A Catholic priest since 1997, Fr. Andrew Ricci is currently the rector of the Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior, WI. His website "Three Great Things" can be found at studyprayserve.com and his podcasts can be found under "Catholic Inspiration" in the iTunes store.
When Peter’s fear of crucifixion leads him to tempt Jesus away from his saving mission, the Lord responds with a stern rebuke and a call to follow him as we carry the Cross. In other words, when fear rises up in our hearts, we face it with faith, knowing that the Cross is not the end, but a doorway that leads to eternal life.
The Lord urges his disciples to stay awake and be prepared, for we do not know the hour of the return of the Son of Man. May we live each day as the precious gift it is with conviction and joy!
Psalm 139 reveals the awareness that God searches and knows our hearts, inspiring us to embrace the depth of the Lord’s love and respond with joyous faith.
The cruelty and injustice of John’s death remind us that such forces are ever-present in our world. In our times of suffering, we look to the Cross of Christ for the grace and strength we need to carry on.
In his First Letter to the Thessalonians, Paul gives thanks to God for the people’s faith response to the Good News. May their example inspire us to do the same!
Following his profession of faith, Peter is given a new name, authority, and keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. May we accept the keys of faith that we have received from the Lord and use them wisely for the glory of God.
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
