Tag Archives: Inspiration

January 19, 2015

3rd Sunday of the Year – Repent, and Believe in the Gospel

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

repentance

Study:  Recall a time when you made a serious mistake.  What steps did you take to make it right?  Do you have any unfinished work that needs to be done?

Pray:  Saying “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you” can be very difficult; don’t try it alone!  Ask the Lord for the grace and strength.

Serve:  How can you help another on the path to repentance?  How might you encourage people to seek healing and forgiveness?

3rd Sunday of the Year Readings

Fr. Andrew’s Homily Podcast

Remember back in elementary school when we all learned long division?  Perhaps you remember some of those really long problems that took a whole sheet of paper to write?  I recall the excitement when I found the answers at the end of the book, only to have my hopes crushed when the dreaded words “show your work” were part of the instructions…

To demonstrate the exercise our 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Tempesta, would put a problem on the chalk board and demonstrate line by line, showing the work and how the process repeats until you made your way through the entire problem.  At the end you would have the answer, with all the work to prove it.

I remember asking Mrs. Tempesta what would happen if you made a mistake early on in the process.  She smiled and repeated the problem along side the original – with one tiny mistake.  The wrong answer at the end of the work glared at our class; when we asked what do you do if your answer doesn’t match the solution in the book, she replied, “You have to start at the beginning, find your mistake, and rework a new solution.”

Welcome to repentance.

We all make mistakes: we say things we can’t take back; do things we regret; allow things to happen that we’d give anything to erase.  And while we can’t change the past our faith tells us that we have a process that can bring healing and restore relationships.  Like long division, we find our mistakes, REPENT, and rework a solution that follows a new path of behavior.

The words “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you” are some of the most powerful in any language.  The first reading and the Gospel today are especially adamant that we take them to heart – repenting of our sins and choosing a Godly path that brings healing to our lives.  Remember: God never gives up on us!  The process looks like this:

  • We run through our own personal examination of conscience
  • We admit it – perhaps directly or in the Sacrament of Confession
  • We are sorry for the hurt we have done, acknowledging our sins/mistakes
  • We do our part to make it right – doing what we can to fix and heal
  • We call upon God’s healing grace and strength

Perhaps it’s been awhile since we stepped into a confessional.  Perhaps it’s been awhile since we have honestly looked into our hearts.  Today we can take a moment to look inside, see what doesn’t belong, and make the move to repent of our sins and turn to the Lord.  May we see in the example of Jonah and Jesus today that we have hope; God keeps calling – inviting us to turn away from sin and embrace the Good News.

And if you are looking for some help in checking out your heart, try these options for an Examination of Conscience.

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January 12, 2015

2nd Sunday of the Year – The Call of the Lord

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

God's Call

Study:  Reflect on an experience in life when you have been called to do something.  Who called you?  What did it feel like?

Pray:  Ask the Lord for guidance to discern how to follow Jesus Christ today.

Serve:  Are there people in your life who are experiencing a calling?  How can you help them discover their path?

2nd Sunday of the Year Readings

Fr. Andrew’s Homily Podcast

Have you ever had moments in life when you wish the answers were written in the sky with letters that were clear and easy to read?  Where there is no doubt what to do; no hesitation that a certain choice is the best; no worry that something has been missed?  The question surfaces frequently:  How do we know the Lord’s call for our lives?

In the Scriptures today we have two examples where people are being called by God:

  • The call of Samuel in the temple of the Lord
  • The call of two of John the Baptist’s disciples by Jesus

While each story presents a perspective that is unique, both have some points that are worth noting:

  1. God takes the initiative.  It is the Lord who begins the encounter, speaking Samuel’s name or asking the disciples, “What are you looking for?”
  2. There is a human response.  Samuel calls out, “Here I am” while the disciples begin a conversation, “Where are you staying?”
  3. A call to action.  Both Samuel and disciples do something.  Samuel reaches out to Eli; the disciples stay with Jesus and one of them (Andrew) brings his brother Peter to meet the Lord.

The same three steps continue today.  God keeps inviting!  The Lord’s grace ceaselessly pours out upon the earth, inviting and empowering us to draw closer to God and one another.  Everything we have comes from the Lord, who takes the initiative to reach out to us in love.

