Tag Archives: spirituality

January 19, 2014

3rd Sunday of the Year – Step into the Light

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

In the Light

Study:  Are there parts of my life that are in the dark?  Is there anything that needs to brought into the light of Jesus?

Pray:  Ask the Lord for light to see insight and out – both in your heart and in your relationships.  Pray for the strength to face what you see.

Serve:  Is there someone in your life struggling to face God’s light?  How can you help them see clearly?

3rd Sunday Readings

Most of us use our sense of sight more than any other.  We are visually oriented – in our reading, electronic media, use of film, and interaction with one another.

But sight requires light to see clearly.  We stumble in the dark, get disoriented easily when we cannot see, and can lose our way without our gift of sight.

This is not just true in the physical world, but in the spiritual as well.  Our lives are defined by the choices we make, the words we speak, and the actions we perform.  They are all evidence of what’s really going on in our heart.  In the spiritual light of faith we understand who we are; we can examine our lives by the light of Jesus and discover ourselves.

Furthermore, in the light we can be truthful with one another.  We tend to hide our sins and weaknesses in the dark – to cover up our failures and avoid exposing our messes to the light where others can see them clearly.  Yet we also know that those who love us most truly know us the best, warts and all.  They love us not because we are perfect, but because their love (which sees us clearly) is greater than our weaknesses.

The readings today give us a lot of thoughts about light:

  • Light shines on us in our darkness (1st)
  • The Lord is our light (Psalm)
  • Light leads to repentance (Gospel)
  • In the light Jesus calls us to follow (Gospel)

Is there a darkness in our lives today?  Have we been stumbling in the dark and lost our way to God and one another?  Jesus Christ brings light which will not only reveal our lives on the inside but also on the outside.  God’s light uncovers who we truly are and how we relate to others.  In the light we can be honest, sincere, and real.  In the light we can acknowledge our failures and return to the one who forgives us.

The invitation: come into the light!  We do not need to be afraid – God knows us better than we know ourselves.  Stepping into the light helps us to recognize where we can grow, so we can be transformed by the grace of Jesus and live in His light.

  • On the inside – we fearlessly look at the darkness in our hearts.
  • On the outside – we face the darkness in our relationships.

Once the light of Jesus helps us to see clearly we can make the changes we need to live authentically as his disciples.  By His light we can receive the grace, guidance, wisdom, and strength we need.  Let there be light!

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January 12, 2014

2nd Sunday of the Year – The Lamb of God

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Lamb

Study: Reflect on a time when you sensed a gentle “tug” in your heart to act or speak.  Did you heed the call or ignore it?

Pray:  Gaze upon the Cross of Jesus Christ, and consider His sacrifice for you.  Thank Him for his merciful love to die for your sins.

Serve:  Is there a way that you can gently help another face their struggles?

2nd Sunday Readings

I think of John the Baptist as one of those people who are exciting to listen to but just a little too intense.  Being around the charismatic, passionate, tell-it-like-it-is prophet strikes me as standing by a bonfire: you want to draw near, but too close and you get scorched.

Yet this no nonsense desert preacher sees Jesus and directly states:

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”

What a contrast!  John is fiery, bold, direct, and edgy…and he proclaims that the one greater than he comes to be slaughtered – to take away our sins.   Our salvation is not achieved through a fierce battle or assault on hell; it comes because God sent his Son to die in our place.

It’s this notion of slaughter that foreshadows the death and resurrection of Jesus.  Lambs were sacrificed ritually in the ancient Jewish world.  From the time of Passover when the Jews endured slavery in Egypt – where the blood of a lamb was sprinkled on the door posts as a sign of the angel of death –  the image of a lamb powerfully expresses a path of salvation.

Furthermore, lambs are gentle, meek, and defenseless.  For thousands of years they have been employed by humanity for food and wool.  Lambs require protection, and without help they fall prey to predators.

So here we have John boldly state that the Christ who will save us comes:

  • To die that our sins be taken away
  • To be with us in a gentle, tender way

He comes for us.  He will die on a cross in a horrible fashion – FOR US.  Yet he will not force his message of love, forgiveness, and peace upon us – he will gently approach us and speak.

