Author Archives: Fr. Andrew Ricci

About Fr. Andrew Ricci

Unknown's avatar
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.
April 29, 2013

6th Sunday of Easter – Peace I Leave With You

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Icon of Christ

Study:  Think of someone you know who has faced a terrible fear.  Where did they find their peace and strength?

Pray:  Is there something that makes you afraid?  Bring it to your prayer and ask God to give you the grace to face it.

Serve:  How might you support someone in their fear right now?  Is there something you can do to offer comfort, assistance, or aid?  Perhaps it simply means being present to others to remind them that they are not alone.

6th Sunday of Easter Readings:

The phrase “do not be afraid” appears twenty-one times in the New Testament and over fifty times in the Old Testament.  These words are spoken by angels, prophets, and the Lord.  The repetition of this message in the Scriptures is for a simple reason – we often live in fear.

It is truly humbling to step back and reflect on the things in this life that keep us afraid:  aging, sickness, loss of ability, finances, relationships, war, terrorism, violence, self esteem………it goes on and on.  These fears are part of the world in which we live, and their power is often great in the human heart.

Fear has power because it preys on what we value, filling us with worry while we fret over what will happen if something we cherish is taken away.  That is why fear is a universal temptation; all of us have values, and when we fear the loss of something dear to us our anxiety can waste our time and energy.

We see this pattern of fear when people get stuck in a rut of thinking that leads them to wallow in a mental swamp, endlessly churning worry after worry without any positive, constructive, or helpful action.  It is a truly useless process.

Yet as people of faith we are told that fear is not the motivation of our lives.  There is something greater, something more powerful, that overcomes fear and worry, anxiety and doubt – Jesus Christ.  In the Lord we have a hope that is greater than all fear.

Through the death and resurrection of the Lord sin and death have been destroyed.  Christ is victorious and we follow the path that he has laid down for us.  This does not mean that the journey will be easy; rather it means that we can face the difficulties and struggles of life with the knowledge that we will be given what we need.

In our moments of fear (and trust me, there will be moments) we hear what the Lord provides for us – PEACE.  Peace in our hearts gives us the calming strength to face a difficult situation.  Peace in our lives allows us to look upon the world and gain a true perspective.  Peace in our soul allows us to see our fear and still act in a manner that is worthy of hope.

The Lord gives us peace.  When fear threatens to choke our hearts we turn to the one who gives us strength.  Only in the peace of Christ can we find the hope that sustains us to understand and overcome our fear, transforming our lives and our hearts.

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , | posted in Easter

April 23, 2013

5th Sunday of Easter – Love One Another

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Heart

Study:  Consider the people in your life who are powerful examples of love.  What practical things do they do to live God’s commandment?

Pray:  Some people are hard to love.  Ask God for the grace to love, following the example of Jesus.

Serve:  Sometimes we say “I love you” through our actions.  Where might an act of kindness be appropriate, especially with someone who is hard to talk to?

5th Sunday of Easter Readings:

The commandment of Jesus today in the gospel reading is familiar to us all.  We have heard these words countless times, and their meaning remains essential to our faith.  When everything is said and done, there is one measure of our discipleship that counts above all others:  LOVE.

The beauty of this commandment is that Christ himself is our model.  Jesus lived the command of love perfectly; his thoughts, words, and actions are a template for us to follow in our everyday practice.  In our moments of weakness and struggle, we can recall the life of the Lord to remind us that love is possible even in times of difficulty.

Why are their situations when it is so hard to love others as Jesus did?  Here are a few thoughts:

1.  Love is a CHOICE.  Love cannot be forced from us, only freely given.  Only through a sincere desire can love be true and genuine.  And if we are not honestly intentional in our love, then it appears cheap and fake.

2.  Love can be rejected.  Once I freely choose to love another, there is no guarantee that it will be freely returned.  My outstretched hand may be slapped; the olive branch of goodwill may be rejected.  Since love requires a free will, then there is no way that I can force another to accept my love.  (This is one reason why love is so powerful – a sincere love occurs when two persons freely choose each other…)

3.  Love requires a risk.  Much is at stake when we step out and love – our sense of identity, self-worth, integrity, and value are all placed in a sensitive spot as we entrust our hopes to another.  Of course, sometimes we are afraid to risk – pulling back from others in order to protect ourselves from being hurt.

