Catholic Inspiration

A Greek woman who is Syrophoenician by birth expresses a mother's love through her simple and direct faith in the healing power of Christ.  Her one line response to Jesus inspires us to embrace our faith with conviction and power as we face the challenges in our lives. February 9, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus points out that it is within our hearts that destruction and defilement take place.  The solution?  Turn away from sin, making a change of heart so that the grace of Christ can make us whole. February 8, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus reminds us in the Gospel of Mark that we are called to keep our focus fixed on God, so that all our actions - big or small - do not take on a life of their own but always point back to the Lord.

Jesus proclaims to his disciples that they are the light of the world, an uplifting testament to the opportunity we have to make a difference in our world as we offer the gift of our lives to God. February 5, 2017 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Christ, the Great Shepherd, looks upon our weakness with compassion and reaches out to guide and strengthen us for the journey through this life and into the next. February 4, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The death of John the Baptist recalls the fact that doing the right thing at the right time for the right reason does NOT mean that life will always be easy.  In fact, our faith in Jesus Christ will sometimes put us squarely in the face of opposition...and we recognize that we might suffer even as we serve the Lord with all our heart. February 3, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

As Mary and Joseph presented their infant son in the Temple, they encounter Simeon and Anna who give praise to God for the fulfillment of the Lord's promises - the Messiah has come bringing light into the world!  As his disciples may we continue to share this light as we present ourselves for service to God and one another. February 2, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

In the Book of Hebrews we are reminded to treat our trials as discipline, something that Jesus encountered when he preached at Nazareth.  As we live our faith today may we consider our struggles and difficulties as "homework for holiness" through which God strengthens our faith and renews us in grace. February 1, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The two healing miracles in the Gospel of Mark today reveal the healing power of the Lord, inspiring us to draw near to the one who knows our need and longs to touch our hearts with his grace. January 31, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Humility happens when we are simultaneously aware of our sins and acknowledge God's grace.  When we bring together this understanding of our sinfulness and God's mercy we can be honest with ourselves and thus approach the Lord and others with a humble heart. January 28, 2017 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Both St. Paul and Jesus teach about the crucial role of faith, and their words inspire us to trust in the Lord as we follow God's call. January 28, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of Heaven as a mustard seed that grows slowly and steadily, reminding us to be open to the Lord's grace in our lives today...so that we continue to grow to full stature as disciples of Christ. January 27, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

We are invited to stir into flame the gift of our faith, allowing the grace of God to work in and through our lives with the Light of Christ. January 26, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

St. Paul's conversion shows how God calls us to make changes in our lives as we draw close to Jesus Christ and proclaim the Good News.  The Lord reaches out to us in our weakness, inspiring us to turn away from our sins and become living witnesses to the world. January 25, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus teaches in the Gospel today that all who do God's will are part of his family.  Through prayer, Scripture, sacraments and fellowship we become spiritually fruitful as we offer our lives to the Lord. January 24, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

We know firsthand the different types of darkness that occur in daily life: fear, grief, loss, pain, anger, loneliness, rejection and doubt.  In these moments we call upon the Lord - who casts out the darkness - so that we can live in the Light of Christ. January 22, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Book of Hebrews proclaims that we are cleansed by the blood of Christ - which fills us with grace to live each day as a precious and holy gift. January 21, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Calling his disciples, the Lord appointed and sent Twelve to preach the Good News and drive out demons.  Christ continues to call apostles today, inviting us to continue his mission on earth...with our eyes fixed on heaven. January 20, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Book of Hebrews reminds us that we have a great high priest, Jesus Christ, who has offered his once-for-all sacrifice on our behalf.  Through our encounter with the Lord, may our lives be touched by his grace as we live our faith in the world. January 19, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Fr. Andrew discusses with his sister Amy (on her birthday no less!) a healing miracle, and they examine two key points about our intention and perspective as we live our faith in Christ. January 18, 2017 - recorded while on vacation in Fishers, IN Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com