Luke 12:15 (Rich for God)

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

"Then he said to the crowd, 'Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one's life does not consist of possessions.'" ~ Luke 12:15 (full readings)

Rich's Comments: In today's Gospel, we are warned about the pitfalls of greed; however, we are not told to avoid being rich. It is alright to be rich as long as we are rich in what matters to God. Materialism on the other hand, is a form of self-induced slavery, in which we have an uncontrollable attachment to material possessions. If you don't believe me, try removing the material clutter from your house and donating it to charity. The feeling you have afterwards is liberating. I find that material things just add to the complexity of my life and contribute unnecessary anxiety (e.g., things being broken, not working, lost, stolen, or turning obsolete by a newly released gadget on the market). Like Mother Theresa said, we need to simplify our lives ("Live simply so that others may simply live"). By removing materials from our life, we can focus more on what really matters, being rich for God. Only God can fill the God-size hole in our heart. Lord, may I always be eager for Your presence for only You can fulfill me. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Avoid the slavery of materialism by satisfying your desires with God.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life,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: While being martyred by being fed to lions, St. Ignatius of Antioch prayed that he would become the immaculate bread of Christ.

Faith Quote: "I am the wheat of God. Let me be ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of Christ." ~ St. Ignatius of Antioch

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 (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.

Psalm 57:2 (37th Anniversary of Roe v Wade)

Let's welcome God today by reflecting on this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (website, Facebook), 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

In the shadow of your wings I take refuge, till harm pass by. Psalm 57:2 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "This psalm evokes the image of God as a mother bird enveloping a young chick, not allowing the little innocent to be harmed by the harsh conditions outside the nest. This is our God, our Abba, who wants to be as close to us as a loving parent to a child. God, our shelter and protector, we are grateful for your vigilant watch over our lives and your desire to save us from distress." by David Nantais

Rich's comments: Today, on the 37th anniversary of Roe v Wade, I will be presenting a new ultrasound machine to A Woman's Answer Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida, which I hope and pray will save many lives. This ultrasound machine was purchased through 9 months of fundraising efforts of local Knights of Columbus councils. Ultrasound technology opens a window into the womb and dramatically shows the humanity of the unborn, even to the doubting eyes of those who may not have previously shared our regard for the sanctity of unborn human life. Lord, may we follow Your example as our loving, protective parent and defend the defenseless unborn. Amen.

Faith Challenges: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding a devotion to others or by using the Facebook Group "invite people to join" link to invite your friends. Steve, Rich, or Pat will gladly add others to the email list.

* NEW: Take a moment of silence today out of your busy schedule to pray for the 52 million unborn babies who have been murdered in the US since the legalization of abortion on January 22, 1973.

* NEW: Please read Sr. Francelle's devotion (Ordinary Life) to learn how a life with Jesus is never ordinary.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, Vatican, American Family Association, Priests for Life

* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images), #1 cause of death in America (23% of pregnancies). Let's courageously share ProLife Truth to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace, rebuilding a Culture of Life for setting the unborn (and parents) free!

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, politicians, illnesses/injuries, jobs, natural disasters, refugees, addictions, persecuted believers, Peters family (JP, Rebekah), Health care reform (protect the unborn), Haitian earthquake victims, James Ramesbothom (peace for his dying Grandma), Chris Wyckoff (for family during his deployment)

Feast Day of St. Vincent: St. Vincent remained faithful to God throughout his torture and suffering, trusting in God's protection.

Faith Quote: "America needs no words from me to see how your decision in Roe v. Wade has deformed a great nation. The so-called right to abortion has pitted mothers against their children and women against men. It has sown violence and discord at the heart of the most intimate human relationships. It has aggravated the derogation of the father's role in an increasingly fatherless society. It has portrayed the greatest of gifts -- a child -- as a competitor, an intrusion, and an inconvenience. It has nominally accorded mothers unfettered dominion over the independent lives of their physically dependent sons and daughters. And, in granting this unconscionable power, it has exposed many women to unjust and selfish demands from their husbands or other sexual partners. Human rights are not a privilege conferred by government. They are every human being's entitlement by virtue of his humanity. The right to life does not depend, and must not be declared to be contingent, on the pleasure of anyone else, not even a parent or a sovereign." - Mother Teresa

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, pornography, bitterness, criticalness, 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).

