Luke 6:37 (Forgive to Give)

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

"Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven." ~ Luke 6:37 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: In the Gospel today, Jesus commands us not to judge or condemn others. This can be difficult, especially when we are so passionate about defending life from conception to natural death. However, if we are serious about building and sustaining a Culture of Life through all ages and stages (the Vision of the LIFE Group), then we must first show forgiveness so that we are then capable of giving God's healing love to others. Lord, help us to forgive the women who choose to take the lives of their unborn, who yield to the many social, economic, and personal pressures and thwart Your plan for human life. Help us to forgive the activists, the informed and the misinformed, who shout, march, and demonstrate for the right of a woman to have a "choice", the choice to kill her baby or to let it live. Help us to forgive the doctors and their assistants, who have prostituted their professions to kill for money. Help us to forgive the clergymen who will not speak out against abortion for fear of "upsetting" their people. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Forgive those who do not value the defense of all human life, born and unborn, so that you may begin to build and sustain a Culture of Life through sharing God's healing love.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life, AFA,Vatican, Project Rachel.

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Spiritual Adoption,Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). Add Prayers on ourwebsite. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, LIFE Runners, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: St. John Joseph of the Cross

Faith Quote: "As gold is purified in the fire, our own crosses offered to Christ for the conversion of ourselves and the world will keep us from approaching the abortion bound mother or father with anger or bitterness." - Msgr. Philip Reilly, Founder of the Helpers of God's Precious Infants

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will and 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 (and family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (22% 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). Matt 28:19.

Matthew 25:40 (How Do I Love Thee?)

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

"And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.'" ~ Matthew 25:40 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: In today's Gospel, Jesus gave a preview of Judgement Day. We will be judged by our faith and love for Him as we have expressed it in loving service to "the least of the brethren." This statement could be understood as a burden that we must bare. Now we are responsible for taking care of the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned?! (Matthew 25:35-36) Don't be discouraged. Have you ever read the poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861), "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways."? We should feel privileged that Jesus has given us so many ways to show our love for Him. Lord, thank you for giving me the opportunity to love you in so many ways. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Take advantage of the many ways to show your love for Jesus by serving those in need.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life,AFA,Vatican, Project Rachel.

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Spiritual Adoption,Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). Add Prayers on ourwebsite. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, LIFE Runners, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: St. Leander of Seville

Faith Quote: "I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." - Mother Teresa

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will and 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 (and family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (22% 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). Matt 28:19.

Matthew 22:37 (All In)

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

"You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." ~ (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: Today's Gospel is where the rubber meets the road...Love of God and neighbor. Jesus explains that all the prophets and all the law can be summed up in loving God and neighbor. It is the definition of "all in." I experienced an "all in" moment two years ago on a routine training run in the Black Hills. I got into trouble on a desolate stretch of trail. After getting sick and running out of water I realized that I was beginning to show signs of heat exhaustion at mile 15. The sun was so high in the hills that I could not find a shade tree. It was the hottest day of the year. I quietly recalled how the prophet Elijah curled up under the broom tree and prayed for death only to be visited by an angel. I came around a bend and saw a lone shade tree...my broom tree. I laid under it resigned to the good life God had given me and gave whatever I had left to our Lord. If ever I was "all in" I knew it was then. It was just me and God. I had no fear and I knew that my Father in heaven would care for my wife and children, friends and family. There were no deals or haggling with God. I knew this moment was prepared for me. My story ends well with a good Samaritan happening upon me, but I knew I had been given a gift that day. I knew what it was to be "all in" and the peace that awaits each of us one day.

Faith Challenge: What "broom tree" has the Lord prepared for you? What would it take for you to be "all in"?

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Encouragement

Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life, AFA, Vatican, Project Rachel. &gt

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. John Eudes (d. 1680)

Faith Quote: “Our wish, our object, our chief preoccupation must be to form Jesus in ourselves, to make his spirit, his devotion, his affections, his desires and his disposition live and reign there." ~ St. John Eudes, The Life and Reign of Jesus in Christian Souls

Through Christ Our Lord,
Steve
Romans 12:2 .

