Luke 4:28 (Off the Cliff)

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

"When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury." Luke 4:28 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: In today's Gospel, Jesus unfavorably compared the people of His hometown with foreigners in order to call them to repentance. Jesus told the people of Nazareth that, although many Jewish widows needed financial help during a three-and-a-half year famine brought on by the prophet Elijah, none of the Jewish widows were helped. Instead, a foreign widow from Zarephath received Elijah's aid (Lk 4:25-26). Instead of repenting, Christ's people refused the calling and tried to throw Jesus over a cliff (Lk 4:29-30). When the Lord blesses someone else, do you feel neglected by God? Instead of throwing Jesus over the cliff, we should throw away our pride. Pride is keeping us from repenting and experiencing true spiritual growth this Lent. Lord, remove pride from my heart so that I may repent. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Thank God when others are being blessed in ways that you are not. This is a call for you to repent.

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

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion. LIFE Runners Creed & 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. Fina

Faith Quote: "Repentance lifts a man up. Mourning knocks at heaven's gate. Holy humility opens it." ~ John Climacus

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.

Luke 11:29 (Don't Miss the Sign)

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

"While still more people gathered in the crowd, He said to them, 'This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah.'" ~ Luke 11:29 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: The "sign of Jonah" that Jesus refers to in the Gospel today is the preaching of the need for repentance by a prophet who comes from afar. Jonah was a foreigner to the Ninevites, yet he became a sign to them. The wicked city of Nineveh listened to his message of doom and repented immediately, showing that even the worst sinners are capable of unimaginable repentance. With Jesus, "there is something greater than Jonah here" Luke 11:32. There is no need to demand any other signs or prophets. Jesus alone is our ultimate sign, because He is God. However, sin can blind us so that we do not see God. Without repentance, we can miss the sign and miss the opportunity to change our lives. Lord, give me the strength to repent of my sins so that I may have faith in You. Amen.

Faith Challenge: Don't miss the sign. Provide clarity in your life by repenting of your sins today.

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: St. Francis Borgia

Faith Quote: "Weave in faith and God will find the thread." ~ unknown author

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.

Hosea 14:10 (Come back to Me)

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

"Let him who is wise understand these things; let him who is prudent know them. Straight are the paths of the LORD, in them the just walk, but sinners stumble in them." Hosea 14:10 (full readings)

Steve's Reflections: The first reading from Hosea begins with these words, "Return, O Israel, to the LORD, your God..." God is desperately crying out to a rebellious nation to come back to him. The mighty nation of Israel had become divided between two kingdoms with two kings. God's wrath would come soon, but he sent the prophet Hosea to give his people one more chance. Hosea would appeal to seven different kings in his life, but the first would hold the greatest sin. King Jeroboam knowingly turned from the will of God and reintroduced idol worship to his people even though he knew God's plan to unify the kingdom. He ultimately placed his own desires above God's desires. His rebellious attitude (knowing what is right but doing something evil) would have terrible consequences. Has God ever asked you to do something difficult? God asked Hosea to marry a prostitute, Gomer, so that he would become a living example to all of Israel of their unfaithfulness to him. Hosea's pain became his ammunition as he cried out to the people to return to God. Hosea would be the last prophet before the destruction of Israel by the Assyrians - 10 of the 12 tribes of Israel would be scattered and lost. Little has changed in 3000 years - we are still rebelling and turning away from the will of God. We know what is right, but we follow our own paths. Today's verse speaks of this stumbling block for sinners. Encountering God's love ultimately changes our entire paradigm. Where we once lived for ourselves we now live for God. In what way has rebelliousness interfered with God's will in your life? How are you still living for yourself and not for God? Listen to this beautiful classic taken from the book of Hosea, Come back to me.

Faith Challenge: God is calling out for you to return to him this Lent - turn back to him with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your soul.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: The Sorrows of Mary "Since Mary was the Mother of God, it would seem that she would have no sorrows. This is not true at all. Mary suffered all of the sorrows of Jesus because she was His mother - just as any mother suffers when she knows her child suffers."

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action 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. Hugh of Grenoble (d. 1132) "Today’s saint could be a patron for those of us who feel so overwhelmed by all the problems in the world that we don’t know where to begin."

Faith Quote: "Long have I waited for you coming home to me..." Lyrics, Hosea (Come Back to Me)

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.

Tobit 2:1 ("Better Late Than Never")

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

"On our festival of Pentecost, the feast of Weeks, a fine dinner was prepared for me, and I reclined to eat." Tobit 2:1 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: From One Bread One Body: "Today's first reading mentions the feast of Pentecost. In two days, the season of Lent begins, followed by the fifty-day Easter season, which culminates in Pentecost, the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church. Possibly your Pentecost celebration last year left something to be desired. Tobit had a similar problem. When Tobit celebrated Pentecost, he lived in exile. Tobit's Pentecost meal was interrupted when he found the body of a strangled, murdered man and hid him in his house so that he could bury him in secret after nightfall (Tb 2:3-4). Under these conditions, Tobit's Pentecost was turned into mourning (Tb 2:6). He ate his food in sorrow and wept (Tb 2:5,7). Then things got worse, as Tobit was blinded in a freak accident (Tb 2:10). Your Pentecost was probably not as bad as Tobit's, but was it very good? Were you filled with the Holy Spirit? Have you led or even tried to lead many others to a saving love for Jesus? If not, start preparing now for a new Pentecost. This Wednesday is the beginning of Lent. Repent in ashes, and fast as Jesus fasted. Renew your baptismal promises as the Church did on Easter Sunday. "Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). Pentecost does not have to be lost; we can do it over. Come, Holy Spirit!"

