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Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Matt 10:14 (full readings)
Pat's nuggets: Today's verse caught my attention because the Gospel reading from this past Sunday Mass had the same message (Luke 10:10-11). Yikes! This message seems so harsh. As I prayerfully reflected on this verse, I changed my perspective. The Apostles have generously left everything behind and traveled to distant lands to give their neighbors the greatest gift of all...the eternal life saving Good News. Their neighbors have the God given gift of free will to accept this unconditional gift or to turn away the Apostles (Body of Christ) who have no food or bed. Apparently, some of the strangers turned the Apostles away. Based on the Prodigal Son story, we know that God will welcome the strangers home with open arms if they change their heart (metanoia). I have had a front row seat when friends have a metanoia experience...and God indeed butchers the fatted calf (blessings)! As we follow Christ in the footsteps of the Apostles, there is peace in knowing that God expects us to simply invite (not convert) those we encounter to taste and see His goodness. The stranger's conversion is not for our credit or blame, as it is up to them to accept Christ's redemptive victory on the Cross and in turn God's gift of eternal life, making them our brothers/sisters in Christ. If our loving/patient invitation is apparently not being received, God wants us to dust off our shoes and press on to the next needy soul, as we continue to pray that the strangers eventually ask God to make the planted seed of faith grow (1 Cor 3:6-9)...allowing us to continue our mission trip in peace (Matt 28:19).
Faith Challenge: Pray for the wisdom to know when to dust off your shoes and move on to the next needy soul.
Sr. Francelle's devotion: Thorns and Roses.
Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life.
* 30+ Major Pro-Life Leaders Joining Forces for Landmark 'Ending Abortion' Web Event July 10
* 30+ Major Pro-Life Leaders Joining Forces for Landmark 'Ending Abortion' Web Event July 10
Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP).
* Julie Weiss (friend Marie has cancer), Those struggling with addictions (AA) and their families (Al-Anon), Neighbor whose mother passed away suddenly, Those sacrificing in defense of the innocent Unborn (and their parents).
Feast Day: St. Grimbald.
Faith Quote: "If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn't, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead."
Through Christ Our Lord,
Pat
Phil 4:13
Phil 4:13
1 comment:
Very well done. Keep up the good work.
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