2 Cor 9:10 (generosity)

Let's welcome God every morning before work by giving a few minutes to read this 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

The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 2 Cor 9:10

Living Faith snippets: "The volunteers themselves, however, were facing hunger; they had no seed to plant after years of drought and flood. I was taken aback by the combination of spiritual wealth and material poverty. And I was emphatically reminded that we're asked to care for our neighbor both body and soul, as these people had done and as they now needed done for them. Lord, plant and multiply the seed of generosity in me." by Mary Marrocco

Rich's comments: We are called to be generous and give our time, talent, and treasure. However, in giving of ourselves to serve others, we need to be conscious of our own spiritual hunger. In reading a book on the life of Mother Teresa called A Simple Path, I learned that Mother Teresa had to frequently retreat to the chapel and pray to God to spiritually refuel before she could continue her work of service. All too often, those who feel passionate about serving others can easily burn out if they do not continue to be spiritually fed. Lord, energize me with Your Holy Spirit and give me the strength and endurance to do Your Will. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Let's challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News.
* NEW: Remember that you need to receive in order to give; therefore, continue to pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of us your faithful, enkindle in us the fire of Your love.

Send forth Your spirit and we shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth.

Oh God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit instructs the hearts of the faithful, grant that by that same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation.

Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, American Family Association, Priests for Life

* Let's never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images)...#1 cause of death in America. Let's courageously share ProLife Truth (John 14:6) to create social tension for exposing abortion's unjust peace...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16) and setting the unborn free!

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, addictions.

Faith Quote: "Our life of poverty is as necessary as the work itself. Only in heaven will we see how much we owe to the poor for helping us to love God better because of them." - Mother Teresa

Through Christ our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* 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 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.
Let's joyfully invite others to join our LIFE Group...Rich or Pat will gladly add them to the devotions distribution list (Mark 16:15)!

Matthew 1:1 (family acceptance, Bible, "Merry Christmas")

Welcome God every morning before your work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith (livingfaith.com). All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Matthew 1:1

Living Faith snippets: "Jesus embraced humanity. Mysteriously, the word became flesh and accepted all that came with it, out of love. What about my family tree and all its baggage? Sometimes I find myself wanting to run from it, excising all of that messiness that courses through my veins. I can't do that, though. Sure, I'm not fated to anything. I can be transformed, I can take a different turn in the road. But total rejection? Not possible. It's all part of who I am. With God's help I can discern, move forward and even accept. Out of love-I can accept. Jesus, teach me through my own family tree." by Amy Welborn

LIFE Group nuggets:

* I noticed this AF slogan yesterday, "Anytime/Anywhere." Sounds like a slogan for our awesome God! Also, here are snippets from an article (link) that compliments Tracy's video (below): "So far, ten of the billboards have been erected in Ohio...that say "I miss hearing you say Merry Christmas" and "It's OK to say Merry Christmas." Both billboards are signed "Jesus.""

* Tracy Humphreys shared this upbeat and humorous 4 min music video (link) about saying "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays."

* Chad Livingston shared this challenging thought from Rob Bell. "First, the scripture always bends towards the oppressed and the marginalized. Beginning in the Torah—take care of the widow, the orphan, the stranger among you. And it continues, no room in the inn, they follow Jesus because they are hungry. The story always goes towards the underside of the Empire. I think it is sometimes hard for the American church to understand the Bible because we are the Empire. We are the ones in power, the ones with wealth. There are six billion people in the world, three billion live on less than $2 dollars a day, 800 million people will not eat today, and 300 million in Africa alone do not have drinking water. We are the upper, upper, rich elite. So we have to first ask the question—how can we take all this wealth and give it away? All the technology and beautiful parts of capitalism and bless the world and the poor—or else we're in deep trouble." (full interview link)

God sightings: Share ways we have encountered God in our lives (miracles!).

* Kathy Castle shared: "Joe was born on September 25, 1966 after a miscarriage. The dr. told me I would never have children, which of course makes the rest of you all miracles! BIG SMILE."

