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.
The skepticism of Thomas is familiar to many of us. Let’s face it, it’s easy to doubt and question even in the best situations! Yet in the end Thomas makes a profession of faith that inspires us to overcome our own doubts as we follow the Lord.
As Jesus calls Matthew in the Gospel today, we take hope that the Lord calls us as well, even in the midst of our shortcomings and sins. May we respond with the same conviction!
Jesus heals a paralytic and at the same time forgives his sins. May we recognize the healing power of forgiveness in our lives as we seek to follow Christ as we put his commands into practice.
As Jesus drives out demons from two men, the local people are frightened at this display of God’s power over evil. In those moments when we confront the darkness in our lives, may we turn to the Lord for grace and strength.
These two heavy hitters are remembered today, not because they were perfect; rather, they accepted the grace from God that they received and made an offering of their lives to the Lord. May they inspire us today!
The Gospel of Matthew reveals a couple of examples of things that distract us from the Lord. When Christ is the center and priority of our lives, however, everything else comes into focus.
Jesus heals two people, encouraged those present to have faith in him. May we pray for the needs in our lives as we follow Christ today and learn the lessons the Lord is teaching in our hearts.
Jesus heals many people, including a soldier of the Roman Empire, and in so doing teaches us about God’s desire for all of creation to flourish in faith.
The compassion of Christ is revealed as the Lord heals a leper who asks for help. May we approach Jesus with the same trust whenever we encounter a time of need.