4.  Love demands honesty.  We cannot give what we do not have.  To love with sincerity requires that we are in touch with our own hearts.  We have to know ourselves (warts and all) to be sure that we are not using love as a cloak to cover our own fears and insecurities.  In this regard love asks us to grow in knowledge of ourselves, so that we might confront our own limitations and shortcomings.

And yet God commands us to love!  Indeed, this is the commandment by which everything else is measured.  Our life, our faith, and all our behaviors are measured by this defining guide:  the law of love.

Leave a comment   |  tags: | posted in Easter

April 16, 2013

4th Sunday of Easter – Joy, Hard Work, and Conviction

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Fr. Ed

Msgr. Ed Meulemans – my friend and mentor

Study:  Who are your role models?  Who are the people in your life who work hard, live by their values, and are loyal in the face of difficulty?

Pray:  What do you need to ask God for strength for this week?  What is going on in your life that requires direction, guidance, and grace?

Serve:  Who is struggling in your life right now?  Can you help them or perhaps direct them to the assistance they need?

4th Sunday of Easter Readings:

Lit with the fire of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles Paul and Barnabas boldly proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ in the first reading today.  They travel to the city of Antioch and their story follows a pattern that occurred frequently in their ministry:
1.  They speak about Christ
2.  Some heard their message and followed
3.  Some DID NOT
4.  Pressure mounted against them, forcing them to leave

We know that Paul had success as a preacher; yet it is easy to take for granted his efforts.  Each city was a challenge – telling the story of Jesus, setting an example of faith, working to provide enough money to live on, and dealing with opposition – and he endured this situation for years!

Clearly this ministry was difficult.  It required a lot of hard work.  Paul exerted enormous effort in his time and personal energy.  He was tested in body, mind and soul.  There were times when he felt alone and abandoned; there were times when he wondered if he was getting through to anyone.

We know, however, that Paul had a fire inside of him that could not be extinguished.  He had been transformed by the Lord on the road to Damascus.  He had been healed of his blindness, and he had experienced the witness of other disciples whose lives had been reshaped by the resurrection of Jesus.

Yet through all this hard work and conviction, many people did not accept the message of Christ.  They listened and walked away.  Some insulted Paul, others mocked him, and still others followed for a time and then went back to their old lifestyle.  Each time must have cost something to Paul; to work so hard and have to let people go….

What sustained him?  What gave him strength in his times of need?  We are told that the disciples were filled with joy; the love of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit blessed them.

Like Paul, we are called to follow the Lord.  It is not always easy.  There are times when hard work appears to show no results.  At these moments we look to the example of the Apostles, who persevered with conviction and joy.  After all, the Good News needs to be proclaimed – yet each one of us must decide if we will listen and follow Christ.

1 Comment   |  tags: , , | posted in Easter

April 9, 2013

3rd Sunday of Easter – Do You Love Me?

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Jesus Loves Me

Study: Think back on a time when you made a big mistake and instead of harshness you encountered mercy.

Pray: Ask the Lord to help you love – especially people you find challenging. Pray for strength and grace to love.

Serve: Is there someone in your life that would benefit from an act of kindness, mercy, or love? Who is in your life right now that the Lord is leading you to love?

3rd Sunday of Easter Readings:

When you think of the backdrop of today’s Gospel reading, you might consider what Peter was thinking about. He had betrayed Jesus. Three times. He was told he would, he boasted he would die for the Lord, and when it came to the test he failed – utterly.

Then beyond all hope and wonder Jesus stands before Peter in resurrection glory. He’s alive! Death and sin have been conquered once for all, and we have hope in eternal life.

What would Peter say to Jesus?

Was he afraid that the Lord would be upset or disappointed? Was he worried that his friend and Lord would reject him or cast him aside? Was he ashamed, or perhaps overwhelmed with feelings of guilt and inadequacy?

Yet Jesus does not respond in a negative way at all. Three times he asks one little question: Do you love me? Three times Peter will answer yes, and in the end he will admit that Jesus knows him completely – including all his failings and limitations. The point is simple. Jesus met Peter in his weakness and invited him to live a life of love.

This encounter between Jesus and Peter should give us all hope. We all make mistakes: we’ve failed, messed up, caused harm and disappointment. Yet when we turn back to the Lord we discover the mercy and forgiveness of Jesus who asks us the same simple question: Do you love me?

What will be our answer? We have the opportunity to let go of our past sins and return once again to the Lord who loves us and invites us to love in return. Rather than be shackled to sin, fear, and death – we may embrace new life with joy and hope. Jesus Christ comes with power to free us with his healing grace.

