"The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side." Luke 16:22 (full readings)
Fr. Chris's Reflections: The Gospel account of Lazarus and the rich man reminds me of the recent book, Heaven is for Real, that recalls the experiences of Colton Burpo, a 4-year-old boy who had an amazing near-death experience. After a misdiagnosed ruptured appendix nearly kills him, Colton eventually recovers. In subsequent months he recalls how he was sung to by angels, meets his grandfather, and even meets Jesus in his life and death struggle at the hospital. Colton also recalls meeting his second sister. One day Colton surprisingly said: “Mommy, I have two sisters, you had a baby die in your tummy didn’t you?” His mother was stunned and asked Colton who told him this, to which he replied, “She did Mommy, she said she died in your tummy.” Neither parent had mentioned the miscarriage to 4-year-old Colton, which happened before he was born. It seems Colton really did visit Heaven! This story highlights what we often forget in our lives that can be filled with tasks and appointments and responsibilities…that Heaven is for real…and that we are meant to pray and sacrifice and take care of those who need our help. When we think in terms of respecting life, we are also reminded that God is a merciful and just God…always ready to forgive…eager to heal.
* Fr. Chris Uhl (OMV) was raised in Cleveland, served in the Air Force and worked as an electronics technician before ordination in 2003. He spent 7 yrs at St. Mary's in Alton, IL and is now director of the St. Francis Chapel in downtown Boston (www.stfrancischapel.org).
Faith Challenge: Talk to someone about heaven. You might be surprised at what people think of heaven...or how little they think about of heaven.
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Feast Day: Blessed Didacus
Faith Quote: "Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the freedom to do what we ought." ~ (soon to be Blessed) John Paul II
Through Christ our Lord,
* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and close to God!
* Save Unborn (& family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (23% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & Jer 1:5. “A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish.” Mother Teresa
* Evangelize:Make room for unbelievers & re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.
* Save Unborn (& family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (23% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & Jer 1:5. “A great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish.” Mother Teresa
* Evangelize:Make room for unbelievers & re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.
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