God's Playbook

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we’re diving into the tradition of incense and why the Church continues to use it in worship. From its roots in ancient Jewish rituals to its role in Catholic liturgy today, incense reminds us that our prayers are meant to rise up to God like the smoke we see drifting toward heaven. Beyond its fragrance, incense engages our senses and draws us...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we’re tackling something every Catholic has noticed but maybe never fully understood—what Fr. Rico likes to call “Catholic aerobics.” Why do we sit, stand, kneel, or even genuflect when we walk into church? These postures aren’t random motions but powerful signs of reverence, prayer, and presence before God. Join Fr. Rico as we unpack the mean...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we reflect on Jesus’ powerful reminder that “the first shall be last, and the last shall be first.” The disciples got caught up in arguments about status, but Jesus flips the script—real greatness is found in humility, service, and putting others before ourselves. Father Rico unpacks what this looks like in everyday life, from our families and...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we dive into St. Paul’s powerful imagery of running the race of life from 1 Corinthians 9. Just like athletes who train with discipline and focus, we’re called to stay committed in our spiritual journey, keeping our eyes fixed on the ultimate prize—eternal life with God. Father Rico unpacks how setbacks, stumbles, and even false starts are par...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we dive into one of the most powerful and vivid passages in Scripture—the vision of the dry bones from the prophet Ezekiel. This incredible story reminds us that no matter how hopeless or “lifeless” things may seem, God’s Word has the power to breathe new life and restore hope. Let's join Father Rico as he unpacks how this passage is more...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross—a powerful reminder of the greatest act of love the world has ever seen. Father Rico draws a fun comparison between championship trophies in sports and the cross, showing us how this sacred sign is the true “trophy” of victory over sin and death. Unlike athletes who must win to earn th...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we’re talking about the call to share our faith with others. Inspired by John 7:25-26, we see how even in Jesus’ time people questioned who He was—yet He kept speaking openly and boldly. Like Jesus, we too are called to witness to our faith, not by shouting from street corners, but through authentic, everyday actions and words. Whether it’s sa...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we celebrate the beautiful feast of the Holy Name of Mary. The Church honours Mary’s name because it reflects her deep faith, her “yes” to God, and her role as the Mother of the Church. Just as we show respect when calling our parents “mom” or “dad,” so too we show love and reverence when we say the name of Mary—whether we call her Mary, Mama...

Send us Fan Mail Today’s episode, Remembering September 11, invites us to pause and reflect on a day that changed the world forever. September 11th is a day of sorrow and remembrance, but also a call to pray for peace and healing—for the victims, their families, and all who still carry the weight of that tragedy. We also honor the courage of first responders and ordinary people who gave everything...

Send us Fan Mail Friends, welcome back to God’s Playbook! Today we’re talking about conversion, which Saint Paul VI reminds us isn’t a step backward but a push forward—much like when an athlete adjusts their game to become a stronger, more well-rounded player. Conversion is like shifting from only playing offense to becoming a true two-way player: it takes discipline, sacrifice, and trust in the c...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome back to God’s Playbook! In today’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us that what matters most is not how we appear on the outside, but the intentions of our hearts. While the Pharisees focused on looking righteous, Jesus challenges us to look deeper and “clean the inside” by rooting out pride, envy, jealousy, and other struggles that can creep into our lives. When our hearts are grou...

Send us Fan Mail Today on God’s Playbook , we celebrate a very special day—the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Birthdays are always joyful, but this one is extra meaningful because it’s our Blessed Mother’s! Just as we would honour someone we love on their birthday, today is a chance to honour Mary with our prayers—especially through the rosary, which is like holding her hand. Join Fr. Rico a...

Send us Fan Mail  Today on God’s Playbook , we dive into the Sunday Gospel where Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” and teaches us the challenging call to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. But what does it really mean to “deny yourself”? From small sacrifices like passing on dessert to greater acts of putting others before ourselves, Jesus reminds us that real l...

