Luke 10:38 (Martha vs. Mary)

Let's welcome God this morning by reflecting on this short Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which is based on Living Faith. All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

[Jesus] entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him. Luke 10:38 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "So often we hear about Martha's counterpart in this gospel, Mary, who chose the better part. Mary remained at the Lord's feet where she listened to him speak. Martha, on the other hand, was consumed with distractions and anxiety. But let's also remember what Martha did right: "Martha welcomed him."" by Fr. Paul J. Fasano

Rich's comments: I was pleased to hear from this morning's devotion that Martha actually did something right, because can I really relate with her. I often find myself defining people behaviorally as either a Martha (A-type person; prepared, planner, focused, independent) or a Mary (B-type person; easy-going, spontaneous, carefree, dependent). I believe that both personalities possess positive characteristics. I believe that we need to be prepared to welcome Jesus into our life (Martha), but that we also need to let go of our anxieties (Mary) so that we can place our focus on Him.

Faith Challenges: Let's all invite one person each week (John 14:6) to join our LIFE Group (>240 of God's children).

* NEW: Be prepared to welcome Jesus into your hearts today (like Martha) and prayerfully listen to Him without distractions (like Mary).

Pro-Life News: The LIFE Runners (Dave, Jason, Doug, Rich, John, Jim, Steve, Pat, Tammy, Brenda/Aaron/Trevor) ran the Twin-Cities Marathon (26.2 miles) on Respect Life Sunday (October 4th). So far our team has raised over $2,100 towards the purchase of an ultrasound machine for A Woman's Answer Medical Center in Gainesville, FL. Although the marathon is done, the fight to defend life is not. Please consider making a donation to this worthy cause. Please make checks payable to "Knights of Columbus" and mail them to PO Box 14044, Gainesville, FL 32604.

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas in footnote below.

* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, refugees, addictions, persecuted believers, Peters family (JP in hospital), Lynn Bishara (for son Alex), Stephanie Spader (for pregnancy).

Feast Day: St. Bruno and Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher

Faith Quote: "Indeed, man wishes to be happy even when he so lives as to make happiness impossible." - St. Augustine

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

James 1:22

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn't, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.'
* Fasting: Let's fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).
* Defend the unborn: 'Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don't stand back and let them die' (Prov 24:11). 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you' (Jer 1:5). 'It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish' (Blessed Mother Teresa).
* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead a friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ's example of selfless love, mercy, and service (Matt 28:19).