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 call and response of St. Matthew. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – the Feast of St. Matthew

Matthew heard the call of Christ and responded by bringing lots of imperfect people to the Lord.  We, too, can take comfort that the Lord welcomes our response – not because we’re perfect, but because the Lord longs to heal and renew our lives.


Daily Mass: Welcome to the Lord’s family. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Tuesday of 25th Week of the Year (St. Andrew Kim & Companions)

Jesus teaches in the Gospel of Luke that those who hear the word of God and act on it are mother, and brothers and sisters to him.  Welcome to the family!


26th Sunday of the Year – The rich man and Lazarus

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Study:  Is there a particular need that keeps coming to your attention?  Reflect on how your resources might be used to help another.

Pray:  Ask the Lord to see more clearly the needs of the poor and respond with wisdom and compassion.

Serve:  Is there a simple action that you can do right now to help another?  How can you make it happen?

Mass Readings – 26th Sunday of the Year

The parable of the rich man and Lazarus speaks timelessly to our modern day culture.  Without a doubt we can all acknowledge the many, many ways that we have been materially blessed in our country, and this parable invites us to pay careful attention to how we respond to the needs of those who struggle for the basic necessities of life.

Let’s face it: there are way too many people living in desperate circumstances.  Some are within our own communities and countless millions suffer needlessly because they do not have adequate food, clothing, or shelter.  With so much need in the world we can sometimes become overwhelmed.  Where to start?  How can our little bit help when the need is so great?

And perhaps that’s the key – that we start with something within our reach.  Perhaps we have a connection close at hand that provides us with opportunities to make a difference (no matter how big or small) in the lives of others.

That leaves us with two simple questions to consider today:

  1. Where do we see obvious need in our world right now?
  2. Is there a practical and direct way that we can help?

As disciples of Jesus Christ we cannot close our eyes to the needs of the poor, and if we cannot solve all the world’s problems at least we can seek out ways to be part of a solution for someone.  Also, it’s always good to remember that whatever gift we give, God will take it and bless it in ways we cannot imagine.


25th Sunday of the Year – In the world, but not of the world. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – 25th Sunday of the Year

The readings this week speak about how our faith touches crucial aspects of practical life: business affairs, politics, and money.  As followers of Jesus Christ we are “in the world, but not of the world” and we have daily opportunities to allow our faith to guide and direct what we say and do.


Daily Mass: The garden of our hearts. Catholic Inspiration

Summer garden harvest -- full blooms, ripe fruit and vegetables, midwest USA

Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Saturday of the 24th Week of the Year

Jesus tells a parable (and offers an explanation!) that speaks about the garden of our hearts.


Daily Mass: Christ’s resurrection changes everything! Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – St. Cornelius & Cyprian

St. Paul writes to the Corinthians about the crucial role of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The Lord’s resurrection changed everything for the early Church, and Christ’s saving action continues to transform our lives today.

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Photo credit: The Passion of the Christ.  2004.


Daily Mass: Our Lady of Sorrows. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Our Lady of Sorrows

Mary’s example of faith in the midst of sorrow inspires us to face our grief and loss in this life with God’s grace.


Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Exaltation of the Holy Cross

The Cross of Jesus Christ is God’s sign of love, showing just how much the Lord cherishes our lives.  May we face our crosses with the conviction that the Lord will help us every step of the way.


Daily Mass: One body, many parts. Catholic Inspiration

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Fr. Andrew’s Daily Mass Homily Podcast

Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 24th Week of the Year

Paul’s analogy comparing the human body to the Church is just as critical for our lives today.  We need each other to continue the Lord mission with vitality and joy!


25th Sunday of the Year – Faith that guides and directs our lives

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Study:  Recall a time when you witnessed a leader make a decision informed by Christian faith.  How did it strengthen those affected?

Pray:  Are you troubled by an issue in business or politics right now?  Ask the Lord for guidance to proceed with your actions.

Serve:  Is there some way that you can make a difference in your local community?  How might your life help the people around you?

Mass Readings – 25th Sunday of the Year

This Sunday’s scripture readings give us a practical perspective from which to view some “real world” issues that surface in daily life.

  • 1st Reading – God’s rebuke about bad business practices
  • Psalm – “Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor.”
  • 2nd Reading – Pray for our civic leaders
  • Gospel – A parable about using wealth to secure lasting relationships

And who says the Church shouldn’t talk about Business & Politics?!  The prophet Amos offers harsh words about those who cheat to make a profit, and Timothy urges the community to pray for those in authority “that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life.”

Far from out of touch, these passages remind us yet again of the timeless quality of Scripture to speak to enduring human concerns.  Our communities rely on a strong and supportive leadership that fosters peace and prosperity.  Amid political rhetoric we are constantly reminded that we are as strong as we are united, and as weak as we are divided.

Thus the Gospel helps us understand that “God and Mammon” cannot compete with one another; rather, we put the Lord first and see our work and social interactions through the eyes of faith.  Money and natural resources are crucial for human life to thrive, and when people are cooperating and stewarding these practical elements under the guidance of a clear moral vision we discover the power that our faith in Jesus Christ brings to all aspects of our lives.