"Consider the fig tree...." ~ Luke 21:29 (full readings)
Steve's Reflections: The fig tree is the third tree mentioned in the bible; the first being the Tree of Life and the second being the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Adam and Eve use fig leaves to fashion garments for themselves to cover the shame and nakedness they feel from their sin. Often we turn from sin only to hang on to the shame. We carry this shame like fig leaves. Advent (which means waiting) begins 27 November and is a special time of preparation for the newborn baby Jesus. Use this time wisely to lay your fig leaves (sin and shame) before the Lord and prepare a place (manger) for him in your life. As Catholics we have the beautiful gift of the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (see John 20:22-23) where we are able to confess our sins and receive absolution (pardon and peace) from both Jesus Christ and the Church. The priest stands in the person of Christ (persona Christi) and as the representative of the Church (see 2 Cor. 2:10). In such a way we prepare the home of our hearts to receive Jesus more deeply. Celebrate the beautiful gift of Confession soon and often...prepare to be blessed!
Faith Challenge: To shed Light on this Black Friday, the Twin Cities and Sioux Falls LIFE Runners Chapters are doing a morning fellowship run/walk followed by a Rosary prayer at their local abortion mills. How can you bring Light to Black Friday?
Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Advent. "As we begin preparing for Christmas, what could be a better than to prepare our hearts and minds to be filled with the love of Jesus."
Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life, AFA, Vatican, Project Rachel.
Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Spiritual Adoption, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). Add Prayers on our website. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, LIFE Runners, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now. >
Saint of the Day: St. Catherine of Alexandria (d. 310).
Faith Quote: "In failing to confess, Lord, I would only hide You from myself, not myself from You." ~ St. Augustine
Through Christ Our Lord,
Steve
Rom 12:2 .
* 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.
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