Our response – both in word and deed – completes this initiative.  Accepting the Lord’s call we grow in wisdom and strength, developing our God-given gifts for service in the world.  As we continue to say yes to the Lord’s guidance we become more and more alive, become a conduit through which Christ’s mission touches the hearts and lives of others.

So how and where does the Lord speak today?  Where do we look for the call?  A few starting thoughts…

  • Start by reading the Scriptures! (It is the Word of God, after all.)  I recommend first digging into the Gospels.
  • Pray everyday.  It doesn’t have to be very long, but it does have to be real and from your heart.  Take a couple of minutes to count your blessings, make your petitions, and close with the Lord’s Prayer.
  • Reach out to people of faith for fellowship & strength.  (Remember: united we stand!)
  • Go to Confession.  It’s a powerful way to begin again with God’s help.
  • Go to Mass weekly.  (Let’s see: get a Sacrament; hear God’s Word; pray alone and with others; fellowship; with a little peace & silence…not a bad gig.)

May we say yes to the Lord’s call in our lives, responding with full and open hearts, serving one another with the strength of Jesus Christ!

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January 2, 2015

The Baptism of the Lord

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

baptism of the Lord

Study:  Recall a moment when you “died” to something sinful.  Who or what gave you strength?

Pray:  Thank the Lord for the precious gift of your life – and count your blessings!

Serve:  How can you offer some of your time or talent to help another face life and death issues?

Baptism of the Lord Readings

Fr. Andrew’s Homily

Living on the shores of Lake Superior, I am blessed with an abundance of water in my life.  Here in northern Wisconsin – with our countless clean, freshwater lakes – it is easy to take for granted this precious resource.

Yet consider these two elements of Water:

  • Life giving
  • Death dealing

Water is essential for human life.  Approximately 55-60% of our bodies are composed of water, and this crucial substance is always present wherever people are living and thriving.  What’s more, all life on our planet requires water – it simply is invaluable for existence.

Yet a surplus of water can lead to destruction.  A flood may literally wash away everything in its path with power that cannot be overcome.  Too much water and life drowns, unable to find the proper balance to survive.

This sense of life and death that we discover about water is not only true for life; it is also apparent when we discuss spiritual life.  In baptism we use water to reveal both of these aspects:

  • New life through a configuration to Jesus Christ
  • Death to sin through Christ’s death on a Cross

Through baptism, we are joined to the death and resurrection of Jesus.  Freed from sin by the Lord’s sacrifice on the Cross, we are raised up to newness of life in this world as we prepare to be united to the Lord forever in heaven.

The Baptism of the Lord by John the Baptist reminds us that our experience of God draws on our relationship with the Lord.  His life becomes our life; his death frees us from our death.  Configuring our lives to Jesus through our baptism, we not only become his disciples – we open our hearts to receive his grace.

May we call upon that grace as we face the challenges and blessings of life today.  Trusting in Christ, we engage our lives for service as we follow his example of life and death.

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January 1, 2015

A Catholic Retreat through Study, Prayer, & Service

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Three Great Things

Are you looking for a quick and practical audio retreat?  Perhaps this is for you…

The following three talks were given at a Catholic Men’s Retreat sponsored by the Knights of Columbus in Hayward, WI on September 13, 2014.

In these talks you will find a practical exploration of some ways that we can grow closer to the Lord through Study, Prayer, and Service; it should be no surprise to my readers!  These “Three Great Things” are the very foundation of this site, and it seemed only fitting to spell out a few opportunities that we have to deepen our relationship with Christ.

All three talks are freestanding: you can listen to them alone or together as a set.  It should become readily apparent, however, that these three are interrelated – prayer and service; service and study; study and prayer – they build, support, and give meaning and purpose to one another.  Yet by engaging each one separately, it is my hope that we can tease out some everyday opportunities that foster our faith and offer ready made applications for life.

When you click on the underlined/bold text, you will be redirected to a site where you can hear the talks.  

