Podcast – Three Great Things

22nd Sunday of the Year: We recognize and reject our temptations. Catholic Inspiration

Fr. Andrew Ricci — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000

" data-large-file="https://studyprayserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pexels-photo-5816146.jpeg?w=490" src="https://studyprayserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pexels-photo-5816146.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-25457" />

Photo by Dmitriy Yarovoy on Pexels.com

Jesus speaks to Peter and calls out Satan’s temptation, inspiring us to engage in our own personal spiritual warfare, knowing that when we seek to follow Christ we will be tempted to stray. In those moments, we call upon our faith in Christ!

Mass Readings – 22nd Sunday of the Year (#124)

***************

Catholic Inspiration Archives

Daily Mass: The death of John the Baptist. Catholic Inspiration

Fr. Andrew Ricci — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Photo by Vincent M.A. Janssen on Pexels.com

" data-large-file="https://studyprayserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pexels-photo-6450773.jpeg?w=490" src="https://studyprayserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pexels-photo-6450773.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-25437" />

Photo by Vincent M.A. Janssen on Pexels.com

The cruel death of John the Baptist reveals the reality of evil in our world, inspiring us to engage our faith in the face of darkness.

Mass Readings – The Passion of St. John the Baptist (#430/634)

***************

Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. John the Baptist, pray for us!

Daily Mass: Be prepared!

Fr. Andrew Ricci — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Photo by Marta Branco on Pexels.com

" data-large-file="https://studyprayserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pexels-photo-34693951.jpeg?w=490" src="https://studyprayserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pexels-photo-34693951.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-25429" />

Photo by Marta Branco on Pexels.com

Christ offers a parable that invites us to be prepared to bring our best effort each day, facing the challenges and emergencies that are part of the adventures of daily life.

Mass Readings – Friday of the 21st Week of the Year (#429)

***************

Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. Augustine, pray for us!

Daily Mass: Stay awake and vigilant! Catholic Inspiration

Fr. Andrew Ricci — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Photo by Boys in Bristol Photography on Pexels.com

" data-large-file="https://studyprayserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pexels-photo-6046734.jpeg?w=490" src="https://studyprayserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pexels-photo-6046734.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-25424" />

Photo by Boys in Bristol Photography on Pexels.com

Each day is a special gift, and when we remain awake, alert, and vigilant we recognize this gift from God and live it to the best of our ability.

Mass Readings – Thursday of the 21st Week of the Year (#428)

***************

Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. Monica, pray for us!

Daily Mass: Paul gives us an example of Christian behavior. Catholic Inspiration

Fr. Andrew Ricci — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Photo by serkan atay on Pexels.com

" data-large-file="https://studyprayserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pexels-photo-19537412-edited.jpeg?w=490" src="https://studyprayserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pexels-photo-19537412-edited.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-25419" />

Photo by serkan atay on Pexels.com

Paul’s message to the Thessalonians exhorts us to take a close look at what we are doing with the gift of lives each and every day. We’ve got work to do!

Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 21st Week of the Year (#427)

***************

Catholic Inspiration Archives

Daily Mass: We cleanse our spiritual lives from the inside out. Catholic Inspiration

Fr. Andrew Ricci — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Photo by Sergey Meshkov on Pexels.com

" data-large-file="https://studyprayserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pexels-photo-8478259.jpeg?w=490" src="https://studyprayserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pexels-photo-8478259.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-25412" />

Photo by Sergey Meshkov on Pexels.com

Our spiritual life grows from the inside out, reminding us to pay careful attention to what we put into our hearts, minds, and souls.

Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 21st Week of the Year (#426)

***************

Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. Louis & St. Joseph Calasanz, pray for us!

Daily Mass: We make known the glorious splendor of God’s kingdom. Catholic Inspiration

Fr. Andrew Ricci — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Photo by Maria M. on Pexels.com

" data-large-file="https://studyprayserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pexels-photo-33603099.jpeg?w=490" src="https://studyprayserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pexels-photo-33603099.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-25405" />

Photo by Maria M. on Pexels.com

Psalm 145 reminds us that God’s majestic kingdom is proclaimed through our words and actions as we follow Jesus Christ with all our hearts.

Mass Readings – Feast of St. Bartholomew (#629)

***************

Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. Bartholomew, pray for us!

Study, Pray, Serve: 22nd Sunday of the Year

Fr. Andrew Ricci — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

" data-large-file="https://studyprayserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/pexels-photo-416738.jpeg?w=490" src="https://studyprayserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/pexels-photo-416738.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-16932" />

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Here are some of the central themes in the Mass readings for the 22nd Sunday of the Year.

1st Reading – Jeremiah 20:7-9

Jeremiah is duped by the Lord, who overwhelms the prophet with a message for the people which often causes him derision and reproach.
Even though Jeremiah attempts to avoid his calling, God’s word is burning within him, and he must cry out.

Psalm – 63:2-6,8-9

“My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.”
Our soul sees God’s goodness, and we long to give praise and blessing to the Lord who upholds us.

2nd Reading – Romans 12:1-2

Paul urges us to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.
Rather than conform to this age, we are called to be transformed by the renewal of our mind to the will of God.

Gospel – Matthew 16:21-27

Jesus speaks about his coming Passion, and then he rebukes Peter for attempting to avoid it.
The Lord then teaches that anyone who wishes to come after him must take up his cross and follow.

Mass Readings – 22nd Sunday of the Year (#124)

***************

Catholic Inspiration Archives

21st Sunday of the Year: We follow Christ, the Son of the living God. Catholic Inspiration

Fr. Andrew Ricci — Sun, 23 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Photo by Kjalil Beyruti Garcia on Pexels.com

" data-large-file="https://studyprayserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pexels-photo-5774631.jpeg?w=490" src="https://studyprayserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pexels-photo-5774631.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-25452" />

Photo by Kjalil Beyruti Garcia on Pexels.com

Peter professes that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God…inviting us to make the same life-changing profession from our hearts.

Mass Readings – 21st Sunday of the Year (#121)

***************

Catholic Inspiration Archives

Daily Mass: The crucial virtue of humility. Catholic Inspiration

Fr. Andrew Ricci — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Pexels.com

" data-large-file="https://studyprayserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pexels-photo-18630829.jpeg?w=490" src="https://studyprayserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pexels-photo-18630829.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-25401" />

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Pexels.com

Jesus teaches his disciples that the path to greatness occurs through humble service, recognizing that it is the Lord who is at the center of our lives.

Mass Readings – Saturday of the 20th Week of the Year (#424)

***************

Catholic Inspiration Archives

Holy Mary, Queen of Heaven, pray for us!