Catholic Inspiration

Zechariah's canticle of praise reveals both the work of John the Baptist and the glory of the Lord.  God continues to work in our world; may this Christmas renew our faith as we do our part to share the Good News with one another. December 24, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

John's birth and his naming foreshadow the glory of Jesus.  God's great work of salvation leads us to rejoice as we witness how the Lord involves many (including us!) in the mission of Jesus Christ. December 23, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Mary's proclaims God's greatness, and her example inspires us to place the Lord first in all that we say and do. December 22, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The exchange between Elizabeth and Mary follows up the events we heard at Mass yesterday.  Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes Jesus as her own child (John the Baptist) leaps for joy in her womb.  May this Christmas offer us the opportunity to draw near to the Lord and be filled with the same Spirit! December 21, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

The interchange between Gabriel and Mary offers us rich insights regarding how we embrace our faith. December 20, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Christmas offers a rich opportunity for story telling amid the backdrop of the Great Story of the birth of Jesus.  Fr. Andrew discusses some of the comments and insights he has received from his Facebook page, inviting us to consider how film can help us all enter into this holy season. December 19, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

We call upon the Lord as Emmanuel which means "God is with us" when we are alone, exhausted, searching and sinful.  May we turn to the Lord in our need and rejoice in the saving power of God! December 17, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The genealogy of Jesus outlined in Matthew's Gospel recalls the crucial role of family.  Our families are crucial networks where we grow and face the challenges of life.  While no one has a perfect family (certainly not Jesus!) we all can find within our own families opportunities to foster faith, hope and love. December 17, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

The Lord points out that the works he performs testify on his behalf.  Following his example and the words of Isaiah the prophet, we have the opportunity every day to lead others to Christ as we observe what is right and do what is just by offering Christian witness in our daily actions. December 16, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus offers us a glimpse of the power and beauty of the Kingdom of God, inspiring us to live the Lord's love today as we set our eyes on the world to come. December 15, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus tells the disciples of John the Baptist to report what they see and hear - wonders that show that Jesus is Lord.  May we carry the same message into our lives today! December 14, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Actions speak louder than...yeah, you know the rest.  Now all we have to do: act in a manner worthy of Christ. December 13, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Fr. Andrew discusses some of the Advent ideas that people shared with him on his Facebook page in the areas of Prayer, Scripture, Spiritual Reading, Liturgy, and Family Life. December 12, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Christ's words to the disciples of John the Baptist proclaim Good News.  The Lord's work - filled with power and might - brings hope to all who receive God's gift of grace. December 10, 2016 - St. Anthony Catholic Church - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Like Elijah, John the Baptist came to help the people return to the Lord.  May this Advent season help us to draw close to Christ and be filled with the Lord's love. December 10, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Have you ever found yourself in a grumpy mood, where it's easy to complain regardless of the situation?  A good antidote: focus on Jesus Christ, the light of life. December 9, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Mary's "yes" to God offers us an example, for as she participated in God's plan of salvation so we, too, have a daily opportunity to let the Lord's work be done through our words and actions.   December 8, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

As a child rests in a parent's embrace, so we are invited to draw near to Christ and rest in his love.  Are you weary?  Tired?  Stressed?  Come to Jesus and be renewed by his peace. December 7, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Like a shepherd who seeks the lost sheep, so the Lord seeks and saves us when we have lost our way.  May we learn from Jesus, the gentle Shepherd, and reach out to one another with the same compassion. December 6, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Repentance provides us with the opportunity to remove what is not worthy of heaven and replace it with graces that are fruitful and life-giving.  May this Advent empower us to turn away from sin and embrace a life in Christ. December 4, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com