* 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). Matt 28:19.

Genesis 28:18-19 (Bethels)

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

"Early the next morning Jacob took the stone that he had put under his head, set it up as a memorial stone, and poured oil on top of it. He called that site Bethel." Genesis 28:18-19 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: During Jacob's travels, he came upon a pagan shrine. There he went to sleep using one of the stones from the shrine as a pillow. Then he had a dream in which he met God and was provided a special revelation. When Jacob awoke, he anointed the stone with oil and named the site Bethel, which means "the house of God." God is present everywhere, but sometimes it is difficult for people to recognize His presence amidst life's turmoils and tragedies. The Lord wants us to make many Bethels in our lives; places where others can witness God's love, forgiveness, and healing. Show God's presence in your home, in your interactions with others at work, and in your community. Lord, may I make Your presence known to others by sharing Your love, forgiveness, and healing. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Make many Bethels in your life so that others may see the presence of God.

Counter-Culture News: LifeNews, Priests for Life, AFA, Vatican, Project Rachel.

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. Elizabeth of Portugal

Faith Quote: "People see God every day, they just don't recognize him." ~ Pearl Bailey

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich
James 1:22

* 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.

Comments? To subscribe/unsubscribe to the emails, go to LIFE Group Devotions or LIFE Runners Updates.

John 21:17 (Feed My Sheep)

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

(Jesus) said to him, "Feed my sheep." John 21:17 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: Today's Gospel is a beautiful exchange between the Risen Christ and Peter on a beach. After breakfast Jesus speaks these words to Peter, "Do you love me?" After each answer, Jesus responds, "Feed my sheep." This exchange between Jesus and Peter is a fulfillment of Jesus words prior to His death, "I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it (Matt 16:18)." Jesus' healing words on the beach that morning point to Peter's ordained role in the Church...the first Pope (Latin for Papa).

Faith Challenge: Affirm, encourage and pray for all Christian leaders.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Graduation Talk "Don't go into this dangerous world without prayer. A prayerless life is a powerless life."

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action &gt

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. Barnabas - Son of Encouragement (June 11th) "Barnabas is spoken of simply as one who dedicated his life to the Lord. He was a man "filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. Thereby large numbers were added to the Lord." Even when he and Paul were expelled from Antioch in Pisidia (modern-day Turkey), they were "filled with joy and the Holy Spirit."

Faith Quote: "All are searching, though not all are looking in the right place." ~ Blessed John Paul II

Through Christ Our Lord,
Steve
Romans 12:2 .

* 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.

Comments? To subscribe/unsubscribe to the emails, go to LIFE Group Devotions or LIFE Runners Updates.

John 15:13 (Friends)

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

"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." John 15:13 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: This statement by Jesus strikes to the heart for most of us - what more can I give but my life? This would have struck even deeper for the Apostles who were listening to Jesus. Quite often they called him "Master" or "Teacher" when addressing him. This was different. Jesus clarifies further,"No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you" (John 15:15). Jesus has set the boundaries of true friendship - do you tell God everything? Do you speak to him as your best friend? As we look back in scripture there is only one other biblical figure that was called a "friend" of God - Abraham. All others, Moses, Joshua and David, were called "servants" or "slaves of Yahweh." Jesus once again spins the Apostles paradigm on it's head and further reveals the depth of intimacy our Father God seeks with each one of us - our friendship. Jesus starts and ends this Gospel with this command; "Love one another as I love you," and "Love one another."

Faith Challenge: Do you talk to God the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit as a friend? Take the time to talk to God as your best friend each day. Lay all your joys, worries, fears and dreams upon him.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: End of the World "If you're a Christian who believes the Bible, Jesus clearly says no one knows the hour or the day of the return of Jesus."