Like Peter, we stand before the Lord in our weakness. Like Peter, we will all be asked the same question. May our answer be YES to the Lord’s love.

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , | posted in Easter

April 2, 2013

2nd Sunday of Easter – Doubting Thomas

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

blessings

Study:  Reflect back on a time when you experience real doubt and disbelief; was it about good or bad news?  How did you work through your doubt to grow in trust and hope?

Pray:  Take time this week to pray for faith and trust, especially about situations in your life or in the lives of others that confront doubt.

Serve:  Reach out with comfort and support to those who struggle with doubt, particularly in regards to their faith in God.  Perhaps you may be the instrument through whom the Holy Spirit will draw others nearer to Jesus Christ.

2nd Sunday of Easter Readings:

I am often fascinated by the ways that people handle good news.  In particular, I am amazed at those moments when individuals are informed or confronted by a situation that is truly delightful.

Some folks begin to stammer and stutter; others cannot speak at all.  Some giggle; others cry; and still others start to babble in sounds that have never been formulated before on this planet.

Yet while some people embrace their good news, others react differently.  These are the skeptics; they are looking for the “real side” of the story.  They do not trust the situation, but are trying to find out what is really behind all the smoke and mirrors.  They refuse to accept what they have seen.

The response is natural and often happens.  Confronted by good news, there are times when people hesitate to believe.  Experience or cynicism has left them with doubt – closing them from the possibility that fortune has blessed them.

This scenario is found in the Gospel today.  Thomas, who is not present when Jesus first appears to the disciples, scoffs at their claim that they have seen the Lord.  He makes his well known statement:

“Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands
and put my finger into the nailmarks
and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

His doubt is strong:  until he SEES and TOUCHES the Lord, he will not accept the news about Jesus.  He will not believe.

Yet Jesus comes back a second time, inviting Thomas to see and touch and believe.  The Lord’s appearance moves Thomas to make his claim of faith calling Jesus both Lord and God.  While he is no longer doubtful, Jesus gently chides him that he needed sight to confirm his belief.

We journey through this life with the good news of Jesus Christ, whose resurrection gives us all the hope of eternal life.  Yet there are times when we can become like Thomas, doubting the truth of our faith and asking for signs of God’s presence.

May we see in Thomas an example of the Lord’s unrelenting love.  Just as Jesus responded to his doubt, may we come to the Lord in our weakness and seek hope and faith in our need.  May we trust that the Lord will renew us with the faith of Thomas.

1 Comment   |  tags: , , | posted in Easter

March 25, 2013

Easter – Abundant Life

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

iPhone 034

Study:  Reflect on moments where you have experienced new life – in a relationship, in a position, in an opportunity.  Consider how your experience of new life can help you embrace the resurrection of Jesus

Pray:  Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ we have been freed from sin and death.  Take a moment in your prayer to thank God for this gift, and count your blessings.

Serve:  How might you bring the hope of new life to others?  How might your life bring life to those around you?

Easter Sunday Readings

All around us, we see signs of change as we enter the season of Spring.  The weather is (slowly) getting warmer, the snow is beginning to melt, and we await the rain to soften the earth and add much needed moisture to the ground.

These signs point to the simple fact that once again new life is bursting forth upon the land.  Spots of green start to appear on the countryside.  Flowers and plants begin to grow.  What was once dead has now been renewed.

The change of seasons shows us in a simple yet powerful way a fundamental truth in our world: out of death comes new life.  Around us we discover that from the cold and barren Winter, the earth is renewed through the annual cycle of life.  Death cannot last forever; it is shattered by the force and power of life – healing, restoring, and making all things new.

With this season of life comes new hope.  We see the changes in nature and respond with new vitality.  We want to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, maybe start a few projects (I said maybe…!), and live with a renewed sense of energy.  As we experience the signs of abundant life revealed in nature, we desire to take hold of our own lives – that we might live with a passion and intensity worthy of this wonderful gift.

Every year the Church celebrates the central mystery of our faith during this season of life.  Beyond his suffering and death on the Cross we celebrate the victory of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Through this redemption, we have been freed from two of our greatest fears, sin and death, and given the gift of abundant life.

As Christ rose from the dead, not even the grave could contain him, and his triumphant resurrection anchors our hope in eternal life.  We rejoice that through this mystery we now have a path to follow.  We know that death is not the final answer, we know that beyond the suffering and struggle of this life lies our hope in the abundant life of heaven.