1st Talk – Study: Some intellectual ways we can learn and develop

2nd Talk – Prayer: Practical points that speak to different styles that help us cultivate our relationship with the Lord

3rd Talk – Service: A simple method and application to personal approaches that make a difference in the world

My prayer for 2015: that we all draw near to Jesus Christ (in any number of unique and practical ways) through our Study, Prayer, & Service!

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January 1, 2015

The Epiphany of the Lord

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Brilliant Stars!

Study:  Recall a time when you experienced a moment of clarity and understanding – when it all came together.

Pray:  Ask the Lord for direction and insight regarding any particular decisions or needs.

Serve:  How can you help someone clarify their focus and gain direction?

The Epiphany of the Lord Readings

Fr. Andrew’s Homily

I was sitting in a Calculus class, and my blood was beginning to boil. For over an hour I had been trying to understand a concept without any success. The professor had patiently explained it twice (using two different examples), two friends tried (telling me how EASY it was – like that helped…), and I had read the “helpful hints” section of the textbook (which I still do not understand to this day).

I looked down on the page of equations, a seemingly meaningless series of numbers, letters, and signs, and put my head in my hands and took a deep breath. I then turned to look out the window and daydreamed for a couple of minutes. (I think the professor was just glad I was quiet…!) Then I looked back at the textbook.

It made sense.

I could not believe it. I finally understood in a span of three heartbeats what three different people had been trying to tell me for over an hour. The light bulb went on, and I said “OH!!!” just a little louder then I realized.

The professor, a gentle man with a deep faith, came over to me with a big smile. He said, “Do you get it?” When I told him how it came together he said, “Good for you, Andrew! You just had an epiphany.”

There are times in life when an event or experience comes upon us in a rush. We are caught up in the moment, held in awe by our new awareness. We discover a new insight, understanding, or perspective which shapes and changes how we see the world.

In the Scriptures today we follow the journey of the wise men, guided by a star to the baby Jesus. As the star rose they pursued its course, searching for understanding and wisdom. When they found the child their response reveals the magnitude of their convictions. They knelt in homage, giving the very best gifts they had to offer.

As we journey on in our lives God places before us opportunities and events where the Lord is especially present. In these great and precious moments our eyes are opened – if only briefly – to the grace and blessings around us. We can ask the Lord for this gift of understanding – a gift which recognizes and responds to God’s presence in our midst.

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December 29, 2014

The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

photo (2)

Study: Recall a time in your life when another person made a profound difference in your life.  How did they show you support?

Pray:  Ask the Lord for the wisdom and insight to be a human agent for divine love.  Pray for an open heart to be guided by Christ!

Serve:  Who in your life would benefit from your service and kindness right now?  Is it family, a friend, a co-worker, or an acquaintance?

Mary, Mother of God Readings

Fr. Andrew’s Homily

There are many ways to say, “I love you.”  Some people do it easily with words, others use gestures, physical closeness, empathy, or service.  Sometimes it happens when we respond to the unspoken questions or needs of another – anticipating the situation without even having to be asked.  Other times it is merely our presence, when we sit or walk with another beyond the necessity of words; at times like these it is simply the awareness that we are not alone that gives us strength.

Within the Holy Family we can talk about the practical ways that Mary and Joseph cared for and loved Jesus.  Providing for the Lord’s basic needs, showing affection, teaching, offering safety, and guiding with earthly wisdom are just a few of the examples that reveal how they provided a home for their son.

On this feast we can enter more fully into the gift of Mary’s life – as a mother.  The intimacy and connection between mother and child is profound.  There is a closeness – something physical, relational, and spiritual – that often uniquely touches our lives.  While it’s true that there are times when we are closer/farther from our moms, we can recognize that this bond has the power to connect with something deep within our souls.

Mary shared this connection with her Son.  Jesus, whose titles range from “Savior,” “Messiah,” “Lord of Life,” “Prince of Peace,” and “Son of God” could also claim another:

Son of Mary

The Feast of Mary, the Mother of God is a celebration where we can comprehend a bond that we share with the Lord.  Like us, he possessed this earthly connection with his mom – a connection that underscores how Christ comes to us and bridges the gap between Heaven and Earth so that we might know God.  The Lord became like us (in all things but sin) so that we could draw near to the Almighty – there is no obstacle, no boundary, no barrier that prevents us from encountering God.