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action &gt

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. Augustine of Canterbury (d. 605) "Augustine of Canterbury comes across today as a very human saint, one who could suffer like many of us from a failure of nerve...Augustine’s perseverance amidst obstacles and only partial success teaches today’s apostles and pioneers to struggle on despite frustrations and be satisfied with gradual advances."

Faith Quote: "He who would climb to a lofty height must go by steps, not leaps." ~ St. Gregory the Great (written in a letter to St. Augustine of Canterbury)

Through Christ Our Lord,
Steve
Romans 12:2 .

* 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.

Comments? To subscribe/unsubscribe to the emails, go to LIFE Group Devotions or LIFE Runners Updates.

John 14:2 (Heaven IS for Real)

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

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me." John 14:2 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: Have you ever wondered if heaven is for real (like the now popular book purposes)? Or if God Love's you? Yesterday at my parishes Lifeteen gathering we gave our youth an opportunity to write questions about God. One of the questions I read to the group said, "Does God love me?" It gave me great pause and choked me up. After a quiet moment I said, "Yes! Our Father in heaven loves you very much. He loves you so much that he gave you His own name at your Baptism. You are his child." We are all baptised in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God has claimed us all for His own and has prepared a special place for us in heaven. In today's Gospel, Jesus gives us a hint of what our Father in heaven has in store for us. I found great peace in Jesus' soothing words of comfort, "in my Father's house there are many dwellings." He has prepared a place for me and will return to take me there! If we ever doubt how we will find our our way home, take comfort in Jesus' words, "I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

Faith Challenge: Reflect today on how much our Father in heaven loves you and the special place He has prepared for you.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: The Search for Peace

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action &gt

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. Bernardine of Siena (d. 1444)

Faith Quote: “Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.” ~ C.S. Lewis

Through Christ Our Lord,
Steve
Romans 12:2 .

* 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.

Comments? To subscribe/unsubscribe to the emails, go to LIFE Group Devotions or LIFE Runners Updates.

Mark 5:19 (Seized by Fear)

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (website, Facebook).

"But he would not permit him but told him instead, 'Go home to your family and announce to them all that the Lord in his pity has done for you.'" Mark 5:19 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: After Jesus drove the unclean spirits out of the demoniac and into the swine, the Gerasenes (seized by fear) begged Jesus to leave their district. It appears the people would have rather lived with a legion of demons (and have their swine) than be with the Lord. As requested, Jesus left the territory of the Gerasenes. However, by declining the request of the former demoniac to accompany Him, Jesus ensured that His truth, power, and love would be professed to the people through the new life of the saved man. Like the Gerasenes, others too can be seized by fear with difficult situations in their life (e.g, unplanned pregnancy) and make "choices" (e.g., abortion) in their lives that reject the truth, power, and love of Jesus Christ. Although Jesus may be rejected and begged to leave; He remains present in us so that we may profess His truth, power, and healing love to those who need Him. Lord, help me to comfort those who are seized by fear by being a living tabernacle (1 Cor 3:16) of Your truth, power, and love. Amen.

* My Knights of Columbus council prayed in front of an abortion center in downtown Orlando wearing shirts that read "LIFE-GUARD." We were not only there to guard the lives of the unborn, but to provide hope for those drowning parents seized by fear.

Faith Challenge: Be a source of Christ's truth, power, and love for those seized by fear.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action

* The horror of abortion

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). Add Prayers on our website. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, running, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: St. John Bosco

Faith Quote: "Everything and everyone is won by the sweetness of our words and works." - St. John Bosco

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22

* 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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Comments? To subscribe/unsubscribe to the emails, go to LIFE Group Devotions or LIFE Runners Updates.

Philippians 3:17 ("Give it all away")

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (archive, Facebook).