Strengthened by our hope in Christ, we are invited to live this moment with our whole hearts.  Having received the gift of life, we are called to share that gift with love and joy, so that the abundant life of the resurrection may pour into this world as well.

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , | posted in Easter

March 18, 2013

Palm Sunday – The Cross of Christ

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Station - Jesus in Crucified

Study: Read the Passion narrative again; put yourself in the drama of the Lord’s death. Stand with Mary at the foot of his cross.

Pray: Take time to gaze at the cross. Look beyond the art to the reality of the Lord’s passion. Dwell upon his wounds and thank him for his sacrifice.

Serve: Consider who is in need of healing in your life. Are there people who are carrying a heavy cross? Might you be like Simon of Cyrene – perhaps able to help them with a part of the load?

Palm Sunday Readings

How many times throughout our lives have we made the sign of the Cross? Stop and think: at Mass; meal prayers; morning & evening prayers; special gatherings; and moments of blessing and grace. This simple action, which we teach to children at an early age, invokes a connection with the passion of Jesus.

We adorn our homes with the Cross. A crucifix is a common gift to a new home; they are placed in bedrooms and common areas as a reminder that Jesus is the source of our help and strength.

We adorn ourselves with the Cross in many ways: a crucifix on a chain; a cross in our pocket; earrings; rings; bracelets; and all the extra cards, bookmarks, figurines, and miscellaneous items that remind us that Jesus died on a Cross.

The passion we read every year on this day focuses our attention on the central mystery of our faith. Out of love for us God sent Jesus, who gave his life on the Cross that we might have eternal life. Through his suffering and death, we recognize that God has made a pathway possible that we might all journey through this life to the gates of Heaven.

The Cross teaches us many lessons:
* Life is difficult, and at times painful
* Weakness and sin are part of our experience
* God identifies with our pain
* God dies that we might have life

At the core of our teaching the Cross stands as the testament of God’s love for us. On one hand the Cross is an embarrassment – after all, why would God (all powerful, all knowing, supreme) choose to be humiliated? Does that not mean that God is weak? Why could God not take away our sins in a way that showed majesty and splendor?

Yet on the other hand, the Cross is a statement that God meets us where we are in life. In our weakness, in our humiliation, in our low moments of doubt and sin God comes to us. Jesus, like us in every way but sin, understands our pain because through his Cross he shares in the suffering of the world. He knows us, and loves us even more.

Every time we make the sign of the Cross may we recall what the Lord endured for us. May the Cross be our strength as we trust in God’s love, and may we seek to follow that love as we journey through this life toward the world to come.

2 Comments   |  tags: , | posted in Lent

March 12, 2013

5th Sunday of Lent – Justice & Mercy

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Flower

Study:  When have I truly experienced mercy from another person?  When have I been clearly in the wrong yet encountered understanding and compassion?

Pray:  Is there something in my life that needs God’s mercy?  Is there something or someone that I need God’s help to face?

Serve:  How can I practice mercy right now with someone in my life?

5th Sunday of Lent Readings

Teaching in the temple area, Jesus is confronted by the scribes and Pharisees with a woman (where is the man?) caught in adultery.  We are told that their intention is not justice, but to trap Jesus – so he can be arrested and silenced.

Here is the overview of John 8:1-11.
1           Jesus at the Mount of Olives
2          Jesus teaching in the temple area
3-6      Woman is brought to Jesus; Law is stated
7          Jesus writing on the ground
8          “Let the one without sin cast the first stone”
9          Everyone leaves; Jesus & the Woman alone
10        “Has no one condemned you?”
11        “No one, sir.”
“Neither do I…Go, and sin no more.”

Note that in this passage the Lord addresses two different groups.  The first group is composed of sinners.  His words to the scribes and Pharisees are profound:  “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”  Obviously, they must drop their stones; reflection and experience bring back numerous reminders of their sins.

Yet there is someone present who is without sin – JESUS!  His words to the crowd are about himself; he has the right and the authority to judge.

When the crowd finally disperses, he has the opportunity to speak to the woman.  “Neither do I condemn you.  Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”  Two crucial points surface from these words.

First, Jesus tells the truth; the behavior in question is a sin.  He does not ignore the fact, nor does he try to defend or explain it away.  He says it simply and directly.  His word is justice.

