Catholic Inspiration

Fr. Andrew Ricci offers inspirational homilies and talks to help people grow in faith. These reflections are part of his meditations at Three Great Things where we grow as disciples of the Lord through Study, Prayer, and Service.

Easter Day! 04/21/2019

Easter Day! Beyond the agony of the Cross and the sorrow of the Tomb on that first day of the week the message was proclaimed: He’s Alive! /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9467696

The Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday 04/20/2019

The Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday We join the Church around the world as we wait in hope for the resurrection of the Lord. This extraordinary Mass empowers us to look at the challenges in our lives with the conviction that God will give us the grace we need for the task at hand. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9464738

Good Friday 04/19/2019

Good Friday Today the world stands silent at the foot of the Cross. Only the unconditional love of God could remedy human sin, and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ gives us hope for eternal life. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9445979

Holy Thursday 04/18/2019

Holy Thursday We begin the Sacred Triduum with the solemn gathering around the altar. Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, we are strengthened by God's grace for service in the world. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9430979

Daily Mass: The stage is set, let the great story begin 04/17/2019

Daily Mass: The stage is set, let the great story begin The Passover meal is prepared, the disciples are gathered around Jesus, and with sorrow the Lord announces that a betrayer is in their midst. The point? There is no spin or sugar coating salvation history as we embark on the Sacred Triduum. For in the midst of human darkness and sin, the Son of God will shine the light of grace upon our world. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9416555

Daily Mass: Betrayal and Denial 04/16/2019

Daily Mass: Betrayal and Denial We discover in the Gospel of John of the betrayal of Judas and the denial of Peter. This is a dark hour in the history of our salvation, and it underscores the consequences of our actions and our reliance on God's infinite grace. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9416168

Palm Sunday: The Cross of Christ is God's love story for us 04/14/2019

Palm Sunday: The Cross of Christ is God's love story for us The Passion of Christ is the greatest love story ever told. As we reflect on the depth of the Lord's sacrifice for our sins, may we encounter the compassion, mercy and forgiveness of Jesus, who gave his life that we might be with him in Heaven. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9383543

Daily Mass: The sacrifice of the one for the many 04/13/2019

Daily Mass: The sacrifice of the one for the many The prophetic words of Caiaphas reveal an insight into God's plan for our salvation, "it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people." Jesus Christ takes our place by his death on the Cross so that our sins might be washed clean by his blood. May this fact bring us to our knees in grateful thanks for what God has done for us. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9369980

Daily Mass: Jesus is the Son of God 04/12/2019

Daily Mass: Jesus is the Son of God Jesus reveals his majesty as the Son of God through his relationship with the Father and the works that he performs. The moment we acknowledge this fact our lives profoundly change as we conform our thoughts, words and actions to the will of our Lord. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9369773

Daily Mass: We have eternal life in Jesus 04/11/2019

Daily Mass: We have eternal life in Jesus Jesus teaches in the Gospel of John that "whoever keeps my word will never see death." As the Son of God, his sacrifice on the Cross becomes the means by which we gain eternal life. May the promise of Heaven inspire our words and actions here on earth. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9356180

Daily Mass: Stay connected to Jesus 04/10/2019

Daily Mass: Stay connected to Jesus Jesus speaks of his relationship to the Father and invites us to become his disciples by remaining in his word. What attacks this connection? Sin. Yet the closer we draw near to the Lord the clearer we see our need for God and the grace that Christ alone can offer us. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9340070

Daily Mass: Jesus is the Son of God 04/09/2019

Daily Mass: Jesus is the Son of God In John's Gospel we hear Jesus state that he is "I AM" not once but twice. These words echo back to the time of Moses, who was told by God that "I AM" is his name. Let us be clear: Jesus is Lord, the 2nd Person of the Trinity whose divinity will be fully revealed when we stand before him at the end of time. May we live accordingly! /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9284078

Monday Conversation: A Teaching Mass 04/08/2019

Monday Conversation: A Teaching Mass Fr. Andrew offered a Teaching Mass for the kids from the Cathedral religious education program on April 3, 2019. This 40 minute presentation summarizes the explanation about the Mass and how we can get more out of this crucial prayer that Jesus left us. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9266444

5th Sunday of Lent: God's judgment offers mercy 04/07/2019

5th Sunday of Lent: God's judgment offers mercy The encounter between Jesus and the woman caught in adultery offers an insight into both the judgment and mercy of God. May we cherish the Lord's compassion as we honestly examine our hearts for whatever keeps us from God and one another. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9296318

Daily Mass: Seeking unity when we encounter division 04/06/2019

Daily Mass: Seeking unity when we encounter division As doubt and division surround Jesus in the Gospel of John, we recognize the presence of division in our lives and throughout the world today. Wherever we find ourselves isolated and at odds with one another, may we draw near to the Lord and ask for his grace to bring unity and peace. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9283847