* "The Bible: God may cause a portion of Scripture to jump off the page for you while you're reading it. He may make you aware of how it applies to your life right then and use it to lead you in a particular way. The Bible is...the standard by which you should check everything else you think God may be saying to you. Be sure to keep the context and original intent of Scripture passages in mind." author unknown

Jesus' Christmas list: This is how we give Jesus a Christmas (birthday) gift..."whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matt 25:40). The true meaning of Christmas is to share our gifts (time, talent, treasure, faith, hope, love) with those lacking in "daily bread" and love. Who is in dire need of our Christmas gifts?

ProLife news: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ & http://www.priestsforlife.org/

* NEW: Last week an Academy officer was rightfully given a medal of courage for keeping an injured motorist alive until the medics arrived. Perhaps someday we will courageously love a mother who is considering an abortion (listening, resources, praying, etc)...keeping the baby alive until the Holy Spirit is able to penetrate the mother's heart (metanoia) and save the baby's life.

* Let's pray for courage to communicate the ProLife message through Christ to those around us (John 14:6)...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16).

Our Prayers: Prayer to End Abortion, chastity, our enemies, our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, loss of loved ones, lack of faith, illnesses/injuries, Kathy Ayers brain surgery, Mike Castle (Rachelle/Isaac, eye infection), Jason Peters (health of son JP), Carolyn McKissack (Bailee with Crohn's)

* NEW: Joe Levisky (medical issues), Rob Ouellette (Bob, Joanne)

Faith Quote: Stephanie Spader shared. "Do not think that love, in order to be genuine, has to be extraordinary." by Mother Teresa

Through Christ for ProLife,
Pat
Phil 4:13

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml. Reflection on readings at http://www.daily-meditations.org/index2.html

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson lyrics, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him.'

* Fasting: Let's fast from things that takes our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, judgment, 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 lie as you wish' Blessed Mother Teresa.

* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead 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.

Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Psalm 25:9 (God sightings)

Welcome God every morning before your work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith (livingfaith.com). All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

He guides the humble to justice, He teaches the humble His way. Psalm 25:9

Living Faith snippets: "I'm reluctant to say, or even think, that God speaks to me. But there have been times when a voice that does not sound like my own does speak. Dear Lord, teach me your ways." by Aileen O'Donoghue (physics teacher at St. Lawrence University, author of "The Sky Is Not a Ceiling: An Astronomer's Faith")

God sightings: Today's snippets (above and below) inspired me to start this new thread for us to share our "God sightings" and share ways for us to encounter God acting in our lives.

Pastor Don's devotion: Read his devotion titled "Advent miracles" at http://pastordonbird.blogspot.com/. A few snippets: "I am reminded this week of the greatness of our God and the miraculous way He enters into our lives. My prayer is that through this Advent season, each of us is able to experience a miracle. For some it may be one of incredible magnitude that changes our lives drastically. For others it may be in a simple encounter that alters our perspective and catches a glimpse of the holy in our lives. And still for others it may be in the ordinary routine of life as we look deeper into the hearts of those we surround ourselves with everyday. This is a season of miracles - not just on 34th Street...but in the paved roads and dirt roads of our lives. May the Miracle of the World reveal Himself to you this Christmas season!"

Jesus' Christmas list: This is how we give Jesus a Christmas (birthday) gift..."whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matt 25:40). The true meaning of Christmas is to share our gifts (time, talent, treasure, faith, hope, love) with those lacking in "daily bread" and love. Who is in dire need of our Christmas gifts?

* (NEW) Scott Casmer shared: "There is a subdivision of the [C. Springs] Catholic Charities called "Life Connections" that does all the things this group is about [click here]. Making donations is nearly painless. On the following link, they show how $1000 donation ends up costing the donator only $187. I plan to donate this week. Others may want to consider it. [click here]."
* (NEW) My family received this wonderful Christmas gift from Rich & Erica Reich. "In your honor, a gift has been made to Heifer International to help struggling people around the world become self-reliant for food and income. May this gift bring you joy as it brings hope to families in need (a sheep, three rabbits, a flock of chicks, and a hive of honeybees)."

