1 John 3:18 (Love is an Action) by Fr. Jonathan

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

"Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth." ~ 1 John 3:18 (full readings)

Fr. Jonathan's Reflections: There is a saying that “Love has legs”…in other words, the very essence of love is action.  The first letter of John reminds us that our love must be evident in what we do towards our brothers and sisters.  Likewise in the Gospel of today, Philip not only told Nathaniel about Jesus, but he invited him and brought him to see Jesus.  He brought him to the Truth.  This is a perennial challenge for us as Christians and for the Pro-Life mission:  “Is there enough evidence in our actions to convict us being followers of Christ who are seeking to protect and promote life?”  We might have something to show (only by God’s grace) but love demands more.  This doesn’t necessarily mean having to alter every part of our lives. Perhaps it means to use the gifts we’ve been given with the people at our feet.  St. John Neumann was called to the United States, and he used his extraordinary gifts of organization to help organize a lasting legacy- the Catholic School system.  He was a man whose love was seen in his actions, a Man of the Gospel.  “How will you and I love in deed and truth today with our children, our neighbors, our co-workers?  What gifts can we offer?”
* Fr. Jonathan St. Andre ministers out of Loretto, PA.  He is the Director of Vocations for the Franciscan Friars, T.O.R., Sacred Heart of Jesus Province and serves as the Pittsburgh LIFE Runners Chapter Chaplain. 


Faith Challenge: Do one action of deed and truth that reflects your deep conviction of the value of human life.  Need an idea?...pray at an abortion mill (for families/abortionists), thank a Pro-Life doctor, donate clothes to a shelter, etc.


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. John Neumann.

Faith Quote: "Lord, teach me how to live." ~ St. John Neumann


Through Christ Our Lord,

Fr. Jonathan

* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will and His miracles, changing us and helping others. Fast from things that take your eyes off Jesus. Those who pray together stay together, and closer to God!

* Save Unborn (and family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (23% 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). Mt 28:19.