Ps 56:2-3 (In God We Trust) by Kathryn Lopez

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

"In God I trust; I shall not fear." Ps 56:2-3 (full readings)

Kathryn's Reflections: As Washington, D.C. begins to fill up with students, activists, and other concerned citizens to once again protest the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade ruling 39 years ago this coming Sunday, what could be more challenging and soothing than today’s psalm? This is not feel-good spiritual comfort food. For there will be no peace until we make the fiat Mary, the Mother of God -- that lovely woman of the Nativity scenes we’ve just recently put back in storage -- did. Until we truly trust our Heavenly Father, Christ His Son who walked among us, and be always aware of the presence of the Spirit in our lives.  It’s election year, which means opportunities will be taken to shine light in dark places, and there will be disastrous misses. The dignity of human life in all its stages has been and will be raised during debates, town halls, and media interviews. Sometimes with great compassion and love. Other times mercilessly ridiculed. Often times severely manipulated. This is among the many reasons why we must take the psalmist to heart. If we don’t trust God, we will be relying on ourselves or our consultants or our boyfriend or the well-intentioned Planned Parenthood clinic worker in word and deed. If we don’t trust in God, we will be overwhelmed. Our adversaries aren’t always other people, after all. They can be our own hearts lead astray.

* Kathryn Jean Lopez is editor-at-large of National Review Online and a nationally syndicated columnist who writes/speaks on faith and public life (book her here)…and building a culture of life. See her National LIFE Runners Team articles below. She welcomes email at klopez@nationalreview.com.

Faith Challenge: What are you doing at 3 this afternoon? Build the Chaplet of Divine Mercy into your day. In atonement for our sins and our culture of death.

Counter-Culture News: Catholic News Agency, National Catholic Register, Our Sunday Visitor, Headline Bistro, Patheos, Pewsitter, New Advent, National Review.
* CatholicVote post about the LIFE Runners (17 Aug):  Running in the Vineyards.
* National Review Online article about the LIFE Runners (15 Aug):  Running for LIFE.

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: St. Canute.

Faith Quote: "Whoever reflects on the history of the Church with eyes of love will discover that despite the many faults and shadows, there were and still are men and women everywhere whose lives highlight the credibility of the Gospel." ~ Blessed John Paul II

Through Christ our Lord,
Kathryn
Luke 15:7

* 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). Mt 28:19.