Mark 6:56 (Touch of Faith)

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

"Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed." ~ Mark 6:56 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: In today's Gospel, Jesus and His disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. While leaving the boat, they were immediately recognized, and people from all over gathered with their sick, determined to seize an unexpected opportunity for healing. The statement that "as many as touched even just the tassel on His cloak are healed" shows a mutual relationship between Jesus and the afflicted. What is involved here is not simply material contact with Jesus' clothing, but the touch of faith. Those who had faith that touching Jesus' cloak would heal them were healed. However, we do something much more intimate and powerful every time we receive Jesus in Communion. We not only touch His cloak's tassel, but we touch, and in fact, receive, the person of Jesus into our persons. By receiving Communion, we receive the ultimate intimacy, grace, and healing power of Jesus Christ. Lord, may I desire more every day to receive You in Holy Communion, and may this become the center of my life. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Desire an intimate communion with Christ. Make your relationship with Jesus a priority in your life.

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.

Feast Day: St. Paul Miki and Companions. St. Paul Miki was in such intimate communion with Christ that, as he hung on a cross dying, he spoke: "I hope my blood will fall on my fellow man as a fruitful rain."

Faith Quote: “Faith is belief in what you cannot see or prove or touch. Faith is walking face-first and full-speed into the dark.” ~ Elizabeth Gilbert

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will and 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 (and family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (22% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 and 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 and re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Matt 28:19.

Luke 5:20 (Forgiveness is Healing)

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

"When He saw their faith, he said, 'As for you, your sins are forgiven.'" ~ Luke 5:20 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: Jesus always has forgiveness on His mind. In today's Gospel, a paralyzed man was lowered through the roof on a stretcher and Jesus said, "Your sins are forgiven." These words might not have been the first thing on the paralytic's mind who was hoping to walk again, but he probably didn't understand that forgiveness is healing. Jesus is preoccupied with the forgiveness of sin. If we ask Jesus about what we want for Christmas this year, He'll offer to forgive our sins. If we complain about the difficulties in our life, He'll call us to Confession. If we blame our spouse for something, Jesus will talk to us about the plank in our own eye (Mt 7:3). When Jesus thinks of Christmas, He thinks of the forgiveness of sins through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Go to Confession. Give Jesus the Christmas present of your repentance. Lord, baptize me in repentance. Send the Spirit to search my heart so that I may repent on the deepest level. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Prepare yourself for the Lord and His healing by going to Confession.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life, AFA,Vatican, Project Rachel.

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

Feast Day: St. Gerald

Faith Quote: "A little girl was asked what forgiveness is...she gave a beautiful answer. 'It is the fragrance flowers give when they are crushed.'" ~ unknown author

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.

Matt 9:29 (Believe...and See!)

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

"Then He touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.”" ~ Mt 9:29 (full readings)

Rosemary's Reflections: In today's Gospel, we hear about two blind men who are cured by Jesus. Let's take note about the question Jesus asked them-- "Do you believe that I can do this?" He's not asking them this to give Himself a pep talk. He is asking them about their faith--Do they truly believe He can heal their blindness or are they just hoping for a 50/50 chance? They answer him with a "Yes, Lord" and can now see. In today's skeptical society where "seeing is believing" through immediate results, it can be hard to be patient for the fruits of our faith. I have had people tell me praying for an end to abortion is a waste of my time. "Nothing's changed and nothing will," they say. But if we truly believe in Jesus, if we put our faith and trust in His ability to end this destructive crime against humanity, He will tell us, "Let it be done for you according to your faith." We can already see what our faith in Jesus Christ and the pro-life movement has done through every abortion mill closing, through every changed heart, through the tiny faces of those saved. It may not be enough according to the eyes of society, but as Christians, we believe this is only the beginning.

Faith Challenge: Are there times when we become a Doubting Thomas rather than the blind men? Don't fold under the pressures of society. Instead pray for strength and believe in His Word. "Blessed are they who did not see and yet believed" (John 20:29).

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Change.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life, Vatican, Project Rachel.

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

Feast Day: Blessed Rafal Chylinski

Faith Quote: “May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.” ~ St. Therese of Lisieux

Through Christ Our Lord,
Rosemary

2 Tim 4:7

* 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.

