Catholic Inspiration

The readings reference two of the great covenants God made with the people of Israel through Abraham and David.  These covenants, which the Lord does not revoke, find their fulfillment and purpose in Jesus. January 17, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Isaiah, Paul, and John the Baptist all respond to the Lord's call for their lives.  Their example inspires us to listen to our hearts, to others and to the Lord so that we might proclaim, like the response in the psalm today, "Hear am I Lord, I come to do your will!" January 15, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

We discover from the Letter to the Hebrews and the Gospel of Mark three powerful insights about the Lord which can inspire us to draw near to the one who knows us and meets us where we are in life...that we might grow in grace. January 14, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Another podcast from Indiana...this time with Fr. Andrew's nephews Drew & Dominic.  They discuss the miracle of the paralytic, where Jesus both forgives sins and heals the body at the same time. January 13, 2017 - on vacation in Fishers, IN Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

While on vacation visiting family in Indiana, Fr. Andrew has a conversation with his niece about how Jesus heals a leper in the Gospel today. January 12, 2017 - on vacation in Fishers, IN Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

We see in the Lord's ministry examples of healing, preaching, and driving out demons...and we look at the ways that we can continue the Lord's work to bring life and hope to those in need. January 11, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

The Lord's rebuke of an unclean spirit in the Gospel of Mark reminds us that not only is evil a part of our lives, but that we have an obligation to confront it with the grace and strength that comes to us through Jesus Christ. January 10, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Magi were guided through the illumination of knowledge and faith to the Christ Child.  We, too, can be guided through the challenges of life when we we use our minds to the best of our ability and get down on our knees to pray for wisdom.   January 8, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

The wedding at Cana in Galilee offers a glimpse at the relationship between Mary and Jesus...helping us to understand that when we allow the Lord to work in our lives we discover that what he wants is nothing less than the best. January 7, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

John the Baptist proclaims that "one mightier than I is coming" into the world.  As we encounter the mystery of God we have the opportunity to let go of our need to control and receive the blessing of heavenly grace. January 6, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The first reading invites us to love one another in deed and in truth, putting our faith into practice as we recognize the needs of those around us and respond with the compassion of Jesus Christ. January 5, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

"What are you looking for?" Jesus asks the two disciples, and his question continues to speak to our hearts today.  As we draw near to the Lord we have the opportunity to seek our hearts' desire from the one who knows us best. January 4, 2017 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

John the Baptist testifies that Jesus is the one who takes away our sins.  As we renew our faith each day, may we seek Jesus above all else and commit our lives to his saving grace. January 3, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Our knowledge of Mary flows from our knowledge of her Son, and her example teaches us how to be living witnesses in the face of adversity as we continue to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world. Happy New Year! January 1, 2017 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Prologue of the Gospel of John proclaims Jesus Christ - God's Word - who became flesh that we might see and know him.  As we draw near to our Savior, we rejoice over God's love and offer our lives as living witnesses of the Lord. December 31, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph helps us see how God works through each of our families.  We face our struggles, make sacrifices, support each other, and receive blessings with gratitude...and through it all we grow in grace. December 30, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

As Simeon held the Christ Child in his arms praising God, he recalls the fulfillment of the Lord's promises and points to the redemption of humanity.  May we look back and see how God has touched our lives and embrace each day as a new opportunity to the serve the Lord with full hearts! December 29, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Surrounded by the glory of Christmas, we have a chilling reminder of the reason why the Lord came into our world.  Fueled by rage, jealousy, and hate, King Herod attempts to kill the Christ Child by having every baby boy under two killed in the region around Bethlehem.  The senseless violence strikes a chord in our hearts to protect life, inspiring us to proclaim the Prince of Peace in our world today. December 28, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

John's testimony about Jesus as the Word of God provides us with an opportunity to reflect in this Octave of Christmas: How do we hear the Word of God in our lives today? How do we proclaim the Word of God to one another? December 27, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Christmas story touches our hearts and gets past our defenses.  Why?  Because babies evoke a loving response!  God's love story with humanity helps us see how the Lord - in taking on our human form - helps us to draw near through the gentleness of an infant.  May the Christ child take us by the hand and lead us this Christmas to embrace our faith and give glory to God through the gift of our lives. December 24, 2016 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com