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.
September 16, 2013

25th Sunday of the Year – The Church in the World

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Helping Hands

Study:  Do I use my resources justly and prudently?  Am I a good steward of what I have received?

Pray:  Ask the Lord for guidance to use the things of this world wisely.

Serve:  Is someone in need that you can help right now?  Is there a way you can make a difference in the life of another today?

25th Sunday Readings

The readings this week all have some bearing on the relationship between the Church and society.  This includes elements of social justice, politics, and wealth.  Here is a quick overview:

First – condemns those who cheat the poor
Psalm – God cares for the poor and lowly
Second – pray for civic leaders
Gospel – the unjust steward; the use of wealth

In the first reading the prophet Amos preaches against those who would take advantage of the poor.  Buying and selling are their concerns, even if it causes pain and suffering.  Amos reminds the people that God will judge!

The psalm shows both the glory of the Lord and his care for the poor.  God knows the needs of the oppressed, and the Lord will raise them up on the day of vindication.

The second reading exhorts the people to pray for all leaders, regardless of their beliefs.  Christians are commanded to pray for the good of the world, that peace and tranquility may exist here on earth.  We also pray that the world will come to know the Lord (and that begins with our hearts!).

Finally, in the Gospel we have two elements.  First we hear about an unjust steward, who has cheated and betrayed his master.  When told he will be dismissed, he takes matters into his own hands in order to insure that other people will welcome him.

Second, there follows a string of sayings on the right use of wealth.  These sayings point out that faith, integrity, and common sense will quickly be apparent, especially for those who practice good stewardship in their lives.

The fact is, we cannot cut ourselves off from the world; indeed, we profess that much of life is filled with blessings and gifts that are precious, holy, and wonderful.  HOW WE USE THIS WORLD is the challenge!

We are commanded to protect the poor and vulnerable.  We are called to pray for our leaders and work for a world of justice and peace.  We are challenged to be good stewards of all that we receive, mindful that the Lord gave it to us, and one day the Lord will take it back.

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September 9, 2013

24th Sunday of the Year – Christ came to save sinners

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Sacred Hear of Jesus

Study:  Recall a time in life when you experienced God’s presence.  How did it give you strength and direction?

Pray:  Offer those needs in your life that need the Lord’s grace.

Serve:  How can you reach out right now to someone in need?  Who has God put in your life?

24th Sunday Readings

The readings this week explore the theme of salvation from a variety of different perspectives.  We discover God’s desire to reach out to us in the following ways:

First – Moses intervenes, God does not punish
Psalm – prayer for a clean heart, steady spirit
Second – Paul’s example of grace
Gospel – 3 parables of God’s desire to save us

The first reading shows Moses responding as mediator between God and the wayward actions of the people of Israel.  Moses pleads for the people, reminding God of the promises he made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Because of Moses’ intervention the people are spared; this example of mediation foreshadows the saving work of Christ.

The psalm and response connect to both the first reading and Gospel.  Psalm 51 is a powerful penitential prayer which seeks to renew in the reader a contrite and humbled heart.  This psalm could have been the prayer of the people of Israel after they discovered Moses’ mediation!  The response is taken from the Gospel reading and links us to the parables of Jesus.

The second reading offers St. Paul’s example of grace as an invitation for ourselves.  In his own sin and weakness Paul experienced God’s mercy, and thus reminds us that Christ came to save sinners.  Here we discover the reason for the Lord’s mediation in our lives – to lead us out of sin and into life.

The Gospel this week is a series of three parables.  The first two are really “twins” which explore the same theme – God taking the initiative to seek out the lost.  The last parable (the Prodigal Son) addresses the various aspects of our reception of God’s grace.

In this last parable we see the Lord’s mercy and forgiveness (the Father); we recognize sin and penitence (the younger Son); and we discern animosity, anger, and a wounded sense of justice (the older Son).

Where do we fit in?  Where do we see the need for mercy in our lives?  Where do we recognize our own sin and temptations?  When have we felt wounded or betrayed by another?  God’s grace extends to us all – the Lord reaches out to us that we might have abundant life.

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September 2, 2013

23rd Sunday of the Year – What is the Cost?