ProLife news: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ & http://www.priestsforlife.org/

* Let's pray for courage to communicate the ProLife message through Christ to those around us (John 14:6)...rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16).

Our Prayers: Prayer to End Abortion, chastity, our enemies, our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, loss of loved ones, lack of faith, illnesses/injuries, John Peak (parent's health & his deployment), Rich Reich (Grandma with health problems), Pat Castle (Kathy Ayers recovering from brain surgery, Mike Castle eye infection), Liz Curry (friend Bill recovering from heart surgery)

* NEW: Jason Peters (health of son JP, http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jppeters), Carolyn McKissack (granddaughter Bailee with Crohn's), Rob Ouellette (Sally, Jim, Kevin, Joe, Carla & two Mary's)

Faith quote: Angi Castle shared this quote. "We should not live in the clouds, on a superficial level. We should dedicate ourselves to understanding our brothers and sisters." Mother Theresa

Through Christ for ProLife,
Pat

Phil 4:13

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml. Reflection on readings at http://www.daily-meditations.org/index2.html

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson lyrics, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him.'

* Fasting: Let's fast from things that takes our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, judgment, 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 lie as you wish' Blessed Mother Teresa.

* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead 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.

Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Psalm 146:7-8 (seeing Christ in others)

Welcome God every morning before your work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith (livingfaith.com). All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

The Lord secures justice for the oppressed, gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets captives free; The Lord gives sight to the blind. Psalm 146:7-8

Living Faith snippets: "What you do to them [the poor], you do to God. The way you look at them is the way you look at God." by Archbishop Oscar Romero

Rich's comments: Mother Teresa said, "How can you love God whom you do not see, if you do not love your neighbor whom you see, whom you touch, with whom you live?" Mother Teresa said that the key to loving others is prayer. This makes sense, because prayer brings us closer to God, and it is difficult to see God in others if you don't know God. Opening our hearts to God removes the filters from our eyes allowing us to see Him in our neighbors. Lord, we pray that we receive the grace to see Your presence in others, for we are all one body in You. Amen.

ProLife news: http://www.lifesitenews.com/

Our Prayers: Prayer to End Abortion, chastity, our enemies, our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, loss of loved ones, lack of faith, Joe Castle (medical concern), Joe Hourigan (special intention)
* NEW: family of William James Hopkins (7-year old), who died Nov 11th from leukemia
* Let's pray for courage to build relationships and talk about ProLife. Let's pray that We The People of America (beacon on the hill) will shine Christ's Light and build a culture of Life.

Feast Day: St. Frances Xavier Cabrini was the first American citizen to become canonized as a saint. She founded schools, hospitals, and orphanages in the U.S. and saw them flourish in the aid of Italian immigrants and children. (http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=278)

Faith Quote: "Keep your heart pure. A pure heart is necessary to see God in each other. If you see God in each other, there is love for each other, then there is peace." by Mother Teresa

Through Christ Our Lord,
Rich
Romans 12:12

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml. Reflection on readings at http://www.daily-meditations.org/index2.html
* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson lyrics, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him.'
* Fasting: Let's fast from things that takes our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, judgment, 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 lie as you wish' Blessed Mother Teresa.
* Evangelization: Let's make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead 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.
Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Luke 14:13-14 (freedom in giving)

Welcome God every morning before your work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith (livingfaith.com). All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

When you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. Luke 14:13-14

Living Faith snippets: "Jesus very clearly states the importance of caring for people who will not be able to pay us back. Very simply, once you let go of measuring what you've given or received, you become truly free, like Jesus, to do what is generous and loving for its own sake." by Fr. James Krings

Rich's comments: When we reach out and give to others, it is difficult to not seek notice and praise. Our hearts become motivated by the praise we will be getting, not by the pure joy of opening to the needs of another. Mother Teresa once said, "The success of love is in the loving - it is not in the result of loving." Even in giving, we can become locked in a prison of our own self-interest. The only way to break out of this prison is to reach out and give without regard for the response we may receive.