Luke 18:42 (Believing is Seeing)

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

"Jesus told him, 'Have sight; your faith has saved you.'" ~ Luke 18:42 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: In today's Gospel, Jesus healed a blind beggar in Jericho, who showed tremendous faith in the power of Jesus. Jesus replied that his faith had saved him. The blind beggar was obviously aware of his blindness since it was physical, but unfortunately those who are spiritually blind may not be aware of their own blindness. Those who are blind to seeing the presence of human life within a mother's womb ignore the truth, because the truth does not agree with their plans, fit into their personal agenda, or match their desires. Like the blind beggar in Jericho, we need to bring ourselves closer to Jesus in order to be healed. As a result of our faith, our blindness will be healed to see the truth, because believing is seeing. Lord, I pray that those who are blind to seeing the life that You have created in the womb...will open their eyes and be healed. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Even if you are blind to being blind, by faith draw close to Jesus today and pray: "Lord, I want to see" and Jesus will answer: "Receive your sight. Your faith has healed you."

Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life, AFA,Vatican, Project Rachel.

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: St. Lawrence O'Toole

Faith Quote: Reflection from Saint Lawrence O'Toole: "I thank God that I have not a penny in the world to dispose of." Said on his deathbed when someone asked him if he had a will.

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.

Luke 13:14 (Dr. Jesus)

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

"But the leader of the synagogue, said to the crowd in reply, 'There are six days when work should be done. Come on those days to be cured, not on the sabbath day.'" ~ Luke 13:14 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: In today's Gospel, the chief of the synagogue said it was the wrong day for Jesus to cure the crippled woman. Like the religious leader in the synagogue, we too usually have an excuse for not being healed. The religious leader said the excuse was that Jesus had cured on the sabbath, but in reality, the leader was just jealous of Jesus. Our excuses for allowing Jesus to heal us can range from trying to mask our fear, unforgiveness, pride, or sin. We may fear the change that Jesus can have on our lives, or be so embarrassed by our sin that we are afraid to confess. We may be prideful and not believe that we need Jesus to heal us. We may be unwilling to forgive others or ourselves; therefore, hindering our healing. Or we may be so comfortable in our sin that we are not willing to change. There is always something standing in our way of being healed. Receiving God's healing through confession means obeying the Doctor's orders (Dr. Jesus). The Doctor is in...open yourself to the Lord and allow yourself to be healed. Lord, remove all of the obstacles that keep me from Your healing hands. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Open yourself to the Lord's healing. Go to confession and allow Dr. Jesus to heal you.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life,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.

Feast Day: St. Anthony Mary Claret

Faith Quote: "Church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints." ~ Father Tony

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.

Mark 7:37 (Ephphatha)

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (website, Facebook).

"They were exceedingly astonished and they said, "He has done all things well. He makes the deaf hear and (the) mute speak." Mark 7:37 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: Today is the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes (see Feast Day) and fittingly we hear of another miraculous healing by Jesus with the deaf mute. The miraculous spring that flowed forth from a garbage dump in Lourdes has been the source of thousands of instantaneous, miraculous heeling's not unlike the healing of the deaf mute. To this day over 1 million people annually make pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France. Just like a miraculous spring in a garbage dump, the deaf mute has become a "new creation" and speaks to the fact that God doesn't make junk. Like the deaf mute, Jesus meets each one us where we are at. He took the deaf mute aside away from the crowd, did not speak to him, but rather showed him by way of his fingers and saliva the new life that was his. The readings this week from Genesis have shown that God has a plan and a purpose for all creation and declared from the beginning, "It was very good." Rob reminded us on Tuesday this has a special message for any mother in crisis and the life within her. To take this a step further and more personally - each of us is created in God's image and likeness with infinite worth. We aren't junk. God will never forsake his own and paid our "infinite" ransom by taking it to the cross. Lord open my ears that I may hear your words and let loose my mouth so that I may proclaim your praise.

