pole; in the Gospel of John we learn that we are relieved of our suffering when we look upon the Lord who offers his life upon the Cross for our sins. April 4, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

We often talk about Heaven in daily language, yet it is easy to take for granted the significance eternal life.  Simply put, how we live matters, and when we know that the Lord has more in store for us we discover new strength to face the challenges of life and death as we prepare for God's everlasting Kingdom. April 2, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

As questions swirl about who is Jesus as the threats against his life continue to grow.  The uncertainty - is he a prophet or even the the Christ - causes divisions and doubts among the leaders.  As we encounter uncertainty in our own lives we look to the Lord for wisdom, strength, and guidance. April 1, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

The first reading from the Book of Wisdom offers an insight into the life and death of Jesus.  As the Son of God was triumphant over sin and evil, so we can also place our hope in Christ's victory as we call upon His grace and face our challenges today. March 31, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

We turn to Jesus and follow him with all our hearts, putting our faith and belief in the one who poured out his life on the Cross that we might be restored to a relationship with God. March 30, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus will judge us by our deeds and the consequences will be eternal.  Yet this just judge is also our savior who knows our sins and has paid the price with his own blood.  When we stand before him and look upon the face of Compassion, will we accept his mercy as we acknowledge our sins? March 29, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

A crippled man is healed by Jesus, and some people get hung up on a religious rule.  It's a good reminder for us: to count our blessings and focus on what is precious so that we understand the gift of life in its proper perspective. March 28, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

How's your Lent going?  This 15 minute conversation can help us make the 2nd half of Lent powerful. March 27, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The readings this weekend help us understand the crucial role that sight plays in our lives.  Whether it's physical or spiritual...what do you see?  The invitation today: to see God at work in our lives as we look for Christ and live in His love. March 26, 2017 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Mary says "yes" to the Good News announced by the angel Gabriel...showing us how we can say yes to the Lord every day of our lives. March 25, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus - the Master Teacher - condenses the 10 Commandments and frames them in the context of Love.  Our task?  To put them into practice every day! March 24, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com