So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma. Ephesians 5:1-3 (full readings)
Rich's Reflections: In St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we are called to imitate God, but how do we do this? True imitation is not a question of trying to look like Jesus, nor of trying to duplicate His actions. We imitate Jesus when we try to imitate His motivation. In other words, when we try to do things for the same reason Jesus did them. Sometimes this is referred to as "putting on Christ." We enter real discipleship when, like Jesus, we have as our motivation the desire to draw all things into one unity of heart, one family of love. We gain insight into the motivations of Jesus by reading scripture and meditating on His life. Then we should pray to Jesus and ask Him to instill in us His desire, longing, and motivation. In essence, we should pray to Jesus and ask Him to make us feel the way He felt while He was on earth. Lord, give me the strength and understanding to imitate You. Amen
Faith Challenge: Get to know Jesus in Scripture and in prayer so that you may imitate Him in your life.
Counter-Culture News: 40 Days for Life (ends 31 Oct), LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action.
* Heavyweight Philosophers Clash at Abortion Conference
Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Pat Castle (work to elect ProLife politicians), Carolyn McKissack (daughter Karen's health), Sue Peters (husband Bill's injured hand), Robert Cox (daughter Pauline's health).
* Kathy Schwab (5 yr old Dalton fighting cancer)
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Faith Quote: "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." - 1 Corinthians 11:1
Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22
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