God's Playbook

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, Fr. Rico reflects on the Church’s first martyr and what his courageous witness means for us today. Celebrated just one day after Christmas, St. Stephen challenges listeners to ask how boldly they live and defend their faith in everyday moments. As we continue the joy of the Christmas season, this episode invites us to deeper courage, conviction, and trust in Go...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s Christmas episode, Fr. Rico reflects on “O Come Let Us Adore Him” and the joy of celebrating Jesus’ birthday. This episode invites listeners to pause, adore Christ with grateful hearts, and rejoice that God humbled Himself to dwell among us as Emmanuel.  From everyone here at God’s Playbook, we wish you a very Merry Christmas—may the newborn King fill your hearts with p...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico reflects on “Christmas Eve” and the joy of the Gospel that proclaims the birth of Jesus. Through the story of the shepherds, listeners are invited to see themselves among the first to welcome Christ—simple, open-hearted, and filled with awe. This episode encourages a quiet, grateful pause to ponder the miracle of Emmanuel and to appro...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico reflects on “Naming Rights” through the story of John the Baptist and the meaning behind his God-given name. The naming of John reminds us that names matter—they point to identity, mission, and purpose, even when they go against social expectations. As Advent draws to a close, this episode invites listeners to reflect on the name Chri...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico reflects on “Mary’s Song of Praise,” the Magnificat, a prayer the Church lifts up every day as a reminder of God’s mercy and faithfulness. Mary’s words show us what true discipleship looks like—recognizing that every blessing is a gift from God and responding with humility, gratitude, and joy. As Christmas draws near, this episode inv...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico reflects on the 4th Sunday of Advent as we enter the final days of waiting with joy and excitement for the birth of Jesus. He highlights Joseph’s faithful “yes” to God’s plan and invites listeners to stay prayerful and hopeful amid the busyness of the season. As Christmas draws near, this episode encourages making space each day to we...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico reflects on “Great News” through the Gospel of the Annunciation as we draw closer to Christmas. He explores Mary’s faithful “yes,” her trust in God’s will, and the joyful good news that Emmanuel is coming to save us. This episode invites listeners to recognize God’s love in their own lives and to ask how they, like Mary, can be open t...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico reflects on “A Holy Visitor” through the Gospel story of Mary’s visitation to Elizabeth. He highlights Mary’s selfless love—setting aside her own needs to care for another—and invites listeners to consider how God often comes to us through the kindness, presence, and help of others. This episode encourages us to both serve with genero...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico explores the role and meaning of statues in the church and why they’ve been part of Christian worship since the earliest days. He explains how statues—especially the crucifix—serve as powerful visual reminders of Christ’s love, sacrifice, and the call to holiness, not objects of worship. Listeners are invited to look at the statues in...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook , Fr. Rico takes a closer look at the stained glass windows we often admire but rarely stop to understand. He explores how these beautiful works of art have long told the story of salvation, taught the faith, and drawn hearts toward God—especially before books and widespread education existed. Listeners are invited to see their church windows w...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico reflects on the joy of the Third Week of Advent through the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. Their faith, patience, and trust in God—even in moments of doubt—remind us that God always works for our good and blesses us in unexpected ways. As we rejoice with them at the gift of John the Baptist, listeners are invited to pause, recogniz...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico breaks down the Nicene Creed—the powerful statement of faith we say at every Mass but don’t always stop to think about. He walks through where it came from, what it really means, and why these words still matter for each of us today. It’s a simple, clear look at the beliefs that unite us as Catholics and help shape how we live our fai...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico reflects on Psalm 97 and its powerful reminder that “The Lord is King—let the earth rejoice!” As we move toward Christmas, this joyful psalm helps set the perfect Advent tone, inviting us to recognize God’s majesty, justice, and the light He brings to our lives. Listeners are encouraged to embrace this spirit of hope and anticipation...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico celebrates the feast of St. Juan Diego, the humble man chosen to receive the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1531. He shares the incredible story behind the miraculous image on Juan Diego’s cloak and why this moment continues to inspire millions of pilgrims around the world. This episode invites listeners to reflect on Juan Die...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico kicks off the second week of Advent by reflecting on John the Baptist’s call to “make straight the way of the Lord.” He explores what it really means to clear a path for God in our daily lives—through our decisions, our words, and our prayer. This episode invites listeners to refocus their hearts, renew their spirit, and prepare for C...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico celebrates the feast of St. Nicholas—the real “Santa Claus” whose life of generosity and love for children and the poor still inspires us today. He shares how St. Nicholas’ compassion challenges us to rethink our own giving during the Christmas season and to care for those most in need. This episode invites listeners to embrace a spir...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico reflects on Isaiah’s powerful prophecy of the Root of Jesse—a promise of hope, peace, and a Messiah who stands firm even in the harshest conditions. He unpacks the rich imagery of harmony, justice, and courage that Isaiah offers, reminding listeners that Jesus is our steady foundation in uncertain times. As Advent continues, this epis...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico breaks down what Holy Days of Obligation are and why they matter in the life of the Church. He explains why different countries have different required feast days and how these celebrations help us keep our focus on God throughout the year. Listeners are encouraged to see these days not just as obligations, but as invitations to praye...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico celebrates the feast of St. Francis Xavier, one of the Church’s greatest missionaries and a co-founder of the Jesuits. He shares the incredible story of St. Francis’s passion for spreading the Gospel across Asia and how his bold witness continues to inspire Catholics today. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own call to share t...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico breaks down the real meaning behind all the sitting, standing, kneeling, and genuflecting we do at Mass—what he jokingly calls “Catholic aerobics.” He explains why these postures matter, how they help us show reverence, and what they say about our relationship with God. It’s a fun, practical look at the “body language” of our faith, a...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico breaks down what a novena really is—a nine-day prayer tradition that asks God for special graces and helps us stay rooted in faith. He shares where novenas began, why they matter, and highlights some of the Church’s most popular ones, from St. Thérèse to St. Joseph to the powerful Surrender Novena. It’s a simple, meaningful way to bui...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico reflects on the First Sunday of Advent and its reminder that this season is all about hope and being present to the gift of today. He walks listeners through the readings—from Isaiah’s call to go up the mountain of the Lord to St. Paul’s invitation to “put on the armour of light”—and reminds us that Emmanuel, God-with-us, is here righ...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico breaks down what Advent is really all about as the Church enters a brand-new liturgical year. He talks about Advent as a season of hope, waiting, and preparing our hearts—not just for Christmas, but for Christ’s return. From the Advent wreath to the call to prayer and renewal, he invites listeners to slow down, refocus, and welcome th...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico dives into the beauty and power of Psalm 139 — a stunning reminder that God knows each of us intimately and loves us deeply. He reflects on how this psalm reveals a God who formed us, walks with us, and never leaves our side, no matter where life takes us. It’s an episode that invites listeners to gratitude, humility, and a renewed se...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, Fr. Rico reflects on Jesus’ powerful prayer from John 17, where Christ speaks to the Father about unity, glory, and eternal life. He unpacks how this moment reveals the deep love within the Trinity—and how Jesus includes each of us in that prayer. We are invited to reflect on Christian unity and to deepen our own relationship with God through...