Faith Challenge: God doesn't make junk; take a look in the mirror today and peer into the mystery of your creation in the image and likeness of God.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Love "Loving is one of the greatest gifts God gave us. You've all heard that love isn't love until you give it away. If you keep it inside, it dries up and disappears. With the season of Love coming up, wouldn't it be fun to surprise someone who least expects it with a Valentine of Love? Maybe someone you haven't been getting along with..."

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Spiritual Adoption, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). Add Prayers on our website. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, running, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: Our Lady of Lourdes "Lourdes has become a place of pilgrimage and healing, but even more of faith. Church authorities have recognized over 60 miraculous cures, although there have probably been many more. To people of faith this is not surprising. It is a continuation of Jesus’ healing miracles—now performed at the intercession of his mother. Some would say that the greater miracles are hidden. Many who visit Lourdes return home with renewed faith and a readiness to serve God in their needy brothers and sisters."

Faith Quote: There still may be people who doubt the apparitions of Lourdes. Perhaps the best that can be said to them are the words that introduce the film Song of Bernadette: "For those who believe in God, no explanation is necessary. For those who do not believe, no explanation is possible."

Through Christ Our Lord,
Steve
Romans 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 (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.

Comments? To subscribe/unsubscribe to the emails, go to LIFE Group Devotions or LIFE Runners Updates.

Mark 7:24-30 (Begging for Scraps) by Jean

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (website, Facebook).

"The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. He said to her, “Let the children be fed first. For it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” She replied and said to Him, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s scraps.” Then He said to her, “For saying this, you may go. The demon has gone out of your daughter." Mark 7:24-30 (full readings)

Jean's Reflections: Without denying the precedence of Israel and the focus of Jesus’ ministry, this Greek Syrophoenician woman (of alien religion and nationality) rejects the idea of exclusivity for Jesus’ power. She will not accept the cultural norm’s dictates that those of a different religion or nationality do not have access to the power of a compassionate God. She expresses the deep knowing within her heart that even outsiders (the dogs) can receive God’s healing and compassion if they are desirous, open, and willing to receive -- and to give. Because of this faith Jesus provides the healing salve her heart so expressly desires. Jesus brings good news to all those in darkness and despair, those in need of healing and hope. We share in the mission of Jesus as we, also, bring good news and compassion to the poor, the blind, the captive, the prisoner, the oppressed, the oppressor, and the unborn alike.

Faith Challenge: Give evidence you’ve received much forgiveness by showing much love (Luke 7:47).

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Spiritual Adoption, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). Add Prayers on our website. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, running, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: St. Scholastica "St. Scholastica and St. Benedict gave themselves totally to God and gave top priority to deepening their friendship with Him through prayer. They sacrificed some of the opportunities they would have had to be together as brother and sister in order better to fulfill their vocation to the religious life. In coming closer to Christ, however, they found they were also closer to each other."

Faith Quote: “Where there is love, there is God.” ~ Mother Teresa

Through Christ our Lord,
Jean Noon
Luke 4:17-19

* 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.

Comments? To subscribe/unsubscribe to the emails, go to LIFE Group Devotions or LIFE Runners Updates.

1 John 3:23 (Holy Name of Jesus)

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (website, Facebook).

"And His commandment is this: we should believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another just as He commanded us." 1 John 3:23 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: Today is the feast day of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, eight days after the birth of Christ. "When eight days were completed for His circumcision, He was named Jesus, the name given Him by the angel before He was conceived in the womb." (Luke 2:21) This feast day was first celebrated in the 15th century as a celebration of Christ's naming and circumcision (a memoriam of the first shedding of the Lord's blood), but has evolved into the central feast of all the mysteries of Jesus Christ. Today we should take the opportunity to reflect on the power of the Name of Jesus revealed to us in scripture and in our lives. The Name of Jesus invoked with confidence brings physical healing (Mark 16:17-18, Acts 3:6, 9:34, 9:40). Jesus' name gives consolation in spiritual trials...try chanting Jesus repeatedly to yourself when tempted by sin, and you will be overwhelmed with a feeling of peace. His Holy Name protects us from satan for the devil fears the Name of Jesus. In the Name of Jesus we obtain blessings, for Christ has said: "If you ask the Father anything in My Name, He will give it to you." (John 16:23) Therefore, we conclude our prayers with these words: "Through Our Lord Jesus Christ." Lord, may every knee bend at the sound of Your Most Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Don't be ashamed to speak the Holy Name of Jesus in public for His name has great power.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action