Within the context of this mother/son relationship Mary had countless opportunities to say, “I love you” to her boy.  She said it with words, conveyed it with caring and comforting actions, and demonstrated it with subtle expressions of affection.  Since Jesus became like us, then he also received the blessings and joys that come from being loved in this very human, very powerful way.

As we enter into this New Year, how will we say, “I love you” to the Lord?  How will we reveal our love for Christ in the faces of our brothers and sisters?  Perhaps it’s with a word of encouragement, a random act of kindness, anticipating a need, or responding to a situation.  May we eagerly look about for ways to show our love – to the people in our lives and the Lord who put them there.

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December 25, 2014

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Holy Family - 3

Study:  Recall a time when you were particular grateful for the gift of your family.  What made the difference?

Pray:  Reflect on the needs of your family.  Thank the Lord for your blessings and offer your petitions for their needs.

Serve:  How can you help someone in your family right now?

The Feast of the Holy Family Readings

Fr. Andrew’s Homily

Big or small, far-flung or close to home…we all come from a family.  Sometimes our families are in better/worse places, depending on emotions, finances, relationships, illness, death, and a multitude of challenges and blessings that life can throw our way.

And while no family is perfect, every family provides opportunities for us to grow.  Whether it is getting along, practicing forgiveness, being patient, working together, or dealing with the idiosyncrasies that are part of every human group…there is no place like family for teaching us lessons that are part of our journey to become the best version of ourselves.

The Holy Family faced plenty of blessings and burdens.  Here are a few of the blessings:

  • Encounters with the angel Gabriel
  • Choirs of angels singing and rejoicing
  • Visits from distant Magi and nearby shepherds
  • The brilliant light of the Star as a sign from God

But, then, there are some real burdens:

  • Explaining Mary’s pregnancy (before marriage to Joseph)
  • Fleeing for their lives from King Herod’s soldiers
  • Refugees in Egypt – far from family
  • And one day…Mary will stand before the Cross of Jesus

Clearly, this family is unlike any other; yet together they faced situations that are similar to many even today.  They knew what it was like to be grateful for what they had, and they knew what it was like to face suffering and pain.

But there’s two points I want us to hold close:

  1. They did it together
  2. God was with them

What’s true for the Holy Family is true for our families!  We have opportunities to work together, cooperating and uniting to strengthen the bonds within our families – and when we face challenges we call upon the Lord to give us the grace and strength we need to put faith into family, hope into our homes, and love into our lives.

May this season give us plenty of opportunities to work together with God’s grace in our families – the place where we have been located by the Lord to practice our “homework for holiness” as we journey through this life.

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December 22, 2014

The Feast of Christmas

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Scrooge Christmas

Study: What one thing can you choose to do this Christmas to make it better?

Pray:  Ask God for the help to do that one thing wisely and well!

Serve:  How can you help someone make their Christmas better?

Christmas Readings

Vigil Mass     Mass during the Night     Mass at Dawn     Mass during the Day

Fr. Andrew’s Homily

A Christmas Carol
Part V: Christmas Day

When Scrooge finally awakes on Christmas morning, he is a changed man.  Filled with joy and newfound hope, he begins to live his life very differently from the day before.  Reaching out to the people in his midst, Scrooge recognizes the beauty and richness that has always been around him.

Whether it’s buying an enormous turkey for the Cratchit family, wishing a small boy “Merry Christmas!”, accepting a dinner invitation at his nephew’s home, or raising Bob Cratchit’s salary, what we discover is that Scrooge is transformed.  He has recognized something powerful in his life, and he is following a new course of action.

In the Gospel today Mary greets her kinswoman Elizabeth, who also recognizes something wonderful has happened.  The baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped for joy – a sign that God was present in a powerful way.  Elizabeth understood that God was working in Mary’s life, and she responded to this insight accordingly.

There comes a moment in our lives when we discover something new.  Perhaps we have seen a mistake in the past or regret an action that we have done; at these times we encounter a reason to hope and start over.  We have a reason to live.