* Each day until the election let's say this novena prayer together: www.priestsforlife.org/novenas/election-day-novena.aspx.

Our Prayers: Abortion's end Prayer to End Abortion, chastity, our enemies, our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer cure, prisoners, leaders integrity, loss of loved ones, lack of faith, Rob (St. Patrick's parish prayer list), Tina Castle (Jason Peter's son).

* Lets pray for a change of heart for all Pro-Death candidates. Let's pray for courage to let Christ lead our vote and to publicly talk about ProLife. As part of our election prayer each day, let's fast from something that takes our eyes off of Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, judgment, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and/or take on something that fixes our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).

* Wed night is pray with your family night...the family that prays together, stays together!

Feast Day: We remember today St. Martin de Porres, Patron of Social Justice.

http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.

Faith Quote: "There is a realm of time where the goal is not to have but to be, not to own but to give, not to control, but to share." - Abraham Joshua Heschel

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml. Reflection on readings at http://www.daily-meditations.org/index2.html
* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson lyrics, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him.'
* 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 lie as you wish' Blessed Mother Teresa.
* Evangelization: Let's make room for non-believers (be a friend, make a friend, lead 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.
Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Galatians 5:6 (God desires our love)

* Welcome God every morning before your work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith (livingfaith.com). All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

For in Christ Jesus, [what] counts ... [is] faith working through love. Galatians 5:6

Living Faith snippets: "What is it that God desires from us? God wants our love. God desires, not so much our sacrifices and external signs, God wants our hearts." by Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti

Rich's comments: What could the creator of the universe possibly want? Everything that we have belongs to Him; all of our possessions, our talents, our treasures, our lives. All of it belongs to God, and are gifts from God. The only gift that we can offer God is our love, because He can't make us love Him; that would not be true love. "Offering anything other than our love is like showing a candle to the sun." (Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi )

40 Days for Life campaign (24 Sep to 2 Nov): Campaigns in 179 cities in 47 states (24/7 for 40 days). Please sign up to pray an hour in front your local abortion mill.
* Updates from the national director, David Bereit, at http://www.40daysforlife.com/.

* ProLife news: http://www.lifenews.com/

Our Prayers: Abortion's end, chastity, our enemies, our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer cure, prisoners, leaders integrity, loss of loved ones, lack of faith

* Wednesday is "pray with your family night" (Rosary, Bible reading, etc)...the family that prays together (even if geographically separate), stays together.

Feast Day: Read about St. Callistus I here.

Faith Quote: "There is always the danger that we may just do the work for the sake of the work. This is where the respect and the love and the devotion come in - that we do it to God, to Christ, and that's why we try to do it as beautifully as possible." by Mother Teresa

Through Christ Our Lord,
Rich
Romans 12:12

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml. Reflection on readings at http://www.daily-meditations.org/index2.html
* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson lyrics, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” 'If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him.'
* 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 lie as you wish' Blessed Mother Teresa. Prayer to End Abortion.
* Evangelization: Let's make room for non-believers (be a friend, make a friend, lead 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.
Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Luke 6:32 (love begins at home)

* Welcome God every morning before work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith (livingfaith.com). All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Luke 6:32

Living Faith snippets: "We can easily think of people who don't love us: strangers on the street; people we work with; those we encounter briefly and casually in the course of our day; neighbors next door or across the street; and, most tellingly, the people with whom we share a home and sometimes don't act like they love us, even spouses and children. Jesus makes it plain that the only place you can find him is in the real world among all those people who don't actually qualify as enemies but who, we know darn well, do not love us." by Mitch Finley

Rich's comments: Mother Teresa said in her Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in 1979, "Love begins at home." Please read Mother Teresa's entire speech at http://www.catholiceducation.org/articles/social_justice/sj0004.html. I believe that you don't have to travel far to serve God's mission. It begins in your very own home. What if everyone in the world today decided to go home and love their family, and then went to their neighbors to share God's love? I like to imagine that it would be similar to a rippling effect of droplets on the surface of water that would spread across the world; an all-consuming, shockwave of love. It has to begin with our families though; the primary unit of our society. Lord, help us to love as You love us. Amen.

ProLife news: http://www.lifenews.com/.