How is Jesus inviting us today?  Do we sense in our hearts a “nudge” to live in a different way?  Is there anything going on in our lives that gives us the opportunity to follow the Lamb of God?

He will tenderly call us.  His invitation will be marked by forgiveness and love.  Will we accept the one who comes to take away our sins?  May John’s words inspire us to become His disciples.

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January 8, 2014

Baptism of the Lord

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Baptismal Font

Study:  When have I experienced a life-changing moment?  How has this helped me to become a better person?

Pray:  Ask God for guidance to face new challenges with courage and strength.

Serve:  How can I help someone in the midst of great change?  How can I support them?

Baptism of the Lord Readings

There are moments in life which transform us forever.  During these times we experience profound and lasting change, and from these moments we find that we are a different person with new insights and awareness.

Sometimes this process of change can take a protracted period of time – weeks or even months may pass while we are in a period of transition and renewal.  Sometimes, however, the transformation takes a single moment; an event or encounter can completely alter the course of our lives.

The baptism of Jesus was just such a life changing experience.  This event is the first step in the adult life of Christ.  Here is a simplified review:

* Jesus (as an adult) is baptized by John
– the Father and Holy Spirit are present!
* Jesus goes immediately to the desert
– he spends 40 days in solitude
* Jesus is tempted by Satan
– he confronts 3 tests of faith
* Jesus begins his ministry
– he preaches, heals, and picks disciples

John’s baptism initiates a series of events that lead to the transformation of the adult Jesus.  Outside of the birth narratives in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, nothing is really known about the Lord until this moment.  Indeed, it is from this point on that Jesus must confront the revelation of his mission on earth.

Some scholars argue that after his baptism Jesus became fully aware of his ministry and ultimate sacrifice on the Cross.  It was at this point that he began to understand the fullness of his Father’s plan.  This is why he went to the wilderness immediately after his baptism – he needed to think things out!  This is why the devil came to him there – in hope that Jesus could be tempted NOT to fulfill his mission.

It was his baptism – a public event – that allowed the Lord (and other people as well) to see the plan of salvation.  In a single moment history changed as Jesus begins his earthly ministry.

Our own transformations can be equally vivid.  May we see in the Lord’s baptism a sign that we too can change, growing closer to God, aware of how our lives can bring life and hope to others.

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December 30, 2013

Epiphany – Responding to the Light

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Fireworks Galaxy - ngc6946

Study:  When did you experience a moment of profound insight that led you to action?

Pray:  Are there any major decisions or challenges in your life right now?  Pray for the light to see your way, and the courage to carry it out!

Serve:  Is there someone in your life in need of light?  Can you help them understand or give them strength to support their actions?

Epiphany Readings

Think for a moment about all the different ways we respond to light:
* Christmas lights
* Stop and Go lights
* Night lights
* Flashlights
* Candlelight
* Lantern light
* Key chain & Pocket lights
* Car lights
* and many, many, more!

All these lights surround us and help us navigate our everyday activities.  They bring guidance, comfort, joy, understanding, and security to our lives.  Indeed, light is a precious gift that brings meaning and purpose to our world.

Yet it is not enough for light to simply shine upon us; light is the beginning – but it evokes and calls forth a response from us.

Look at it this way.  A stop-and-go traffic light cannot simply be seen; it must be followed and acted upon (or else you are likely to get rear-ended).  Failure to respond to the light leads to difficulty, while those who are guided by the light and act accordingly find their way.

We hear about light in the Gospel today.  The Magi observed the light, and they followed and searched until they understood what it meant.  The light was the beginning; only through their journey and response did they discover the precious gift of Jesus – the Light of the World.

Many saw the light.  It was there in the sky for all to see.  Yet only a few responded and recognized that the starlight was a sign from God.  Thus, it was not enough just to see; for indeed we celebrate those who both saw and acted upon the light.

It is our belief that God continues to shine upon us today.  The Light of Christ burns brightly – in the Scriptures, the Sacraments, moral teachings, our conscience, our prayer, and the comfort and support of family and friends.

Yet even as God is revealed to our world the light alone is not enough.  We, too, are invited to act as the Magi and respond to the light.  May we open our eyes and our hearts this day, recognizing the Lord and responding to His Light.

