Catholic Inspiration

St. Paul reminds us: "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) May we acknowledge our sins and embrace the freely given gift of grace! October 22, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.  

Jesus Christ shows us that suffering is a pathway, not a destination.  Through suffering we experience a purification - whereby we grow and discover new insights through the process of challenge, pain, and difficulty.  God permits suffering that we might be changed...for the good.  For remember: the suffering of Good Friday will be transformed into the joy of Easter Day. We are thus consoled and challenged by these words.  Consoled, in that we take hope that the triumph of Christ on the Cross will one day be our triumph.  He understands our suffering (he's already been through his own) and we can cling to his mercy and grace. Challenged, in that we are invited to drink from the cup of suffering.  Like Christ, we pray that the cup will pass by, but like Christ we will accept what God sets before us - opening our hearts to God and allow this process to transform us. October 17, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsy

What is the most important thing in your life?  What's at the center of your life - that which gives meaning, purpose, and perspective to everything else that you do?  The Lord invites us today to focus on him, so that everything we think, say, and do is touched by the grace of Jesus Christ.  With God first, our lives become balanced and empowered - allowing us to use resources, relate with others, and engage our lives with conviction and joy! October 11, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts, go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

This 45 minute retreat was given to the Northern Waters Parish Nurse Group on October 9, 2015.  The presentation explores a four step process of personal healing and renewal: Acknowledgement Diagnosis Prescription Follow through By examining four quadrants of human life (physical, intellectual, relational, spiritual) this presentation guides the listener toward personal growth in practical ways. Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts, go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

We face a dilemma in our world today: we want to say something positive and beautiful about the blessing of marriage, yet we also know first hand the pain and awkwardness of divorce.  Two words from the example of Jesus can guide us - Connect & Help.   October 3, 2015 - St. Anthony, Superior WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Jealousy and Greed (like most vices) can easily grow in our souls...unless we are constantly vigilant to starve them out and feed on God's grace.  Joshua, John, and the community of James all needed to be reminded, and they will take these lessons to heart.  May we do the same. September 26, 2015 - St. Anthony Church - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

All of us face moments of difficult, trial, and temptation.  In these moments we are tested, and as we face our challenges we discover meaning and purpose for our lives as we call upon the help of heaven and earth for the help we need. September 20, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts to go threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Where do we find the strength to keep going when life tries to knock us off course? We lean on others We lean on the Lord Yes!  We can walk the walk...with a little help from on earth and in Heaven. September 12, 2015 - St. Anthony Church - Superior Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.  

Illness shows no partiality: young & old, rich & poor, male and female, regardless of race, creed or education.  Yet in the midst of human illness we find Jesus meeting people in the diversity of their needs with an encounter that leads to healing and grace.  The Letter of James reminds us that we, too, are called to show no partiality; rather, we reach out to those before us as fellow children of God.  May the Lord strengthen us in Prayer, Word, and Sacrament to be renewed with the grace of Jesus Christ - empowering us to engage one another with healing and hospitality. September 6, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

In football, trick plays are sometimes used to fake out an opponent with misdirection - focusing on something unimportant while the play is happening somewhere else.  Life works the same way: it is easy to spend our time and resources on trivial matters and miss out on critical issues. The Lord points this out in the Gospel today, inviting us to concentrate on the battle within our hearts.  Here are three things to consider: Using an Examination of Conscience Going to Confession Daily Prayer and Sunday Mass Through regular use we strengthen our hearts and focus our lives on important things, asking the Lord for the help and guidance we need to conquer our daily battles. August 30, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts, go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Life is difficult.  In the midst of our struggle to make good choices and carry out challenging tasks, we call upon God for the help we need.  As we encounter Jesus Christ in Holy Communion to be strengthened for the burdens of life, we pray for Wisdom to choose wisely and Courage to carry it out. August 23, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Family dinners - be they big or small - touch our hearts in a number of ways: Nourish our bodies with wholesome, plentiful food Unite us together, setting aside our differences for a moment of peace Empower our lives, for service in the world The same is true when we come to the Lord's table at every Mass.  We are nourished with Christ's Body & Blood.  We are united as the People of God - as brothers and sisters, neighbors and friends.  We are empowered to go forth, touching the hearts of those we meet with the grace and peace of Jesus Christ. May our reception of Holy Communion feed our souls, foster unity, and empower us to live our lives for the Lord! August 16, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Every breath we take is sustained by the will of God.  Our dependence upon the Almighty can help us in two key ways: Recognize our challenges, and ask the Lord for the help we need. Count our blessings, turning to Christ with grateful hearts. In our need we draw strength from the Bread of Life - who gives us what we need to face each day! August 9, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Have you ever "wanted" something - thinking that if you only had this one thing you would be...happy, fulfilled, and free of care?  There are many good (and some not so good) things that we can want, but none of them will completely satisfy us.  We are left restless, longing for something at the center of our our hearts.  We know that nothing in this world will satisfy us for a simple reason: Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life." The Lord knows us, loves us, died and rose for us, and longs for us to be united in his Sacred Heart.  Christ comes to us - sharing his Body and Blood - that we might never hunger and thirst again.   When we draw near to the altar, may our "Amen" resound with a desire to unite our hearts to Jesus Christ - the one who knows our wants, but responds to our needs. August 1, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Thanks to all who have checked out my website and listened to Catholic Inspiration!  I am grateful for the opportunity I have as a parish priest and touched by the responses I have received over the last couple of years.  God bless you! September 27, 2016 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Our daily need for nourishment reminds us of our basic dependence on wholesome food.  What's more, we recognize that we depend upon the Lord for spiritual grace as well.  As we ponder the multiplication miracle in today's Gospel, I suggest that we draw near to the Lord with Gratitude and Petition - responding in love to the one who knows our needs and longs to provide the sustenance we require. July 26, 2015 - St. Anthony Church - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts, go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

There are moments in life when we need a little help.  We encounter situations and circumstances that are more than we can handle.  As Jesus looked upon the crowds in the Gospel today he saw their needs and took pity on them.  His response reminds us of two important considerations today: What needs do we have today?  What are we asking for from the Lord? Who needs help in our lives today?  How can we offer help to another? Christ not only helped others, but he empowered the Apostles to do the same.  May we acknowledge our need for the Lord and respond to the needs of those who God sets before us. July 19, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Both Amos and the Apostles are chosen by God and empowered to do amazing things.  The tasks set before them are difficult and challenging - obstacles that will test them.  The Letter to Ephesians reminds us, however, that God chooses us as well!  Here are three points to help us face the struggles of life: Attitude Effort Stay close to Jesus Christ May the words of the Scriptures and the examples of the saints inspire us to engage the obstacles of life with God's grace! July 12, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Sometimes there are obstacles that are keeping us from saying what needs to be said...or hearing what needs to be heard.  What's more, before we can face the challenges of speaking or listening we might be better served by naming these obstacles in our lives.  Once we can give it a name, we can bring it before the Lord for the help and strength we need to pull these obstacles out of the way. July 5, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.

Jesus defines much of his ministry with clear examples of healing others, and the Gospel today gives us an insight about how we draw near the Lord.  We have all had experiences where we long for healing.  We have seen loved ones suffer, and many of us know first hand the presence of pain in our lives.  May the example of Jairus and the unnamed woman inspire us to seek the healing grace of Christ! June 28, 2015 - Cathedral of Christ the King - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - studyprayserve.com For more podcasts go to threegreatthings.libsyn.com or "Catholic Inspiration" in iTunes.