The reason?  Christmas joy!  Our lives are transformed by the grace of Christ; through the birth of Jesus all barriers between heaven and earth have been removed and we are united with God.  Once we throw open the doors of our hearts, the power of the Christ child brings a renewal and healing – we live in hope!

It is this sense of hope which can give us new life.  Emerging from doubt or despair, we rediscover that God walks with and among us – helping us in moments of sadness and leading us to peace.  Yet God requires that we actively accept this invitation.  The promise of hope needs our action, and it relies on our willingness to follow.

Scrooge provides an example for us.  With the help of the Spirits of Christmas, he saw a world filled with very different possibilities.  He discovered that he need not be unhappy; he could change his life and embrace the joys which were all around him.  His willingness to see, judge, and act become an inspiration for us – reminding us that life gives us opportunities to change our ways and follow God’s call.

As Elizabeth recognized God’s presence in Mary, we too are invited to discover the Lord in our midst.  May our eyes be open to see God among us, and may we respond with hearts that are open to the abundant love which is our inheritance.

Merry Christmas!

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December 15, 2014

4th Sunday of Advent

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Scrooge Tombstone

Study:  Recall a time when you were confronted with a tough decision.  What helped you to make and carry out your choice?

Pray:  Ask the Lord for the wisdom and guidance to make daily decisions that are filled with grace.

Serve:  Is there someone in your life facing tough decisions right now?  How can you help them?

4th Sunday of Advent Readings

Fr. Andrew’s Homily

A Christmas Carol

Part IV: Scrooge’s Choice

There comes a point in A Christmas Carol where we begin to understand Ebenezer Scrooge.  We’ve seen his past, present, and future – how he’s interacted with people – and we come to crux of the matter: will he make a change?  Will he embrace the warnings and lessons of the Ghosts and chart a new course for his life?

Every person has a story.  Every person has had moments of joy and sadness, success and failure, blessing and burden.  Yet in the course of our lives we have been given the gift of choosing how we will live; the Lord offers us the freedom to accept or reject a life of love.   We, too, have been given opportunities to reflect and decide how we will live.  What do we choose?

In the Gospel today Mary greets her kinswoman Elizabeth, who also recognizes something wonderful has happened.  The baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped from joy – a sign that God was present in a powerful way.  Elizabeth understood that God was working in Mary’s life, and she responded to this insight accordingly.

There comes a moment in our lives when we discover something new.  Perhaps we have seen a mistake in the past or regret an action that we have done; at these times we encounter a reason to hope and start over.  We have a reason to live with joy.

It is this sense of hope which can give us new life.  Emerging from doubt or despair, we rediscover that God walks with and among us – helping us in moments of sadness and leading us to peace.  Yet God requires that we actively accept this invitation.  The promise of hope needs our action, and it relies on our willingness to follow.

Scrooge provides an example for us.  With the help of the Spirits of Christmas, he saw a world filled with very different possibilities.  He discovered that he need not be unhappy; he could change his life and embrace the joys which were all around him.  His willingness to see, judge, and act become an inspiration for us – reminding us that life gives us opportunities to change our ways and follow God’s call.

As Elizabeth recognized God’s presence in Mary, we too are invited to discover the Lord in our midst.  May our eyes be open to see God among us, and may we respond with hearts that are open to the abundant love which is our inheritance.

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December 14, 2014

Advent Service: Reconciliation

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Three Great Things

Study:  When was the last time you went to Confession?

Pray:  Ask the Lord for the guidance and strength to make an examination of conscience

Serve: Is there anything in my life that is keeping me from genuninely helping others?

Fr. Andrew’s Homily

This homily was given at a communal penance service at the Cathedral on December 13, 2014 prior to the opportunity for individual confessions.  The theme “Taking out the Trash” was used to convey that just as we need to remove the garbage from the kitchen (before it starts to stink), we also need to look into our hearts and remove what does not belong.  The encounter with grace offers us the courage to look honestly and trust that the Lord will give us the strength we need to turn to him and experience his mercy, forgiveness, and love.

 

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