* Story of healthy unborn twin’s abortion sparks angry backlash from Canadian twins

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). View, add, update Prayers on our website. Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: Most Holy Name of Jesus

Faith Quote: "Glorious name, gracious name, name of love and of power! Through you sins are forgiven, through you enemies are vanquished, through you the sick are freed from their illness, through you those suffering in trials are made strong and cheerful. You bring honor to those who believe, you teach those who preach, you give strength to the toiler, you sustain the weary." ~ St. Bernardine of Siena

In the Holy Name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
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 (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.

Comments? To subscribe/unsubscribe to the emails, go to LIFE Group Devotions or LIFE Runners Updates.

Luke 5:20 (Visible Faith)

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (website, Facebook).

"When he saw their faith, he said, "As for you, your sins are forgiven." Luke 5:20 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: After reading the above verse from the Gospel, I reflected on whether or not Jesus could see my faith as He did the men who carried the paralytic on the stretcher. Despite the crowd (today's culture) blocking their path to Christ, they were so persistent and focused on bringing the man to Jesus that they lowered him down from the roof. Is my faith visible to Christ, or do I get lost in the crowds (consumed by materialism, hedonism, selfishness, pride)? Is my faith strong enough for overcoming obstacles (illness, financial struggle, addiction) to stay focused on Christ, or do I allow my sin to cloud my faith? Lord, let my faith be full and visible to You and penetrate my thoughts and actions so that others may also see this faith and know You. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Is your faith in Christ visible to others?

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action
*Pope: Don't 'Violate Rights of Unborn with...In Vitro Fertilization'

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). View, add, update Prayers on our website. Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: St. Nicholas

Faith Quote: “To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible." - St. Thomas Aquinas

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22
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* 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.

Comments? To subscribe/unsubscribe to the emails, go to LIFE Group Devotions or LIFE Runners Updates.

Matthew 9:29 (Do You Believe?)

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (website, Facebook).

“Let it be done for you according to your faith.” Matthew 9:29 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: One of the amazing things we see in scripture is the physical healings. I have often wondered what it would be like to experience this healing. Is it possible today? I have faith that it is not only possible, but actual. Why do I say this? Because there is still great faith today. There are members of our LIFE Group who have experienced miraculous physical healing. One thing is consistent in the Gospels, each healing Jesus performed was accompanied by an act of faith by the person being healed. Jesus said to the hemorrhaging women after she strained to get close enough to touch His tunic, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace (Luke 8:48)." Jesus also said to the Roman Centurion who thought himself unworthy to even receive Jesus in his home to heal his servant, “I say to you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith (Luke 7:9)." In today's readings we hear of how Jesus heals two blind men. It is not surprising that Jesus asks them for an act of faith (Mat 9:28), "Do you believe that I can do this?" Why would Jesus ask if it wasn't necessary? Faith in Jesus is the most immediate and necessary element of our life; it is like the air we breathe.

* Check out this video and beautiful song, Breathe, by Michael W. Smith

Faith Challenge: Take a moment right now to breathe in deeply...and make an act of faith.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Let's Keep CHRIST in Christmas

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). View, add, update Prayers on our website. Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: St. Francis Xavier. "Wherever he went, he lived with the poorest people, sharing their food and rough accommodations."

Faith Quote: "It is not the actual physical exertion that counts toward a man's progress, nor the nature of the task, but the spirit of faith with which it is undertaken." ~ St. Francis Xavier
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Through Christ Our Lord,
Steve
Romans 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 (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.


Comments? To subscribe/unsubscribe to the emails, go to LIFE Group Devotions or LIFE Runners Updates.

Gal 5:19-23 ("what side are you on?")

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (archive, Facebook).

