Catholic Inspiration

The encounter between Mary and Elizabeth is one of great joy, and Mary's Magnificat proclaims God's goodness.  May our voices echo this song of praise today by what we say and do for the Lord. May 31, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

We all have those people in our lives who pour out their hearts to feed others tasty, wholesome food.  In much the same way, the Lord offers us the Eucharist that we might have the spiritual food we need to strengthen us on our journey through life. May 29, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Some enthusiastic 2nd graders from Cathedral School help Fr. Andrew with the reading from 1st Peter in the Scriptures today! May 27, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

St. Peter describes us as "Living Stones" built up into the people of God.  May we draw on the Lord for the strength we need as we support and encourage one another! May 26, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

1st Peter tells us that we have been ransomed...with the precious blood of Christ.  The Lord's sacrifice reveals God's value of our souls and shows us how we can share our lives - loving one another as Jesus loves us.  Go make a difference today! May 25, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

The Gospel today reminds that the love of God is the source of all love from which all other loves and graces find their meaning and power.  Do we love Christ above all else?  Do we place God first in our hearts?  May we continue to commit our lives to Jesus - in whose Sacred Heart flows the Love of God! May 24, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

The Trinity is the central mystery of the Christian faith, invoked every time we make the Sign of the Cross.  This mystery - a communion of love - inspires us to foster the same loving communion in every aspect of our lives. May 21, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

The reality of divorce touches all of us.  What's more, the Gospel reading today reminds us that divorce has been issue from the very beginning.  In the messy and difficult moments of life, may our faith give us strength to build up marriage and help comfort those who are struggling with divorce. May 20, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Both James and the Lord point out the natural consequences of good and evil in the Scripture readings today.  Our choices have real effect in our lives, both natural and spiritual.  May we seek God above all else, allowing the grace of Jesus Christ to guide what we say and what we do. May 19, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

The Gospel reading challenges us to offer our lives for the Lord - sharing our gifts and talents to bring life to the world. May 18, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

James offers straightforward, practical advice: we know that there is evil in the world...avoid it!  When we draw near to God we place our lives under the grace and strength of the one who died and rose that we might have eternal life.  May 17, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.  

Filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles are filled with grace to go out into the world and proclaim the Good News of Christ.  The Spirit continues to touch our hearts today - giving strength to our souls and uniting us with one another.  Come Holy Spirit! May 14, 2016 - St. William Catholic Church - Foxboro, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.

1st Graders from Cathedral School offer some ideas how we can show our love for Jesus! May 13, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" at iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.

The prayer that Jesus offers in the Gospel today is not only for the disciples...it is for us!  God's love, manifest in the saving death and resurrection of his Son, transforms our lives with grace - for this life and the next.  May we take hold of that grace today, drawing closer to the Lord and one another. May 12, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" at iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.

Both Paul and Jesus offer words of caution: Be vigilant!  There are forces in our world that will try to undermine and erode our faith; we call upon the Lord for the wisdom and strength we need to face trial and difficulty with God's grace. May 11, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all podcasts.

The heartfelt tone in the words of farewell spoken by Paul and Jesus speak to a common human experience: saying goodbye.  Change is often difficult, and one of our toughest moments comes when we know that people are passing through our lives.  While the pain is real, our faith reminds us that our final home is heaven...where our reunion in God's presence will have no end. May 10, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.

This time of year marks a major transition for many students: graduating from formal schooling and beginning a new experience.  This practical cycle of human life finds a parallel with the Ascension - where the disciples are now empowered by the Lord to continue his ministry. May 8, 2016 - St. Anthony Catholic Church - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.

This is really two podcasts put together: some 5th graders from Cathedral school offered their reflections, and their thoughts are followed with the actual homily given at Mass.  May we face the grief of this world with the faith of Christ...who will bring us to eternal joy. May 6, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.

Note: In many parts of the world the Feast of the Ascension (one of my favorites) is moved to the 7th Sunday of Easter.  That's true for my diocese, so today I am reflecting on the daily reading - where Paul is preaching the Gospel in Corinth while "earning his keep" at a trade - and reminds us that we find the Lord in both our work and our prayer. May 5, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.

Paul preaches in Athens - a center of intellectual might in the ancient world - and he did not convert many followers there.  Yet for all its might and cultural, ancient Athens today is a ruin, whereas the faith of Christ continues to grow...changing hearts and lives in powerful and dynamic ways.  May 4, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.