Catholic Inspiration

The Gospel today reminds us that as followers of Jesus Christ we look not only to the Lord's teaching, but also to the salvation history that came before him.  As Christ fulfills the Old Testament we can draw strength from the ways that God worked in life of the people of Israel, and we can apply these lessons to our world today. March 2, 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.

Lent continues to drive home the point that forgiveness is crucial for our faith - an essential ingredient in a healthy spiritual life.  Who do you need to forgive today?  Who do you need to seek out and ask for forgiveness?  Christ shows us the way and commands us to carry it out. March 1, 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.

The Lord is blunt and direct in the Gospel today:  we are called to repent...or perish.  The life-and-death quality of this command reminds us that God's grace is ready to wash us clean - if we open our hearts through repentance and turn to the Lord.  As God directed Moses and led the people from slavery to freedom, may we discover new life in Christ when we repent and believe in the Good News. February 28, 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.

With help from some 4th graders from Mrs. Peterson's class at Cathedral School, Fr. Andrew looks at how God can take bad things and bring about great goodness. February 26, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.

The parable of Lazarus and the rich man bring the urgent need for repentance to light.  The season of Lent repeatedly reminds us to turn away from our sins as we find our hope in the grace and mercy of God. February 25, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" or www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.

Jesus teaches his disciples that to follow his example requires us to become servants, pouring out our lives for one another. February 24, 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.

"Practice what you preach" means simply that the words we say are mirrored in the actions we do.  Sounds great, right?  Yet that short phrase challenges us all to live as disciples of Christ - aware that our lives are constantly proclaiming a message.  May people see and hear God's grace shining through us! February 23, 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.

There are moments in life that change and transform us - mountaintop experiences - that lead us in new and powerful directions.  Just as the Apostles encountered God's grace on the mountain, so too we can be guided by Christ as we open our hearts to the Lord's prompting both within and without.   February 21, 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.

Jesus makes it clear that any offering we give to God must include forgiveness between one another.  As Ezekiel reminds the people of Israel, we are called to turn away from the path that leads to evil and walk in virtue, justice and life - with the Lord and one another. February 19, 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.

Queen Esther, alone and in anguish, turns to the Lord.  Her victory - made possible by God's help - inspires us to call upon the Lord as we ask, seek and knock for the help we need. February 18, 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.

Jonah preached to the people and they repented - through the signs of sackcloth, fasting, and supplication.  When the people ask Jesus for a sign he recalls what happened at Nineveh, and he invites us to offer this "sign" of repentance that comes from our hearts - turning from sin and following the Lord. February 17, 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.

Consider all the times we pray the Lord's Prayer: at Mass; for special devotionals like the Rosary; in our private prayers; in the company of others.  This little prayer (only 55 words) has tremendous horsepower to strengthen and guide us through life.  The next time you pray the prayer Jesus taught (try it right now!), savor the words and allow their ancient wisdom to touch your heart with God's grace. February 16, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or to www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.

Those moments...when our guts constrict and the air goes out of our lungs.   The times in life when we are overwhelmed, lost, consumed by pain or grief, feeling abandoned, tempted to the breaking point... And Jesus understands.  Forty days of solitude in the wilderness, hungry and thirsty, the Lord triumphed over the temptations of Satan.  It is crucial to note that these temptations - over physical needs, personal power/control, and death itself - would all be faced by Christ at Calvary.  What's more, he will triumph! Our faith reminds us of two key facts.  Yes there will be times of trial, but as we confront the reality of life we do so equipped with the victory of Jesus.  We face our struggles with God's grace, and we call upon the Lord as we say: Be with me Lord, when I am in trouble! February 14, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or to www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all p

Fasting reminds us through our experience of hunger about our fundamental need to receive nourishment.  This experience helps us understand our spiritual need for the Lord, and out of this awareness we can cultivate gratitude in our heart for the blessings lavished upon us.  What's more, as we comprehend our basic needs we become more willing to help those in their need as well.  February 12, 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.

Moses tells the people he has set life and death before them...choose life!  Jesus reminds his disciples what profit is there to gain the whole world and lose your life?  As we repent and believe in the Gospel, may we always choose to follow the Lord - the source of all life. February 11, 2016 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes or at www.threegreatthings.libsyn.com for an archive of all presentations.

Ashes are common in our daily life - every fire leads to them.  But note these two qualities: They are dirty They are lifeless Welcome to the reality of sin: The ashes we wear are an outward sign that we wish to turn away from all that soils our souls and harms our hearts.  May the words we hear today help us to seek the cleansing life that comes from Christ.  The words are clear: Repent, and Believe in the Gospel February, 10, 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.

God keeps calling, inviting us to respond.  What's holding us back?  What grace do we need to pray for so that we can offer our hearts to the Lord and one another?  Here I am Lord!  I come to do your will. February 7, 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.

Every church is a spiritual home where we bring our hearts to encounter Jesus Christ.  Big or small, ornate or simple, all churches come alive when they are filled with faithful disciples who seek the Lord and one another.  To all the people who call the Cathedral their home...happy anniversary! February 5, 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.

Life offers its share of transitions, moments when we entrust our work to another and turn over our efforts into someone else's care.  Of course, that means that things are going to get done differently - maybe in a way that we would never do - and we learn how to let go and allow things to happen beyond our control.  The key ingredient to this handoff?  Trusting and relying on God to see it through. February 4, 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.

Jesus gives us the example of how we forgive one another.  Forgiveness can be part of our lives in two special ways: Cultivating an attitude that looks for the good in others Helping others to forgive, especially when it is hard Special blessings to all our Catholic Schools this week! February 3, 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.