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Price Tag

Study:  Take a close look at your personal calendar and checkbook and/or credit card statement.  Where do we spend our time and money?

Pray:  Is there a conflict of values in your life?  Ask the Lord for guidance and direction.

Serve:  How can I help someone today focus on the values and priorities that will bring true and lasting peace?

23rd Sunday Readings

I am not a shopper.  I am one of those people who takes pride in getting in and out of stores in the shortest period of time.  In fact, when I make my lists for the grocery or department store I often keep them on me, so that if I have a moment between meetings I can run and get what I need.

In my haste I find that I do not always pay attention to the price.  Later, I find in conversation that I could have gotten the item at a substantially reduced rate – if only I had paid attention to the cost.

We measure the value of most things by what they cost.  “What’s the price tag?” is a question that reveals our priorities and goals.  The cost of something AND our willingness (or unwillingness) to pay for it tells us much about what we think is important.

It is this notion of cost that surfaces in Luke’s Gospel today.  Jesus makes it very clear to the crowds that the cost for being a disciple is EVERYTHING.
*Friends
*Family
*Possessions
*Health
*Our very Lives

All that we have and all that we offer belong to God, and it is the Lord who will demand everything back when we stand in the Lord’s presence on the day of judgment.

To follow Jesus, then, is to recognize that all that we have is God’s gift given to us.  We are merely the stewards of the Lord’s possessions – entrusted to take care of what God has given us during our lives here on earth.

When we recognize the real cost of following Jesus – everything we have and are – then we begin to see that all of life is a blessing that we have to use, but will never own.  This is just another way of saying that “we can’t take it with us” when we die.  The cost for following Jesus is the understanding that everything belongs to God, and everything will one day return back to the Lord.

As we continue to see all of life as belonging to God, we begin to discover a new freedom in how we live and use what we have.  Guided by this freedom, possessions no longer rule our lives; rather, they become instruments by which we help others and enjoy the blessing of our lives as gifts from God.

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August 27, 2013

22nd Sunday of the Year – Humility

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

iPhone 032

Study:  Consider people you know who relate to others in a humble and open manner.

Pray:  Where in your own life can you ask God for the humility to address a situation or concern?

Serve:  How might you be able to humbly help another, without thought of reward or recognition?

22nd Sunday Readings

The first reading and Gospel today invite us to practice the virtue of humility.  This is a good reminder, especially since this virtue often gets little or no attention.  Let’s face it – humility is not the sort of idea that sells advertising or readily leads to promotions.  Often humility is viewed as an outlet for the weak and pious.

So what does it mean to be humble?  Here are a few things it is NOT:
* we do not grovel or belittle ourselves
* we do not pretend that we are worthless
* we do not ignore our blessings or talents
* we do not adopt a self-debasing attitude

Humility is a virtue that is fundamentally rooted in our faith.  It is based on these points:

1.  There is a God; I am not Him!

2.  I am made in God’s image & likeness

3.  God does not make junk

4.  I have sinned and made mistakes

5.  God has redeemed me through the Cross

In this light we are called to two essential elements.  First, we need to gain an accurate sense of PERSPECTIVE.  We recognize God’s presence in our lives, and we see and acknowledge our own sin and weakness.  We must truly examine ourselves in the light of the Lord’s grace and love.

Second, we are called to a faithful and healthy RESPONSE.  If I see and understand myself with honesty, then I will act in a manner that reflects my need for God’s forgiveness.  I treat others according to the teaching of Christ:  with love, forgiveness, mercy and hope.  Knowing our own sinfulness thus allows us to respond to others with compassion…… and humility!

Humility thus requires a few basic ingredients.  We are asked to honestly know our hearts; we discover and trust in the Lord’s grace; we respond to our brothers and sisters with heightened awareness; we recognize that our lives have meaning – as we share the gifts and talents (given to us by God) for the good of our world.

When these ingredients are present we discover a profound freedom and joy.  God loves us!  We are invited to see clearly and act accordingly, thus allowing our lives to honestly reflect our faith in Christ.