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The works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Gal 5:19-23 (full readings)

Pat's Reflections: In standing against the Silent Holocaust (abortion), we resist the "works of the flesh" and embrace the "fruit of the Spirit." Abortion survivor Gianna Jessen could have naturally taken the works of the flesh, but instead she chose God, receiving the supernatural fruit of the Spirit. Gianna gave a beautifully courageous 16 min speech at the Parliament House in Australia (part 1, part 2). When Gianna said, "We are in a battle between Life and death. What side are you on?", my daughter Grace (7) whispered in my ear, "Life." After Joe Hourigan saw Gianna speak in Colorado Springs earlier this year, he shared, "Gianna was born after being burned for 18 hours in her mother's womb, by a saline abortion attempt. Her birth mother was 17 years old and over 7 months pregnant. Gianna's birth certificate says "born during saline abortion." She was born with cerebral palsy and considers it a gift from God. She has run 2 marathons [LIFE Runner!]. Gianna allows the love of Jesus Christ to shine forth for all the world to see. She has a powerful message to share, because she is alive, like God intended. You and I have a message to share as well. Be not afraid. Go forth, and spread the gospel of love [Life]."

Faith Challenge: Pray for Mom's (and Dad's) considering an abortion...and Mom's (and Dad's) who had an abortion (reconciliation, healing). There is hope after abortion.

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Counter-Culture News: 40 Days for Life (ends 31 Oct), LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action.

* National Right to Life Releases Online Voter Guide for 2010 Midterm Elections

* 40 Days for Life Announces Milestone: 3,000 Babies Saved

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Leslee Unruh (grandbaby Pierce recovering from brain surgery).

* Sarah Ragan (healing from the miscarriage of her baby)

Feast Day: St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

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Faith Quote: "I'm hated because I declare Life. My whole intent in living here is to make God smile." ~ Gianna Jessen

In God We Trust,
Pat
Phil 4:13

Psalm 27:13 (Rachel’s Vineyard) by Fr. J

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (archive, Facebook).

I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13 (full readings)

Fr. Jonathan's Reflections: Today’s first reading and responsorial psalm call us to Hope even when all is not yet fully healed and made well. I recently was extremely blessed to have a life changing experience. I was a chaplain on a Rachel’s Vineyard retreat for Women who are post-abortive and seeking healing. The Lord’s timing is beautiful because we finished the retreat on the Sunday that the LIFE Runners raced the Sioux Falls Marathon for Life. I was so happy to tell the Women that the LIFE Runners were offering up miles for them, and they were so appreciative! At race time, we were having a memorial service for their children and entrusting them in Hope to the Lord. The weekend was beautifully graced as I witnessed hope growing in all of us…the hope of the Lord healing scars and promising even more good things in the land of the living.

* Fr. Jonathan St.Andre has been a Franciscan for 11 yrs and a Priest for 3 yrs, now ministering out of Pittsburgh, PA. He is the Director of Vocations for the Franciscan Friars, T.O.R., Sacred Heart of Jesus Province. Fr. Jonathan plans to join the LIFE Runners for the Kansas City Marathon (15 Oct 2011).

Faith Challenge: Let us never forget to pray for Women (and Men) who had an abortion. So many continue to hold a secret they dare not share out of fear and shame. Our prayers and unconditional love for them may be the doorway to the good things of the Lord for them. Perhaps you may be called to support the ministry that reaches out to these brothers and sisters (Rachel’s Vineyard).

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action.

* 40 Days for Life (until 31 Oct): Since 2007, more than 350,000 people and 11,500 church congregations have participated.

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Helene Couchon (Molly Barber's health), Leslee/Allen Unruh (grandbaby Pierce's brain surgery Friday)

* Kathy Schwab (daughter's friend Marty fighting Leukemia)

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Feast Day of St. Jerome: Jerome studied the classical authors in Rome, and was baptized there. He embraced a life of asceticism and went to the East where he was ordained a priest. Returning to Rome, he became a secretary to Pope Damasus. In Rome, he began to translate the Holy Scriptures into Latin and to promote the monastic life. Eventually he settled in Bethlehem where he served the needs of the Church. He wrote many works, especially commentaries on Holy Scripture. He died in Bethlehem in 420.

Faith Quote: "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ."- St. Jerome

Through Christ Our Lord,

Fr. Jonathan St.Andre, TOR