Join with others in being imitators of me, brothers, and observe those who thus conduct themselves according to the model you have in us. Philippians 3:17 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections:

* I was visiting last night over dinner with my pastor about the culture war we find ourselves in today. He said, "Death is God's mercy on a sinner. In death there is no more sin." Death has become something evil in our culture; something to be put off and avoided at all costs. As a Christian, I'm looking forward to going Home someday. Amidst all this cultural noise we forget that Jesus our King suffered greatly before dieing on a cross - should we expect any different? The most beautiful thing we can gaze upon is the picture of a man in death, having poured his life out for us, hanging lifeless upon a cross. The cross is love personified. It is the most perfect expression of God's love for us - that He would send His only begotten son to let evil men do THAT to Him (John 3:16). While on retreat a few weeks back, a young man looked at my crucifix and said, "I love your cross, but why is Jesus still on it? He rose from the dead." I smiled softly and said, "Yes, and he lives in my heart, but I never want to forget the greatest act of love in human history." Paul reminds us that we are to be imitators of Him; Paul who is writing from a prison; Paul who was beaten; Paul who eventually sealed the Truth with his own blood and was beheaded in Rome; Paul who gave it all away.

* Listen to this great song by Aaron Shust, Give it all away: "All of my plans, all of my dreams, I lay them down before your feet. All of time, all that was mine, I now submit to your design."

Faith Challenge: Be imitators of Christ - give it all away!

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: We All Have a Heart Condition.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action.
* Michael O'Brien: Reading Potter, Twilight, Pullman Series - "We become what we eat": "We generally tend to think of faith as a certain compartment of life, culture is another compartment. Almost all of us have been habituated into taking a dose of poison with our cultural diet, Thinking, well, we're baptized, we pray, we're good people, we wouldn't ever do those things that we are entertained by. But we become what we eat. That's a major area where we are being deceived."

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Carolyn McKissack (daughter Karen's health), Kathy Schwab (5 yr old Dalton cancer)

* KJB (Sue Morris improved health), Carol Nesbitt (for great niece Allison with pneumonia), Jamie Simpson (special intention)

Feast Day: Venerable Solanus Casey (1957). At the funeral Mass, Father Gerald, the provincial, said: "His was a life of service and love for people like me and you. When he was not himself sick, he nevertheless suffered with and for you that were sick. When he was not physically hungry, he hungered with people like you. He had a divine love for people. He loved people for what he could do for them —and for God, through them."

Faith Quote: "God could have established his Church under supervision of angels that have no faults or weaknesses. But who can doubt that as it stands today, consisting of and under the supervision of poor sinners—successors to the ‘poor fishermen of Galilee’; the Church is a more outstanding miracle than any other way?" Venerable Solanus Casey

Through Christ Our Lord,
Steve
Romans 12:2

Luke 15:1-2 (always more with God) by Kristi

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (archive, Facebook).

The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying,“This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Luke 15:1-2 (full readings)

Kristi's Reflections: I often think of how important it is for us to look closely at the way people reacted to Jesus in the Gospels and let it teach us something about our own actions. In today's reading, I was struck by the response of the people, especially the sinners' who were drawn to be near Him and hear His voice, while the more exterior looking 'righteous' ones let their complaints keep them from really seeing His love for them. I think it is intriguing the parable that Jesus chose to tell the Pharisees and scribes at this point... it's a parable of His unique, extravagant, intimate love that He has for each individual. God really LOVES US - more deeply and intimately than anyone else could love us. This is mind blowing satisfyingly good news! He is constantly searching our hearts to help us make room to receive His love more fully. In fact, it's the reason He made us - to share in His love! There is always more with God.

* Kristi McClintock grew up in Texas, and is now a Youth Conference Coordinator for the Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH.

Faith Challenge: Take a minute to read the Gospel parables today (full readings)...listen to Jesus tell you that He loves you this intimately.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action.

* UK Pro-Life Leader: "This is World War III"

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Carolyn McKissack (daughter Karen's health), Kathy Schwab (5 yr old Dalton cancer).

* Tracy Humphreys (neighbor's surgery today....to find spinal fluid leak), Carol Nesbitt (for great niece Allison with pneumonia)

Feast Day: St. Charles Borromeo. "Charles saw Christ in his neighbor and knew that charity done for the least of his flock was charity done for Christ."