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August 20, 2013

21st Sunday of the Year – Gathered Together

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Pope Francis WYD

Study:  When in life have I encountered a diverse group of people?  How did the experience change me?

Pray: What in my life needs to be touched by the Lord so I can relate with others as a disciple of Christ?

Serve:  Are there divisions in my life right now?  If so, how can I help bring unity and peace to the people in my life?

21st Sunday Readings

Watching Pope Francis during World Youth Day in Rio brought back memories of my own twenty years ago.  It was 1993 when I traveled to Denver, Colorado to see Pope John Paul II.  I was about to begin graduate theology in the seminary, and I thought that the experience would “be good” for me as I prepared for the priesthood.

I was right.

During that amazing week I treasured many rich and wonderful experiences, but one that will forever remain in my mind was the final mass.  I was leading a group of students who had hiked into the park site the day before, and as the evening passed we visited with people from around the world.

Everywhere you looked there were nations represented by young adults singing, dancing, playing music, and talking.  Walking among the groups I picked out many languages – Spanish, Italian, French, Polish, Swahili, Greek, Chinese – and others I did not recognize.

People were friendly!  If you stayed with a group they would get you to sing or dance with them, or else they would try to communicate – even when a language barrier was present.  On that night we knew in our hearts that despite our differences, we were united together as one family.

Isaiah today proclaims in the first reading that distance, language, and race will not keep God away from the nations of the world.  The Lord will set a sign among the peoples, inviting them to gather and stand united in the midst of God’s glory as one family and one community.

This proclamation reminds us that we, too, are invited to be open to one another, regardless of the differences that may appear.  For just as the Lord calls all together, so too do we recognize the unity we share as children created in the image and likeness of God.

We have many opportunities to express this unity everyday.  Do we show warmth and hospitality to strangers and guests?  Do we welcome others who speak or look differently from us?  Do we cultivate attitudes that respect others, despite our differences?

When we are open to other people, we begin to see as God sees.  We recognize that as the Lord’s children, there is much more that unites us than what divides.  We discover that God’s family is truly blessed by the differences that make us unique.

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August 13, 2013

20th Sunday of the Year – Keep Running the Race

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Runner

Study:  When in my life did I hit a “wall” – an obstacle that seriously affected my life?

Pray:  Call upon the Lord for the wisdom and courage to face the challenges before us.

Serve:  Who in my life can I encourage to continue?

20th Sunday Readings:

I have a lot of respect for marathon athletes.  The sport of running is grueling in both physical and mental ways, demanding discipline, dedication, and concentration.  Running is hard work, and those athletes who embrace the sport demonstrate their willingness to accept a difficult challenge.

While many runners work out with a partner or a group, running is ultimately an individual sport.  Whereas a team sport allows a person to have a poor performance and still win, a runner who breaks down is lost.  The energy, stamina, and focus must come from each runner, or the race will not be completed.

Runners often talk about the “Wall.”  At some point (usually toward the end of the race) the body revolts.  Concentration is lost, breathing is labored, and the legs feel like they are made of lead.  To the runner it seems almost impossible to continue, and for a time it is only by sheer will, as one foot is forced ahead of the other, that the runner goes on.

Where do runners get this kind of strength?  Where do they find the energy and determination?  Every runner is different, yet every one relies on some kind of conviction or encouragement to continue.  This focus – to finish running the race – gives them the power to see it through.

“Running the Race” has much to tell us about the journey all of us encounter in our lives.  For we know that there are times when we encounter our own personal wall, that obstacle, event, or sin which drains our strength and concentration.  At these moments we can feel exhausted – beyond help, guidance, or the desire to continue.

The letter to the Hebrews reminds us that at these times we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the source and center of our faith.  It is the Lord’s example which gives us the hope we need to face the challenges and obstacles of any given day.  By ourselves we can stumble and fall to temptation and sin, but with the strength of Christ we continue, finding new life where we thought there was none.

Running a race IS hard work; the same is true for life.  We know that the journey is not easy.  Yet we know that through our faith in Jesus we have a source of strength that will not abandon us.  The Lord is near, inviting us to continue and finish the journey, inspired by the example of Christ.

