Christ urges us to stay close to His word that we might be His disciples who are guided by truth that leads to freedom from sin.
Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 5th Week of Lent
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Author Archives: Fr. Andrew Ricci
About Fr. Andrew Ricci
Daily Mass: The truth of Jesus sets us free. Catholic Inspiration
Daily Mass: The Cross of Christ teaches us about God. Catholic Inspiration
The Lord reveals his identity to the Pharisees as he speaks about his crucifixion. May we look to the Cross of Christ as a reminder of the saving love of Jesus for the redemption of the world.
Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 5th Week of Lent
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Daily Mass: Justice and Mercy come from the Lord. Catholic Inspiration
The readings today recount two different women accused of adultery who encounter God’s justice and mercy. As we confront evil and sin in our lives, may we strive to follow the Lord.
Mass Readings – Monday of the 5th Week of Lent
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Palm Sunday: The Passion of our Lord
Study: What sacrifices do I currently face in my life? Do I recognize the presence of Christ as I carry my Cross?
Pray: Reflect on the Passion of the Lord. Recall the sacrifice of Jesus and take a moment to express gratitude for his love.
Serve: How might you help others face their sacrifices? Are there people you can comfort or assist as they carry their crosses?
Mass Readings – Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion
On the road to Jerusalem the Lord was dropping hints to his disciples:
“See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn him to death; then they will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified; and on the third day he will be raised.” Matthew 20:18-19
He knew it was coming…and he went through with it.
For us.
And just so we’re clear: not because we’ve been good and deserve it. Because we’ve sinned and cannot continue without his saving grace. The sacrifice of Christ on the Cross reveals God’s love for humanity: the fundamental value which the Lord places on ALL human life and demonstrates how love is the greatest of all commandments – for sacrifices reveal quickly and bluntly what we value, respect, cherish, and love.
And Christ sacrificed his pure and sinless life…for our sins. The more we reflect on the Passion of the Lord, the more we understand the depth of God’s love that knows no limit or boundary – a priceless gift that flows from the heart of Heaven.
Which means that as his disciples the example of Christ becomes our model. Where do we see our sacrifices today? How do we – through a sincere and genuine desire to love others – participate in the great sacrifice of Jesus? What are the Crosses in our lives, and how might we carry them with the help of one who understands the weight of the Cross?
His Cross becomes a gateway that leads to abundant life; may the crosses we carry today be received as our path that the Lord sets before us:
- To grow in Grace
- To face our Fears
- To live in Love
Have a blessed Holy Week.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
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Note: This post was originally published on March 22, 2015.
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Monday Conversation: Opening our hearts to the Passion of the Lord. Catholic Inspiration
This Monday Conversation discusses the principal components of Mark and John’s Gospel account of the Passion, using the practice of Lectio Divina (Divine Reading) to help us enter into this great story of God’s love for humanity.
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5th Sunday of the Year: A grain of wheat teaches us about life and death. Catholic Inspiration
Jesus reveals the mystery of his saving death through an example of a grain of wheat. As we die to sin and rise with Christ, may we call upon the Lord to create a clean heart within us.
Mass Readings – 5th Sunday of Lent
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Daily Mass: O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge. Catholic Inspiration
The Psalm response recalls our hope in the Lord, the source of our refuge and strength. May we never cease to call upon Christ for what we need.
Mass Readings – Saturday of the 4th Week of the Year
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The Solemnity of St. Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Catholic Inspiration
A great saint who does not say a single recorded word in the Bible. Yet Joseph’s actions reveal a trust in God and a conviction that puts faith in action.
Mass Readings – Solemnity of St. Joseph
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Walking with Mary on the Way of the Cross: Jesus is crucified. Catholic Inspiration
In this 5th installment of the Lent Retreat, Fr. Andrew talks about the sacrificial offering of Christ on the Cross…inspiring us to recognize the Crosses in our lives and carry them with the hope we have in the Lord’s triumph.
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Daily Mass: Confronting the hardness of our hearts. Catholic Inspiration
Both the first reading and the Gospel reveal a “hardness of heart” where people resist God’s guidance in their lives. In both cases Moses and Jesus respond, reminding us that the Lord continues to invite us to follow….even when we stubbornly react.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 4th Week of Lent
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks- Daily Mass: Christ is our way, our truth, and our life
- Daily Mass: Christ fulfills salvation history
- Daily Mass: The power of fasting and prayer
- Daily Mass: We respond to God's presence in our lives
- Daily Mass: Peter explains how the faith extends to the Gentiles
- Study, Pray, Serve: 5th Sunday of Easter
- 4th Sunday of Easter - Following Christ is a matter of life and death
- Daily Mass: The Feast of St. Mark
- Daily Mass: The conversion of St. Paul
- Daily Mass: A practical guide to sharing the Good News
Three Great Things 