Author Archives: Fr. Andrew Ricci

About Fr. Andrew Ricci

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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.

Daily Mass: The Lord heals body and soul. Catholic Inspiration

The man brought to Jesus was healed of his affliction and forgiven of his sins.  God longs to heal and restore our lives, and even when we are unable to initiate the process the Lord brings people around us to make his grace possible.

Mass Readings – Thursday of the 13th Week of the Year

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Daily Mass: St. Thomas – honest doubts, sincere faith. Catholic Inspiration

St. Thomas reminds us that as disciples we can be honest with our human doubts even as we embrace our faith in Christ.  As we bring our struggles to the Lord, we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus…calling for the grace we need each day.

Mass Readings – St. Thomas, Apostle

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Daily Mass: Lord, save us! Catholic Inspiration

The cry of the disciples during a storm on the Sea of Galilee echoes a common thought that occurs in our lives.  When we are down, struggling, at a loss or overcome…we call upon the one who is the source of our hope.

Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 13th Week of the Year

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


14th Sunday of the Year: Serving the Lord

Study: Consider an experience where you were sent out to do a task.  What was difficult?  Where did you find strength to carry it out?

Pray:  Is there something you are feeling called to do, but find it challenging?  Ask the Lord for the grace to make it happen!

Serve:  How can you help those who are doing the Lord’s work right now?  How can you support missionaries, service groups, and those who care for the sick?

Mass Readings – 14th Sunday of the Year

The Gospel of Luke recounts how Jesus sent out 72 disciples.  Note these features:

  • There is great need (The harvest is rich, the laborers are few…”)
  • They go out in pairs – to support each other
  • They come with peaceful hearts
  • They travel simply, trusting in the providence of God
  • They cure the sick
  • They proclaim the Kingdom of God

And they are successful!  They return to Jesus, rejoicing that even demons are cast out by the power of the Lord’s name.

What a powerful reminder that we, too, are sent by the Lord.  God calls us, empowers us, and directs our lives to bring faith, hope and love to those who cross our path.  Let’s apply the Gospel reading then accordingly:

  1. There is great need – among the people we know and love
  2. We can work together: family, friends, as a parish or community
  3. The Peace of Jesus Christ guides our words and actions
  4. We focus more on people, less on material things
  5. We seek to promote healing at all times
  6. We proclaim the Good News of Christ

Christ sent out his disciples with great success, and he continues to call forth disciples today to continue his saving work.  May we respond with open hearts as we make a difference among the people God places before us.

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

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Note: This post was first published on June 27, 2016.


13th Sunday of the Year: Some assembly required. Catholic Inspiration

In our best moments we know that we are works in progress – people growing through the ups and downs of life – and that we have to follow directions because some assembly is required.  May we trust in the Lord to lead us through this life as we follow with all our heart.

Mass Readings – 13th Sunday of the Year

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

 

 


The Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. Catholic Inspiration

They are two great lights in the Church, and their influence has shaped the lives of billions of Christians over the last 2000 years.  May the example of these two saints inspire us to follow the Lord with all our heart!

Mass Readings – Solemnity of St. Peter and St. Paul

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


The Sacred Heart of Jesus. Catholic Inspiration

All of the readings today reveal the compassion of God that flows from the sacred heart of Christ.  God’s mercy reaches out to us, invites us to reconcile, and urges us to turn away from our sins and toward the Lord.  May we accept this amazing grace!

Mass Readings – The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Daily Mass: Actions built on the rock of faith. Catholic Inspiration

Life challenges us with difficulties and distractions, temptations and turmoil.  How do we find the strength and wisdom to navigate?  Jesus offers the answer when he says that the storms of life are securely faced when we build our lives on the rock of faith.

Mass Readings – Thursday of the 12th Week of the Year

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Daily Mass: We are defined by what we do. Catholic Inspiration

It’s our actions, not our words, that reveal to others the contents of our hearts.  The Lord makes this clear when he teaches that we know people by the fruitfulness of their lives.  May Christ’s words inspire us to bear fruit in all that we do!

Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 12th Week of the Year

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Daily Mass: Living a just life for the Lord. Catholic Inspiration

Psalm 15 offers some beautiful advice for living a just life for the Lord.  Holiness is not just found in the extraordinary; often, our most powerful Christian witness occurs in the normal, everyday interactions that we have with one another.

Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 12th Week of the Year

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Catholic Inspiration Archives