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August 7, 2013

19th Sunday of the Year – Wisdom for the Journey

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Modern Pilgrims

Study:  What do you do to prepare for an upcoming event?  What steps do you take to be ready?

Pray:  What challenges do you face right now?  What do you need to ask from the Lord to be prepared?

Serve:  Is there anyone in your life who could use support at this time?  Perhaps you are being called to be a companion on their journey…

19th Sunday Readings

The readings this week offer insight regarding life as a pilgrimage.  As we journey through this life, with its challenges and blessings, we can look to these readings for guidance:

* The courage to trust in God’s promises [1st]
* God calls us to be his own people [psalm]
* Abraham’s example of faith [2nd]
* Be prepared!  Stay alert and awake! [gospel]

The first reading reminds us that our ancestors put their trust in God’s promises.  As they were led out of Egypt to the Promised Land, the Lord guided and directed them through faith.

The Psalm expresses thanksgiving for the Lord who chooses us to be his own people.  Here it is God who delivers us from death and protects us in times of great danger and crisis.

In the Letter to the Hebrews we see how Abraham’s example of faith is a model for us.  He did not know where God would lead him, nor was he aware that the Lord would raise up a vast number of descendants who claim him as their father in faith.  Indeed, even his son, Isaac, would be a test!

Finally, the Gospel surfaces the themes of preparation and readiness.  The parable of the good servant is a reminder of some basic expectations we carry in this life:

1.  What is my purpose?  (Values & Priorities)
2.  What are my gifts? (Skill, Resources, etc.)
3.  Do I use what I have been given?

It is crucial to note that until we know what is important in life, we cannot adequately prepare for it.  Until we know what are the resources, talents, and gifts we possess, we cannot properly use them with purpose.

If life is indeed a journey, then like Abraham we must travel through times of uncertainty and difficulty – but always with the hope that God is with us.  Our conviction that God will strengthen us for the journey is no guarantee that life will be easy, but it does remind us that we will be given what we need to continue.

The challenge occurs when we reflect on what we truly have been given.  When we recognize just how blessed we are, we are humbled by the expectation of our faith.  For much will be required of the person entrusted with much.

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July 30, 2013

18th Sunday of the Year – A Life Without God Is No Life At All

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Under Construction

Study:  Recall a time when you were in difficulty and called upon God for help.  How did your faith give you direction and strength?

Pray:  Ask for the direction and strength you or a loved one needs right now.  Be specific and pray for guidance.

Serve:  Who in your life is struggling with faith right now?  How can you help them face their challenges?

18th Sunday Readings

The readings today offer some powerful thoughts for our reflection:

* Life (without God) is vanity [1st]
* Our life on earth is but a moment [psalm]
* Think of what is above [2nd]
* What good is treasure on earth? [gospel]

These points revolve around a single thought; namely, that a life without God is no life at all.

The first reading reminds us that without God no action or effort has meaning.  All of life appears as vanity when there is no purpose to our daily work.  If this world is all there is and death comes for everyone, then what is the point of trying at all?

Through the death and resurrection of Jesus we now have hope both in life and eternal life.  We no longer see death as the end; indeed, it is but a step that leads into the Kingdom of Heaven.

The psalm today teaches us that our lives on earth are brief; too often we can take for granted this moment, assuming that there will always be another day, another opportunity.  In the end we acknowledge that we are just pilgrims – traveling through this world as we journey toward the world to come.

The second reading shows us how to stay focused in our pilgrimage:  “Think of what is above.”  When we keep our eyes fixed on our ultimate destination it becomes far easier to stay the course.  By directing our attention on Jesus Christ we know who we are (His disciples) and where we are going (His Kingdom).

This focus on what is above helps us in two ways.  First it gives us the ability to recognize when we encounter situations that are not in harmony with our faith.  Simply put, we see temptations, sin, and evil for what they are.  Second, it allows us to call upon the one who helps us in our moments of trial.  Indeed, the one who died and rose for us gives us the strength we need.

Finally, in the Gospel reading Jesus draws out all these ideas through the parable of the greedy man.

* God is not a part of his life.
* He has no thought of his own mortality.
* He has no value greater than possessions.