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December 26, 2013

The Feast of the Holy Family

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Holy Family

Study:  What is going on in my family right now?  What dynamics, concerns, and strengths are we facing?

Pray:  Call upon God’s grace for your family.  Be specific and practical!

Serve:  How can we help bless our families right now?  What can we do to strengthen and unite together as a holy family?

Holy Family Readings

During this holiday season I am amazed at how many people reorganize their schedules and events to accommodate the many family events that happen during this time of the year.  Many people spend long hours on the road, sometimes celebrating Christmas two or three times with different branches of the family tree.

For some people this time of year can be a mixed blessing.  The stress of traveling with uncertain weather, compounded with the hectic expectations of the commercial side of the season, can sometimes lead us to view Christmas as an exercise in frustration.  This frustration is particularly true when we add the unique issues that are part of our own family.

All of us are part of a family.  Some big, others small, some scattered across the globe, others spaced along a couple of city streets.  In our extended families there are people we can’t wait to see, and there may even be some who are difficult to get along with for a conversation.  Within our families there is usually a mixture of joy and sorrow, peace and discomfort, calm and chaos.

Yet like it or not, God has planted us within these groups of people to help us find our place within the larger world.  Our families help define who we are, how we experience life, and what our dreams and hopes are for the future.  With all their strengths and weaknesses, our families help us understand the meaning and purpose of our lives.

The fact that we celebrate the family of Jesus helps us realize that God is present within our families, too.  The “Holy Family” was not perfect.  Hardship and persecution followed them before and after the birth of the baby Jesus.  They struggled and suffered like every other family, celebrating the joys and sorrows that accompany us all through life.

The struggles of the Holy Family help us see that the journey of our own families is not an easy one.  Yet we can take hope that just as God was present to them, so too will the Lord strengthen us.

The feast of the Holy Family can remind us all that God truly walks with us in our own families.  Within the blessings and limitations that exist in our families, we recognize God’s loving touch – shaping our lives and helping us see the “Holy Ones” that God has placed in our midst.

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December 23, 2013

Christmas – The Nativity of the Lord

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Nativity

Study:  Reflect on your life right now.  Is there something difficult that needs God’s grace?

Pray:  Take a moment in your prayer to accept the love of Jesus.  Pause on the readings of Christmas and allow his grace to touch your heart.

Serve:  Share the love of Christ with another – a gentle word, a kind deed, and tender thought.

Christmas Eve Readings:    Vigil Mass    Mass at Midnight

Christmas Day Readings    Mass at Dawn    Mass during the Day

The titles are endless:

* King of Kings   * Lord of Lords   * Prince of Peace

* Rod of Jesse   * Key of David   *Desire of Nations

* Wonder Counselor   * God Hero   * Emmanuel

* The Messiah   *Christ the Lord

Yet the Savior of the world did not stand on his title, did not presume his glory, and did not claim power.  He was born homeless in the midst of poverty and the threat of violence.  Simply put, the Lord came into our world in the most humble way – to remind us that nothing, NOTHING is out of reach of God’s saving grace.

Born like all of us as a vulnerable baby, dependent on others, he would grow to teach us about his Father in heaven and how we are called to love and serve.  Again, the Lord did not claim his power, but rather invites us to hear his voice and follow.

Have you heard the bells of Christmas?  Some are tiny ornaments on the tree.  Some are massive that hang in belfries and call us to worship.   Some are on the sleigh.  Others are rung by hand.  In many ways the bells remind us of Jesus – the sound we hear is an invitation to act.

No matter where we have been and what we have done, Jesus Christ comes into our world – in the messy, challenging, difficult, stressful, and chaotic parts of our lives – and he calls us gently and lovingly.  Do we listen?  Do we respond?

He knows us, he shares our nature, and he reaches out.  There is nothing to fear – he understands us better than we understand ourselves – and he loves us completely.  This Christmas let the love of the Savior touch your heart.  Hear his call and respond with love for the Lord and the people God has put in your life today.

Merry Christmas!

