Sun, 27 Jan (1 Cor 1:10)

* Welcome God into each day by reading the Living Faith devotional before work (~1 min). Order at http://www.livingfaith.com/.

I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ ... that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose. 1 Corinthians 1:10

Devotion Snippets: He [St. Paul] reminds us that our primary allegiance is to Jesus Christ -- nothing else. Not to a particular parish, a certain pastor, a favorite devotion, an established way of celebrating liturgy or even an accustomed way of thinking about God. - Sr. Melannie Svoboda, S.N.D.

Rich's tidbits: In the second reading, St. Paul warns against divisions in the Christian family. We have, unfortunately, many such divisions among Christians today - "I am a Catholic", "I am a Baptist ... a Lutheran ... a Methodist ... a Presbyterian ..." The list goes on and on. This is not the kind of family that Jesus intended. Such a dysfunctional family is not in a good position to give effective witness to the Good News of truth and love and fellowship which Jesus prayed for at the Last Supper (John 17). Lord, although we may be set in our different ways of worshipping You (church traditions, parish, pastor, etc.), may we remember that our primary allegiance is to You. Amen.

Highlights from Recent Devotion Comments: I think Mother Teresa’s words epitomize Ephesians 2:8-10:“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” It is important to delineate between faith, actions, and love. Mother Teresa’s simple path was: silence, prayer, faith, love, service, peace. It is my faith that, if properly formed, leads me to love my neighbor and enemy (see Jesus in each one) which then prompts the work of my ministries (be Jesus to each one). If my service is not motivated by a selfless love then it is not a fruit of true faith and gives me reason to boast (be full of myself); ministry motivated by selfless love is always powered by divine love and gives others reason to praise God (Matt 5:16). In the end, it is the selfless (not ego-driven) love which motivates our ministry that glorifies God.

This great comment was from Jean Noon. There are too many comments to highlight them all here. If you have time today, please consider reading some of this past week's devotion comments, or write one of your own by clicking "comment" link at the bottom of this devotion.

Through Christ Our Lord,
Rich
Romans 12:12

* Faith Sharing: Consider sharing your faith inspirations with our group (e-mail and/or blog). Consider forwarding this devotion to your friends/family. If they desire, I will add them to the distro list. Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly spread it to those around us (Mark 16:15)!
* Daily Bible readings: Today's readings are found at http://www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml (also linked in LIFE Devotions blog header).
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