Catholic Inspiration

As we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary as the Mother of God, we acknowledge that she is also our Mother. Given to us by Christ, we claim this relationship every time we affirm our faith in her Son. December 31, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

As we bring the year 2019 to a close, perhaps it makes sense to take a brief walk back through the last twelve months and reflect on how our lives have changed. Where did we experience moments of growth? Where did we experience God's grace? May we look back and count our blessings as we prepare for a New Year. December 31, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

The blessings and burdens of the Holy Family inspire us to face our joys and sorrows with the grace of Jesus Christ. December 28, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

There is a grim aspect to the Gospel reading today. Innocent baby boys, slaughtered to satisfy Herod's need to protect his ego, recall for us the reality that cruelty, hatred, evil and sin are part of our human condition. May this terrifying event inspire us to respect all life as a precious and sacred gift from God. December 28, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com    

On this feast of St. John - the Apostle and Evangelist - we look to John's example and consider how we are called to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ in our lives today. December 27, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Stephen is the first person to give his life as a witness to his faith in Jesus Christ. He spoke with a wisdom and spirit that none could refute, and he offers us an example about how we show our love for the Lord every day. December 26, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

God loves us. Plain and simple. Warts and all. God loves us and meets us where we are, not in polished perfection and immaculate attire, but in a humble manger as a displaced person. God loves us so much that he sent his Son to die and rise that we might have eternal life. May we all drop to our knees at some point today and say thank you... Merry Christmas, my friends! December 25, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Have you ever tried to get a gift for "the person who has everything" and been frustrated in the process? Everything we have comes from God...everything! The Lord needs nothing from us, but asks for only one thing: a loving heart that reaches out to others. December 24, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com   

Both St. Paul and St. Joseph respond to God's call, but they do it in very different ways. Their examples reveal that the Lord offers many ways that we can offer our lives, based on our ability and talent. There is nothing to stop us...except ourselves. December 22, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Elizabeth was aware of God's presence through both the baby in her womb and the woman at her door. May we actively seek the Lord's presence in our lives...so that we are ready when we returns! December 21, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Mary's response to the Angel Gabriel offers us a powerful example of discipleship as she says "May it be done!" Her words inspire us to accept the Lord's invitation today as we carry out our tasks in service of Jesus. December 20, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

As Zechariah hears the message of hope from the Angel Gabriel, he expresses his doubts. May his example help us to honestly confront our own struggles of faith as we turn toward the Lord. December 19, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

St. Joseph responds to the Angel Gabriel with swift and silent action. His response to God's call inspires us to look for opportunities to put our faith into daily practice. December 18, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

The Gospel of Matthew recounts the genealogy of Jesus, showing us the times of blessing and sin within the Lord's extended family. This list gives us hope, as God continues to work in our own families today. December 17, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com

Jesus references the prophet Isaiah in answer to the question "Are you the one who is to come?" and offers us a renewed sense of hope as we bring our shortcomings and weaknesses to the Lord. December 14, 2019 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

God often works in ways that we do not recognize in the moment, but only later after time and reflection allow the experience to sink in. May our eyes be open to see the Lord at work in our world today! December 14, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

The prophet Isaiah and the Psalmist show how the Lord teaches us, offering light so that we can see our path and find our way through this life. December 13, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Mary's appearance to Juan Diego in 1531 forever changed the faith of the local people in Mexico, and inspired the faith of millions throughout North and South America. December 12, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com   

Both Isaiah and Jesus offer words of encouragement: God renews our strength when we are weary! December 11, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

The readings today proclaim a message of hope - to strengthen, guide, and inspire our lives - because there are times in life where hope in God is what gets through the day. December 10, 2019 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com