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December 17, 2013

4th Advent – Final Preparations

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

To do list

Study:  Is there anything in my life that is not ready for the coming of Christ?  Do I have any unfinished or unresolved issues that I can address?

Pray:  Ask the Lord for the help and strength to be truly present in the next few days.  Gatherings can be challenging – what do we need from the Lord to help us live as followers of Jesus?

Serve:  Is there someone who you can help who is not ready?  Is there a way that you can support another who is perhaps struggling to prepare?  What good work or kind word can you offer?

4th Advent Readings

This weekend we make the final turn in our Advent season and prepare for Christmas this coming week.  Here are some thoughts to consider as we make our final preparations.

    1.  What are my priorities this week?
– Is it things? (shopping, gifts, etc.)
– Is it safe travel?
– Is it people? (family and friends)
– Is it prayer? (or even the Lord?)

I mention this first because there are many things we WANT to be our top priorities, but we often find that situations and events can be forced upon us.  We sometimes find ourselves reacting to expectations and lose our focus and perspective.

Perhaps a few moments in our own reflection (alone or with others) will help us remember why we are taking the time and effort to celebrate this coming week.  The danger happens when we do not choose our values, but instead let someone else tell us what we are suppose to make important.

    2.  How will I spend my time this holiday?
– with people
– with the Lord in prayer
– at work (I fall in this category!)

Many of us must respond to events outside our control over the next few days:  work, travel, and sometimes awkward situations with other people (a.k.a. – someone you desperately want to avoid).  Time remains our most precious possession; how are we living the gift God gives to us?

    3.  What will be my attitude?

In then end there are very few things which remain entirely in our control.  The weather can change in a matter of hours, roads and travel conditions can become treacherous, and situations can become tense, frustrating, and unhappy.

When we find ourselves less than jolly, how do we express it?  Do we take our stress out on others, or do we take a deep breath and put our faith into practice (you know:  patience, mercy, kindness, forgiveness, love, trust, etc…..)?  Are we constantly reacting to life, or do we proactively choose how we will proclaim the Good News of Christ in our words and actions?

May this holiday be a time of rich blessings to us all!

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December 9, 2013

3rd Advent – Music & Hope!

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Christmas Carol

Study:  Reflect on moments when you have been inspired.  What was the source of your inspiration?  Where do you find inspiration now?

Pray:  Is there something or someone in your life in need of hope?  Pray for God’s grace to touch and bless this need, in whatever way God chooses.

Serve:  How can you bring hope to others?  How can your life offer inspiration, healing, and the grace of Christ to our world?

3rd Advent Readings

There seems like no better time of the year then the days before Christmas for familiar music melodies.  On the radio or the street corner, in stores and homes, these tunes strike a sweet spot in many hearts.  Here are just a few examples:
* O Come, All Ye Faithful
* Joy to the World
* Silent Night, Holy Night
* Away in a Manger
* Angels We Have Heard on High
* O Little Town of Bethlehem
* It Came upon the Midnight Clear
* God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen
And many, many more!

In these days of preparation, people are often found humming or whistling a favorite tune.  In fact, people who seldom (if ever) sing are most likely to do so at this time of year – caroling with friends, in church, (or when no when is looking…..!).

Music has the power to inspire us.  It uplifts our hearts, evokes strong emotions, and puts us in touch with memories and feelings that we might forget or ignore.  In many respects, music is one of our most human qualities.

When we allow ourselves to be touched by music, we discover that its message moves through us.  We hear and understand information in a different way, and in turn are able to express these insights to others.  We are able to proclaim good news.

In the Scriptures we hear messages of hope.  Isaiah offers a prophecy of a renewed world; James offers an invitation to steadfast patience; and Matthew reveals the power of Jesus at work with the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven.

These are incredible words!  We listen to them, as we have often listened in the past, yet we are invited to let their meaning touch us and strengthen us for our daily needs.  At these moments music becomes a powerful aid, helping us to put into song the comfort and joy that come through our hope in Christ.

During these short days before Christmas, take a moment to hear the music around us.  Listen to the words, hear the melodies, and hey, sing them!  Their power moves our hearts, helping us to proclaim the Good News of God in our midst.  Be inspired by the gift of music to bring Christ’s hope to our hearts!