Faith Quote: "Jesus wants me to tell you again, how much is the love He has for each one of you - beyond all that you can imagine. I worry some of you still have not really met Jesus - one to one - you and Jesus alone. We may spend time in chapel - but have you seen with the eyes of your soul how He looks at you with love? Do you really know the living Jesus - not from books, but from being with Him in your heart? Have you heard the loving words He speaks to you? Ask for the grace, He is longing to give it. Never give up this daily intimate contact with Jesus as a real living person - not just an idea." Mother Teresa (full letter)

Through Christ Our Lord,

Kristi

1 John 4:19

Luke 12:49,51 (Fire of Divine Love) by Jean Noon

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (archive, Facebook).

I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. Luke 12:49,51 (full readings)

Jean's Reflections:

* Jesus comes to purify my being with the fire of divine love. Through faith I am called not only to see and bear witness to injustice and evil but to “make space for grace.” Through willingness, I participate with the Holy Spirit to transform the natural, hostile reaction of my mind by awakening to the heart’s considered, creative response of mercy, compassion, and humility becoming God’s instrument in overcoming evil with good. I put on the mind of Christ when I acknowledge with my will what is written on my heart.

* Following Christ’s command to "not resist an evil person" (Matt 5:39), "overcome evil with good" (Rom 12:21), and "love enemy" (Matt 5:44) is quite a counter-intuitive response to the darkness found both outside and within myself. This call creates an understandable source of division not only among us in society but also within my own being. How can this be God’s Truth? God’s ways are inscrutable! But the disposition of the heart which willingly cooperates with grace to overcome evil with good sets a disciple of Christ apart from the world and produces the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22 worth memorizing!). The branch produces fruit when it abides in Him, the vine.

* The fire which Christ brings purifies the world of not only indifference and rebellion toward God, but also unwillingness to do God’s will which is to love neighbor and enemy, i.e., to see Jesus in each one as God sees Jesus when He looks at me. To accept God’s will -- to love God, neighbor, and enemy -- is to rest in the gentle yoke of Christ, the Prince of Peace.

* Jean Noon is a spiritual director/teacher in the Arlington Diocese of Northern VA. She and her Air Force-retired husband Tom have two grown sons.

Faith Challenge: Be willing to not only participate with the Holy Spirit to transform evil both within culture and within myself but do it with love, mercy, and compassion – as God does for me.

Counter-Culture News: 40 Days for Life (ends 31 Oct), LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action.

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Pat Castle (work to elect ProLife politicians), Carolyn McKissack (daughter Karen's health)

Feast Day: St. Hilarion

Faith Quote: "Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of a gift never given." Proverbs 25:14

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Through Christ Our Lord,

Jean

Luke 4:17-19

Luke 12:2 (Head in the Sand)

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (archive, Facebook).

There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Luke 12:2 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections:

* I attended a Life Teen Leadership Conference (youth ministry) in Houston, TX this past week. One of the speakers talked about leading the youth to a personal encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist and why so many teens' hands, hearts, and bodies are chained in concrete. Why won't they come to Jesus? His response was edifying: "The same tongues that we invite to praise the God of the universe took his name in vain on the drive over...The same feet that we invite to dance before the Lord carried them into the party where they got high the night before...The same hands that we are inviting to join all creation in praising their savior Jesus Christ were all over their girlfriend the night before." Wow...our Father in heaven invites us all into relationship with his son Jesus no matter our sin, no matter our failings, for it is Jesus that "makes all things new." Salvation is free and available for each of us if we but ask.

* Psalm 139:23-24 beautifully illustrates the futility of hiding from God, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way." Nothing escapes the eye of God. All our ways and our paths are known to Him. Yet we sheepishly put our head in the sand and hold onto our frailty in the darkness of our stony hearts. Why?

