Luke 21:2 (Don't Waste the Gift)

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners(FB). Guest Authors schedule. LIFE Minute radio.

"[Jesus] noticed a poor widow putting in two small coins." ~ Luke 21:2 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: In today's Gospel, Jesus noticed a poor widow donating her last two coins in the treasury. The widow in the Gospel and today's feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary are very much related. Both women trusted in God and gave their all to Him. In this week of Thanksgiving, let's focus on the gifts that God has blessed us with and give thanks to the Lord by giving our all to Him. As a runner, I am inspired by Steve Prefontaine, who once held the American record for seven distance track events from the 2,000 meters to the 10,000 meters. His coach always criticized him for being a front runner and not drafting with the rest of the pack during a race. Prefontaine's response was "to give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." Don't sacrifice the gifts that God has blessed you with. Offer up everything that He has given you to do His will. Lord, thank you for the gifts that You have blessed me with. May I use them for Your purpose Lord. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Give thanks to the Lord by offering up the gifts that He has blessed you with...to do His will.

Counter-Culture News: Catholic News Agency, National Catholic Register, Our Sunday Visitor, Headline Bistro, Patheos, Pewsitter, New Advent, National Review.

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. LIFE Runners Creed & Patron Saint. Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Faith Quote: “What we are is God's gift to us. What we become is our gift to God.” - Eleanor Powell

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

* 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 (22% 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.