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December 3, 2013

2nd Advent – Decorating our Homes and our Hearts

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Christmas Tree

Study:  What are some of the special things we do to prepare for Christmas?  How can we apply this preparation to our own hearts?

Pray:  Pray for the spiritual vision to truly “see” God at work in our lives this Advent.  Bring to prayer any special moments or experiences which touched your heart.

Serve:  How might we help others prepare for the coming of Christ?  How might our service bring others closer to God and one another?

2nd Advent Readings

They were located in the storage space under the stairs in my parents’ house.  Each year several boxes of varying sizes would get pulled out from this space on the day after Thanksgiving.  The contained:

* Christmas tree
* Ornaments & Tinsel
* Lights
* Christmas figurines
* Advent Wreath
* Nativity Set

Furniture would be moved to make space for the tree, items would be packed up or rearranged to accommodate the Christmas decorations, and other items (wreaths & candles) would be purchased.  The preparations would often take several hours to set up, but when finished, the house would be transformed.

Many homes have similar (or even more elaborate) traditions in their preparations for the coming of Jesus.  Decorations, inside and out, completely change the appearance of a home – often at the cost of hours (or even days) of hard work.

These decorations can often change the appearance of a building in a variety of ways.  Beauty and light are the intended result, and the added attention of decorations reveals the power of the season.  Simply put, we decorate to show that something special is happening in our world.

What is true for decorations is true for us.  Just as decorations can transform a building, so to we are called to look at our hearts to discern what needs to be changed, improved, or cleaned up.  We have the opportunity to see how our lives affect others.

We adorn a building with decorations to make it beautiful, but do we take the time to decorate our hearts?  Do we pause and look at our values or priorities, our hopes, needs, or fears?  Do we examine what is not of God in our life and change it?

The Scriptures remind us that when Jesus comes he will be our judge.  He will rule the nations and govern with justice.  In preparation John the Baptist urges the people to repent – to make a change in their hearts – and adorn their lives with the beauty and goodness that arise from this season.  Let us do the same, and decorate both our homes and our hearts, so the Lord will find us ready when he returns.

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November 26, 2013

1st Sunday of Advent – Meal Preparations

By Fr. Andrew Ricci

Pie

Study: Looking back on my life, where have I seen examples where preparation and planning have made a real difference?  How can I apply these example to my current situation?

Pray: What special circumstances are you facing right now that would benefit from planning?  Take this to prayer and ask the Lord for guidance and strength.

Serve:  How can I help someone with their planning and preparation?  How can I help them reach their goals?

Readings for 1st Advent

It seems that in the six weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, cooks everywhere are in their element.  Baking, planning, shopping for ingredients and (of course) eating are some of the principal activities during the holiday season.

I love it!

Those who delight in feeding people begin planning their Christmas menus as soon as the Thanksgiving crowd has moved away from the table.  Christmas cookie bakers are checking carefully to make certain that they have all their spices and supplies on hand.  Furthermore, those who have elaborate or time consuming recipes to prepare will even set aside blocks of time – some as much as days – to insure that all will be ready for the feast.

Food is a basic need for human life.  We can take it for granted, especially when we have such an abundance before our eyes.  Yet we dedicate special moments to gather and feast, grateful for the people in our lives and the times we can share together.

Preparing the food, often through labor intensive and consuming effort, points out the importance of the season.  We dedicate time, energy, planning, and special care to show that what we are doing is precious and sacred.

These preparations remind us that hard work and thought are sometimes necessary so that all will be in order when the celebration begins.  We want to be ready, and we want to make certain that those things we can control are in order.

What’s true for food also applies to the heart.  Just as time and effort are necessary preparations for a feast, so to they are crucial in our dealings with others.  We know when life is going smoothly – with God, ourselves, and others; we also know when something is not right, and listening to our conscience through reason and prayer usually shows us exactly what we need to do.

Advent offers us an opportunity to examine our lives and discover how we are preparing for the coming of Jesus into our world.  Such preparation includes prayer, relationships, and an examination of our thoughts, words, and actions.  May we look closely and make the necessary changes to be prepared when the Lord arrives.

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