"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed." Psalm 34:19 (full readings) >
Steve's Reflections: This past weekend I attended the funeral of Michael Allen, the 10 day old son of my cousin Michael. The pain and grief of the family that just a few short days before held a healthy baby boy in their arms was crushing them. God's words in the Psalms today speak of His promise for those who experience such unimaginable pain. I couldn't help but contemplate how our Blessed Mother must have felt when she beheld her broken son as this powerful image from the movie "The Passion" illustrates. My faith, my anchor and my hope, tells me that God is closer to my cousin Michael and his family then ever before. Our God saves! He said to His mother, "I make all things new again." As we march closer to the Crucifixion this Lent, it becomes even more apparent in our readings that our faith was born of suffering. Jesus had many enemies and the closer He got to the cross the more people began to hate him. In today's Gospel Jesus is well aware of the danger surrounding Him as He contemplates that the Jews want Him dead. Take courage today as you contemplate that God is close to those most in need - the brokenhearted, and those "crushed" in spirit. In the song "I will Rise" by Chris Tomlin, I find great comfort in these words, "Jesus has overcome, and the grave is overwhelmed. The victory is won. He is risen from the dead. I will rise when He calls my name. No more sorrow, no more pain. I will rise on eagle wings. Before my God fall on my knees. And rise...I will rise." >
Faith Challenge: Take comfort that out of suffering our faith was born - the Risen Jesus is coming! >
Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Clouds in Your Life "Dearest Ones, Has a cloud come into your life? Has sorrow come to your home? Are you lost, lonely and afraid? Your first impulse might be to give up, and sit down in the middle of your shattered hopes and dreams. But you must not do it."
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. Julie Billiart (d. 1816) "Julie's immobility in no way impeded her activities. In spite of her suffering, she managed to co-found a teaching order that tended to the needs of both the poor and the well-to-do. Each of us has limitations, but the worst malady any of us can suffer is the spiritual paralysis that keeps us from doing God’s work on earth." >
Faith Quote: “Oh, how good God is!” ~ St. Julie Billart, Founder of the Institute of Notre Dame and the Sisters of Notre Dame >
Through Christ Our Lord,
* 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.
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