And when put to the test he has nothing to show for his life; the last time I checked, there will be no moving van for our possessions at the cemetery.

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July 23, 2013

17th Sunday of the Year – Persistence

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

baby-learning-to-walk

Study:  Reflect on a moment when you were able to keep going when life was difficult.  What helped you through it?

Pray:  What is difficult in your life right now?  Ask God for the strength to persist.

Serve:  Who in your life needs help right now?  How might your life help someone else keep going?

17th Sunday Readings

Have you ever watched a baby learn to walk?  It is an amazing experience to see a little one gain the confidence and coordination to move across a room for the first time.  To watch such an event is to observe the miracle of persistence.

At one end of the room is a person who is supporting the child, at the other end is someone who plays cheerleader.  As the child travels across the room there are shouts of encouragement and smiles.

Then the baby falls.  Not hard, but with enough force to remind the little one that this is not going to be an easy task.  A few rug burns, some minor bumps, and a lot of hard work occur with every attempt.

Then once the child learns to walk it is amazing at how such little feet can move so fast.  The tiny steps, applied with determination, can get a child into more places (and trouble) than many a parent can imagine (at least at first!).

The persistence of a child learning to walk reminds us that the challenges of life require our determination, attention, and effort.  The Scriptures today give us two examples of persistence as it is experienced by people of faith.

First, Abraham’s conversation with God shows his determination to save the innocent people who are still living in Sodom and Gomorrah.  His perseverance is great; he asks God six times to spare the city, each time pushing the limit a little farther.

Second, Matthew’s Gospel shows how persistence is revealed through the example of the unrelenting friend who knocks at a door.  Sooner or later persistence is rewarded, and “everyone who asks, receives; who seeks, finds; and who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Every day we experience moments that demand our persistent application.  Life is difficult; and our determination to encounter the struggles of life will be rewarded through time and effort.  Christ teaches his disciples that God will give us what we need, but we need to ask – seeking God at every moment for help and guidance.

May the persistence of a child learning to walk remind us that the difficulties of life are overcome with steadfast effort and tiny steps.  As we journey in our faith we trust that God will walk with us, supporting us and providing for our needs.

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July 16, 2013

16th Sunday of the Year – Listening to Jesus

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Water lilies

Study:  Where do you find stillness in your life?  Where is a calm spot where you can slow down and listen?

Pray:  Consider making a commitment to praying in a peaceful place for a few days.   How does your prayer change when you can be still and listen to Christ?

Serve:  Can your service help another find peace and stillness?  Can you help others in such a way that they have an opportunity to listen to the Lord?

16th Sunday Readings

One of the great gifts of summertime is the potential for quiet moments in nature:

* Watching a campfire
* Time in the garden
* The beauty of a sunrise or sunset
* The stillness of the water
* The quiet before (or after) a storm

Moments like these are filled with chances to listen – to our hearts, our bodies, our family and friends, and the world around us.  In these quiet moments we slow down to experience the beauty and truth that God showers upon us.

What’s important to note is that these times are not filled with activity, but stillness.  It is in these moments when we are quiet that we actually listen and see God at work in our life.  These insights happen when we stop and pay attention to the wonder around us.

This is what we find in the Gospel today.  Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to his words with complete and utter concentration.  When Martha (who was preparing the food and getting the house ready to welcome the Lord) complained that Mary was not helping, Jesus rebukes her – not because the work was unimportant, but because in life there is also a time and place to listen!

The need to listen is crucial, not only in life but in our life of faith.  We know that we cannot work around the clock; we need time to rest and renew our hearts.  We know that we cannot always be in constant motion (in action or in speech); indeed, there are times when we need to draw strength from the wisdom and beauty of others.

We find these moments in practical ways that are both accessible and powerful:

* Daily prayer (alone or with others)
* Reading the Scriptures
* Mass
* Quiet moments (inside or outside)
* Experiencing nature (see above!)

These are moments when we, like Mary, slow down and allow the Lord to teach and strengthen us.  Today we can pause and allow the Lord to love us; right now we have the chance to listen – hearing the faith, hope, and love we share as we sit at the feet of Jesus.

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