Send us Fan Mail Friends, welcome back to God’s Playbook! Today we’re reflecting on the wisdom of St. Ignatius Loyola, who reminds us that we should never do or say anything we wouldn’t do in the presence of God—because the truth is, He’s always with us. Not in a scary or intimidating way, but in a loving way: God sees our choices, hears our words, and knows our hearts. This episode invites us to...

Send us Fan Mail Today we celebrate the feast day of St. Teresa of Calcutta—better known to the world as Mother Teresa. Her life reminds us that holiness isn’t found in doing big things, but in doing little things with great love. Even in times of spiritual dryness, she trusted God fully, seeing Jesus in every person she served. May her example inspire us to live with that same love and faith. St....

Send us Fan Mail Friends, welcome back to God’s Playbook ! With the NFL season kicking off, many of us get caught up in fantasy football and choosing the right players for our roster. But just like scouting athletes, we should also be asking ourselves—who’s on God’s team, and do we really know the saints who inspire and intercede for us? In today’s episode, we’ll reflect on how the saints are our...

Send us Fan Mail Friends, welcome back to God’s Playbook ! The day after Labour Day marks a new school year, but it’s also the perfect reminder that learning isn’t just for children—it’s for all of us in our journey of faith. Today, we reflect on what it means to have a “back to school” mentality when it comes to deepening our relationship with God, whether through Scripture, parish programs, or s...

Send us Fan Mail Friends, welcome back to God’s Playbook ! Today, on Labour Day, we take a moment to pause and reflect on the gift of work—not just as a way to earn a living, but as a way to provide for our families, build up our communities, and share in God’s creation. Whether you’re a student preparing for your future, someone fully immersed in your career, underemployed and seeking new opportu...

Send us Fan Mail Today on God’s Playbook, we reflect on the beautiful parable of the talents, where Jesus reminds us that everything we have—our gifts, skills, and even our faith—comes from God and is meant to be shared. Just as the servants were called to use their talents wisely, each of us is invited to put our God-given gifts into action to build up the Church and help one another grow. As a n...

Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we wrap up John’s Gospel chapter 3 with the inspiring words of St. John the Baptist: “He must increase, I must decrease.” John’s humility reminds us that our lives aren’t meant to point to ourselves, but toward Christ, the true bridegroom. As we reflect on his mission and message, we’re invited to put aside pride, embrace humility, and let God...

Send us Fan Mail  Today on God’s Playbook , we celebrate the Feast of the Passion of Saint John the Baptist, the great prophet who prepared the way for Christ. John’s life teaches us humility, repentance, and courage, especially in standing up for truth even when it’s unpopular or costly. His fearless witness reminds us that speaking truth must always be done with love, rooted in Christ. May his e...

Send us Fan Mail Friends, welcome back to God’s Playbook ! Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Augustine, a man who went from living a worldly life to becoming one of the greatest saints and Doctors of the Church. His powerful conversion was made possible through the tireless prayers of his mother, Saint Monica, whose example reminds us to never give up on those we love. Together, their lives sh...

Send us Fan Mail Today on God’s Playbook , we celebrate the feast of Saint Monica, one of the great prayer warriors of our Church. Known as the patron saint of wives and mothers, Monica teaches us what it means to persevere in prayer—even when results seem far away. Her life reminds us never to give up on prayer, no matter how long it takes, because God always hears us. Let's hear more today...

Send us Fan Mail  In today’s episode of God’s Playbook , we dive into the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus reminds us that we have one true teacher—Himself—and we are all students. Just like in the classroom, the teacher sets the rules, offers guidance, and helps us grow, while the student’s role is to listen, learn, and apply what is taught. As we prepare for a new school year, it’s the perfect tim...

Send us Fan Mail Friends, in today’s episode of God’s Playbook, we pray with Psalm 63, a beautiful reminder that our souls thirst for God just as we thirst for water on the hottest of days. This psalm assures us that God is not distant but present—satisfying us like a rich feast and filling our hearts with joy. Often prayed in the Church’s Liturgy of the Hours, Psalm 63 invites us to praise God wi...