* Today's verse from Luke captures the inescapable reality that our merciful Father is desperately seeking after us with reckless abandon. Our Father in heaven desires to lavish His blessings upon us, His children. True freedom in Christ is possible, but we must first acknowledge our desperate need for the savior, Jesus. To do that we must face our sin. No one can come face to face with God without first facing themselves. No one can experience God and not be changed. Watch this modern day parable of the prodigal son and prepare to be changed...The Prodigal Son.

Faith Challenge: The Father is waiting...what are you waiting for?

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: St. Maximillian Kolbe. One of my favorite saints!

Counter-Culture News: 40 Days for Life (ends 31 Oct), LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action.
* Agreeing to Disagree is Not an Option when Lives are at Stake

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Sara Ragan (healing from the miscarriage of her baby), Kay Castle (Jesi cancer), Leslee Unruh (grandbaby Pierce post-surgery infection)

Feast Day: St. Teresa of Avila. Teresa knew well the continued presence and value of suffering (physical illness, opposition to reform, difficulties in prayer), but she grew to embrace suffering, even desire it: "Lord, either to suffer or to die."

Faith Quote: "Oh, my Lord! How true it is that whoever works for you is paid in troubles! And what a precious price to those who love you if we understand its value." ~ St. Teresa of Avila

Through Christ Our Lord,

Steve

Romans 12:2

Galatians 2:2 ("hey Dad, Phil 4:13!")

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (archive, Facebook).

I presented to them the Gospel that I preach to the Gentiles–but privately to those of repute–so that I might not be running, or have run, in vain. Galatians 2:2 (full readings)

Pat's Reflections:

* My dear wife Angi and I were blessed to race the Lewis & Clark half/full Marathon on Respect Life Sunday (St. Charles, MO). Lewis & Clark explored so citizens had freedom to live further west...we ran so Unborn citizens have the freedom to simply live! The LIFE Runners jersey, "REMEMBER The Unborn, Jer 1:5", gave voice to the voiceless Unborn who are not safe under the Silent Holocaust of abortion. We didn't "run in vain"...

* While waiting to cheer Angi to the finish line of the full marathon, daughter Grace brought me a leaf with a Monarch butterfly. The butterfly sat on my finger for about a minute and then flew gracefully away. The butterfly symbolizes metanoia (change of heart)...a great symbol of hope for our ProLife mission. In yesterday's devotion Rob challenged us to pray that abortionists have a metanoia. Let's also pray that we have a deeper metanoia for Christ's divine mercy, inspiring greater love/sacrifice for standing against the Silent Holocaust.

* Just a few miles from the finish line, Angi slowed to encourage a man who was getting sick..."do you need help? try to keep walking." After Angi told us her personal best finishing time (4:13:01), daughter Paige said, "hey Dad, Phil 4:13!"...possible because Angi slowed to present the Gospel. While running to the finish line, Angi raised her hand to God and shouted, "for the babies!"

* Need a Spiritual pick me up? Light Up the Sky song: "So I run straight into Your arms...Your love is rushing in!"

Faith Challenge: To support 40 Days for Life (ends 31 Oct), spend an hour of prayer in front of your local abortuary...presenting the Gospel. "Preach the gospel at all times...if necessary, use words." St. Francis of Assisi

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action.

* One Year Ago Today - The Miracle of Abby Johnson's Conversion. This article posted yesterday...check out yesterday's devotion by Rob Rysavy. Coincidence?, I think not!

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. Peters family (JP), Rich Reich (cousin Tom cancer), Leslee Unruh (grandbaby Pierce recovering from brain surgery & pneumonia), Rob Rysavy (AF Academy roommate Nick having back surgery)

* Beth Hughes (nephew died in swimming accident), Carol Nesbitt (special intention), Carolyn McKissack (daughter's health)

Feast Day: St. Bruno

Faith Quote: “In the cross of Jesus, the measure of Love is Love without measure.” St. John of the Cross

Through Christ our Lord,

Pat

Phil 4:13