* 40 Days for Life campaign (24 Sep to 2 Nov): Sign up for updates at http://www.40daysforlife.com/about.cfm.

Our Prayers: Abortion, chastity, our enemies/our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer, prisoners, integrity of our leaders, Robert Cox (discerning his career path), Mike Castle (for grandson Isaac and his caregivers), strength to live the virtue of chastity

Faith Quote: "I want you to find the poor here, right in your own home first. And begin love there. Be that good news to your own people." by Mother Teresa

Through Christ Our Lord,

Rich

Romans 12:12

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml. Reflection on readings at http://www.daily-meditations.org/index2.html
* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson lyrics, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” "If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him."
* 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 lie as you wish' Blessed Mother Teresa. Prayer to End Abortion. Ask Blessed Margaret of Castello for her prayers to end abortion.
* Evangelization: Let's make room for non-believers (be a friend, make a friend, lead 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.
Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!

Matt 17:24-25 (running with God)

* Welcome God every morning before work by taking ~5 min to read this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (life-devotions.blogspot.com), which has snippets from Living Faith (livingfaith.com). All whatsoever you do in word or in work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col. 3:17

When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax approached Peter and said, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?" "Yes," he said. Matt 17:24-25

Living Faith snippets: "St. Thomas Aquinas defends private ownership as an effective means to serve individuals and the community. A society organized solely around getting more wealth would leave nothing for the common good. Jesus confronts the political and religious authorities in striking ways. He reminds us how to live together amidst these differences. "But that we may not offend them" urges civility, not compromise or conformity. God, help us to rebuild our fractured communities." by Jeanne Schuler

Pat nuggets:
* New Christians (Baptism, Amen!): Luke Hansens

* My dear wife, Angi, brought it to my attention that the American hopeful for winning the Olympic Marathon, Ryan Hall, is a devout Christian. Watch his inspiring testimony video (8 min) at http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=e593f8eba239bada1a0c. His faith has provided him the freedom "to run with a heart full of passion and love for God." "If I can praise God with all my body, mind, and soul, then I will walk away from the finish line satisfied." Running is yet another platform to celebrate life, meet God, praise God, and spread the Good News!

* Kathy-jo Peterson shared this: "Maria died Sunday night..I made this [see link] for her family with a designer friend http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/kaje62/MariaCollage_8x10low.jpg?t=1218172316

ProLife news: http://www.lifenews.com/.

Feast Day (St. Claire): "Saint Clare of Assisi (July 16, 1194 – August 11, 1253) was one of the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi. She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition. Following her death, the order was renamed as the Order of Saint Clare, commonly referred to as the Poor Clares." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clare_of_Assisi

* If you ever travel to Italy, be sure to visit the town of Assisi!

Our Prayers: Abortion, chastity, our enemies/our troops, natural disasters, depression/ despair, dementia, cancer, prisoners, Liz Curry (Drew, 2 yr old, kidney tumor surgery recovery), Deb Kayser (rotator cuff and hand surgeries), Jomary Chenet (daughter Jolie recovering from surgery)

* New: Ross and Kacie Paulick (discerning God's direction for their lives)

* Kay Castle shared the Serenity Prayer: "God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change. Courage to change the things I can. And the Wisdom to know the difference."

Faith Quotes:
* Dani Pavelk shared this Mother Teresa quote: "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."

* Joel Cain shared this verse in our department Chemists For Christ (CFC) Bible study announcement email: "Taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:5b

Through Christ Our Lord,
Pat
Phil 4:13

* Today's Bible readings at www.usccb.org/nab/today.shtml. Reflection on readings at http://www.daily-meditations.org/index2.html
* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God's will & His miracles, thereby changing us & helping others. Wayne Watson lyrics, “When God's people pray, there is hope reborn, there is sin forgiven, and miracles you can't explain await!” "If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead & see Him."
* 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. Prayer to End Abortion. Ask Blessed Margaret of Castello for her prayers to end abortion.
* Evangelization: Let's make room for non-believers (be a friend, make a friend, lead 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.
Let's joyfully live out the Good News and gladly tell others about it (Mark 16:15)!