Second, the compassion of Jesus is evident in his gentle forgiveness.  He has the right to judge her, and he chooses mercy.

With the scribes and Pharisees Jesus reminds us “Do not judge, and you will not be judged.” (Matthew 7:1).  With the woman Jesus reminds us that in our sin and weakness we come to the Lord who longs to heal and restore us.

Which response speaks to us today?  We know that sin is real.  We know that all of us have failed and fallen through temptation and evil.  Do we need to ask forgiveness – for ourselves, or for presuming to judge others?  The Lord waits for us!

1 Comment   |  tags: , , , , | posted in Lent

March 5, 2013

4th Sunday of Lent – The Prodigal Son

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

A man & two sons

Study:  Which one am I in the parable – the son in need of forgiveness or the son who needs to forgive?

Pray:  How does God’s forgiveness touch my heart – at Mass, Confession, or private devotion?

Serve: How can I be like the father in the parable, reaching out to those in need of the grace of repentance and forgiveness?

4th Sunday of Lent Readings

This Gospel reading is very familiar.  Let’s take a moment to break it down into its basic parts:

The Younger Son – selfish & foolish
The Older Son – hardworking & unforgiving
The Father – eager to reach out to both sons

In our reading today, we discover both the context and reason for Jesus offering this parable, as well as the central points within it.  These verses are part of Luke – chapter 15.

1-3          Jesus with sinners, the Pharisees complain
4-7         Parable of the Lost Sheep (not heard today)
8-10       Parable of the Lost Drachma (not heard today)
11-32     Prodigal Son
11-12     Younger son wants his share
13           Younger son leaves father, squanders money
14-16    Younger son penniless, works as a slave
17-19    Younger son “comes to his senses”
20a        Younger son returns to his father
20b        The father sees the son, runs to meet him
21           The younger son repents to his father
22-24    The father celebrates – his son is back to life
25-27    The older son hears about his brother
28-30    The older son is angry – speaks to his father
31-32     The father’s response to the older son

What are some of the lessons of this parable?

1.  God comes to us.
2.  God longs for our life and health.
3.  God does not force us to repent.
4.  We must “come to our senses” first.
5.  Repentance & forgiveness challenge us.

Remember, Jesus was with “sinners” at the beginning of this reading.  He was reaching out to people who had made choices in the past that had led them away from God and other people.  The parable is a way to show that God is constantly inviting us back to a relationship.

The same is true for us.  Whether we stand in need of forgiveness, or need to let go of our bitterness and anger – the Lord searches for us and invites us to celebrate whenever repentance is present and life & hope are restored.

Leave a comment   |  tags: , | posted in Lent

February 25, 2013

3rd Sunday of Lent – Repentance

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Lonely tree

Study: Who do I need to forgive in my life?  Who do I need to ask for forgiveness?

Pray:  How can my prayer help me repent and seek forgiveness in my life?  Is there something special I need to bring to the Lord?

Serve: How can I be an agent for healing and reconciliation in the lives of those around me?

3rd Sunday of Lent Readings

The readings in this 3rd Week of Lent are pointed in their meaning:

1.  God comes into our world (1st & Psalm)
2.  Repent!  (2nd & Gospel)

It really is simple.  God enters into our world, revealing his love and compassion.  In our response to the Lord we are called to recognize our sins and turn away from them to a new way of life.

What does this mean for us?  How do we apply these Scriptures to our lives today?  Here are a few thoughts:

1.  Take time to examine our lives.
* What is the content of my speech?
* What is the pattern of my behavior?
* What is my attitude?
* How do I treat other people?

2.  What needs to change?
* What in my life is not Christ like?
* What in my life is destructive?
* What in my life is not healthy?

3.  Make a break and start a new way!
* Take the courage to act!
* See a new way to live…and do it!

4.  Reminders…
* We do not do this alone – lean on others.
* We do not do this alone – lean on God!
* When we make mistakes, return to God!
(this is called Confession!)

We examine our lives, judge what is not of Christ, and actively change our ways.  Simple?  Yes.  Easy?  NO!!!

Repentance takes honesty, hard work, and a commitment to grow closer to the Lord.  When we repent we make the claim that there are parts of our life that are not right – something needs to change.

As we continue on our Lenten journey, we explore and renew our relationship with the Lord.  We can see if our lives are in harmony with the faith we profess.  If there is something that has to change, we trust in the Lord for the courage to repent.

Leave a comment   |  tags: , | posted in Lent