Daily Mass: How our faith helps us in the face of conflict 04/05/2019

Daily Mass: How our faith helps us in the face of conflict The book of Wisdom and the Gospel of John reveal the conflict that arises when we follow the Lord in our daily lives. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9280457

Daily Mass: The testimony of Jesus Christ 04/04/2019

Daily Mass: The testimony of Jesus Christ When questioned about the "testimony" he can offer about himself, Jesus points to John the Baptist, his works and the words of his Father. Finally, he directs people to reflect upon Moses, whose words and actions are fulfilled in the saving passion, death and resurrection of the Christ. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9268274

Daily Mass: Our response to God 04/03/2019

Daily Mass: Our response to God Both Isaiah and John's Gospel reveal the compassion and power of God. This power, however, will not be forced upon us; rather, the Lord invites us to accept his invitation and receive grace for this life and the next. How will we respond? /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9248720

Daily Mass: Christ is the source of our life 04/02/2019

Daily Mass: Christ is the source of our life The readings today reveal the common theme of the life giving power of water to nourish and heal. This image in turn points to Christ, the source of all life. May we draw near to the Lord to be refreshed, so that we may in turn share His life with one another. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9239315

4th Sunday of Lent: The love of the Father 03/31/2019

4th Sunday of Lent: The love of the Father The parable of the Prodigal Son proclaims the tender compassion of the Father. In our wayward moments the Lord continues to run to us in our need, reaching out with mercy, forgiveness and love. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9203963

Daily Mass: O God, be merciful to me, a sinner 03/30/2019

Daily Mass: O God, be merciful to me, a sinner Jesus offers a parable that speaks to our hearts. When we are caught in pride and selfishness, the words of the tax collector can restore our perspective and need for the Lord. As we reflect on our sins and shortcomings may we call out and say, "O God, be merciful to me, a sinner." /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9161732

Daily Mass: Always do the most important things 03/29/2019

Daily Mass: Always do the most important things When asked what is the most important commandment, Jesus responds by citing Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Leviticus 19:18 and swiftly summarizes the life of faith by condensing the Ten Commandments down to two. As we take these two crucial commandments to heart may they guide every aspect of our lives each and every day. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9161507

Daily Mass: Two aspects of the Kingdom of God 03/28/2019

Daily Mass: Two aspects of the Kingdom of God After casting out a demon, Jesus responds to criticism with a teaching that illustrates the power and unity that flow from the Kingdom of God. It's a good reminder for us today, for when we are united in Christ then we have the strength we need to face the evil in our lives. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9173882

Daily Mass: Christ is the fulfillment of the Old Testament 03/27/2019

Daily Mass: Christ is the fulfillment of the Old Testament Jesus tells his disciples that he has come to fulfill the Law and the Prophets. This understanding of fulfillment is one of the reasons why the Church continues to study the Old Testament, for by learning about our spiritual past we can follow the Lord with faith in our future. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9153725

Daily Mass: Forgiveness as a way of life 03/26/2019

Daily Mass: Forgiveness as a way of life Peter's question is followed by a parable that underscores the crucial role of forgiveness in the life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. It begs the question: who do we need to forgive today? May the words of the Lord inspire us to forgive one another as God forgives us. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9103391

Living a Life of Grace, Part II: Our Relationships 03/25/2019

Living a Life of Grace, Part II: Our Relationships This second of two presentations was given at St. Pius X Catholic Church on March 18, 2019. Fr. Andrew addresses the powerful dynamic of family and friendship as we receive God's grace within the context of these two crucial groups of people in our lives. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9118652

Living a Life of Grace, Part I: Key Components of Grace 03/25/2019

Living a Life of Grace, Part I: Key Components of Grace This is the first of two presentations given at St. Pius X Catholic Church on March 18, 2019. Fr. Andrew discusses the meaning of grace and how Prayer, Sacraments and Virtue are key components that every person uses to experience grace in their lives. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9118622

3rd Sunday of Lent: The life changing power of repentance 03/24/2019

3rd Sunday of Lent: The life changing power of repentance Like the encounter between Moses and God, life changing moments can happen in the blink of an eye, yet leave an impact that redefines us. The same thing happens when we carry out the command of the Lord as we repent of our sins. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9118391

Daily Mass: Our hope is in the mercy of God 03/23/2019

Daily Mass: Our hope is in the mercy of God The prophet Micah offers words of comfort and hope, reminding us that in the midst of our penitential practices in this season of Lent, we trust in the Lord's mercy and forgiveness of our sins. /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9102551

Daily Mass: Living a life on loan from God 03/22/2019

Daily Mass: Living a life on loan from God The parable of the landowner and the tenants offers sobering insights into how we live our faith. Everything we have is a gift on loan from God, and one day the Lord will come and claim it. How will we respond? /episode/index/show/threegreatthings/id/9102050

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