Faith Challenge: Allow Lent to open your heart more fully to the Holy Spirit.

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

* Former abortionist now head of one of the largest pro-life medical practices in the U.S.

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: Saints Perpetua and Felicity. Despite pressure from her own father, St. Perpetua remained firm in her faith. St. Perpetua, St. Felicity and their three companions were joined in martyrdom by the Christian who had converted them.

Faith Quote: “The future starts today, not tomorrow.” ~ Pope John Paul II

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.

Mark 4:21-22 (Beautiful Junk) by Todd Church

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

"Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a bushel basket or under a bed, and not to be placed on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden except to be made visible; nothing is secret except to come to light…." Mark 4:21-22 (full readings)

Todd's Reflections: Last Sunday night we had our first Life Night (Catholic Youth Ministry Program) at our parish. The theme for the night was ‘Junkyard Wars’, and the kids were asked to build something recognizable from tables full of junk. It was amazing what they were able to do with a little creativity and some duct tape! What is hidden is often unrecognizable until it is brought out into the open, where it can be cultivated into what Jesus has in mind for us – to be the light of Christ in this world. The prophet Jeremiah tells us that God has plans for our welfare, not woe (Jer 29:11). The pieces of our lives that are woeful are often like those piles of junk: unrecognizable, incomprehensible or unbearable. By examining them more closely and using the grace God gives us, we can find out where they fit into His plan for us. Then we will become the lamp that shines brightly, so that what was hidden will be made visible.

* Todd Church, his wife Ann, and their two sons John and David live in Grants, New Mexico. Ann is an NFP only Obstetrician/Gynecologist. Todd is in deacon formation and serves in youth/music ministry in his parish.

Faith Challenge: Place your "beautiful junk" before the Lord today and see what amazing things He can do with it. Take courage and be like the lamp set upon the hill for all to see.

Counter-Culture News: LSN, Vatican, AFA, Priests for Life, Live Action
* Check out this solidly pro-life publication/website recently acquired by EWTN - National Catholic Register.

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. Angela Merici (d. 1540) "Angela has the double distinction of founding the first teaching congregation of women in the Church and what is now called a “secular institute” of religious women."

Faith Quote: "Preach the Gospel always; if necessary, use words." ~ St. Francis of Assisi
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Through Christ Our Lord,

Todd

Matt. 19:13-15

* 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 2:22 (fresh wineskins)

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

"No one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins are ruined. Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins." Mark 2:22 (full readings)

Rich's Reflections: This past Christmas season, I bought a new Knights of Columbus "Keep Christ in Christmas" magnet to display on the back of my truck. Instead of just slapping it on the back of my tailgate, I decided to wash the dirt from my truck to make sure that the magnet would stick well and not scratch my vehicle. This might be a poor analogy to the parable in today's Gospel, but it makes me think about how we have to prepare ourselves to accept the Holy Spirit. A person with unrepented sins will be unable to take hold of the Holy Spirit. They may actually feel that they are being guided by the Holy Spirit, but are actually being strayed from the path of righteousness by their own sin. Confession will open our eyes and ears to the Holy Spirit. Honestly reflect on your obedience to God and adherence to His commandments by performing an examination of conscience. Repent of your sins and prepare yourself to receive the Holy Spirit for only fresh wineskins can accept new wine. O Lord, grant me light to see myself as You see me, and the grace to be truly and effectively sorry for my sins. O Mary, help me to make a good confession. Amen.

Faith Challenge: I challenge myself and you to go to confession this week so that you may be renewed and take hold of the Holy Spirit.

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

* ‘The tiniest babies’: survival of babies born weighing less than 400g on the increase

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). View, add, update Prayers on our website. Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: St. Anthony

Faith Quote: "Attribute to God every good that you have received. If you take credit for something that does not belong to you, you will be guilty of theft." -St Anthony

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.

Matthew 11:11 (Circle of Blessing) by Jean

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

"…there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” Matthew 11:11 (full readings)

Jean's Reflections: In the circle of blessing and reconciliation which God initiates, John baptized with water those who were willing to acknowledge their own darkness. So often, though, repentance and wanting forgiveness from God is not accompanied by wanting to do God’s will, or having inner freedom to do God’s will -- to love neighbor. The Pharisees “did the right thing” in all the externals – often out of duty rather than love – and showed that their hearts had not been transformed. They neglected the greater part of the law: mercy for those in darkness. They were unwilling to bear another’s burdens as God who daily bears our burdens for us. The kingdom of heaven comes to fulfillment through Jesus Christ who baptizes by fire and the Holy Spirit, who gives freedom from “having to” follow the law as slaves so that we have freedom for “wanting to” follow the law as lovers. Jesus’ mission is to bring good news, that is, forgiveness, mercy, and compassion to those who walk in darkness so that they, too, may participate in the circle of blessing and offer forgiveness, mercy, and compassion to their neighbors who are sinners all. Until I see myself as one who walks in darkness and has received liberation and forgiveness from God I will have a difficult time sharing in his mission with my whole heart. Mercy and forgiveness of those who have trespassed against me is my way of showing that God’s mercy and forgiveness of me has changed my heart. When I witness myself bringing good news to the poor, the captive, the blind, the stranger, the sick, and the prisoner, I recognize that I have stepped into the circle of mercy sharing in the life of God. When all men are willing to acknowledge their own darkness and, through their changed hearts, forgive their enemies the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb…there shall be no harm or ruin…and the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the lord (from last Sunday’s first reading).

Faith Challenge: Be aware of whether the choices I make from my “gut” or emotions are in line with God’s will that I love my neighbor as God does.

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

Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). View, add, update Prayers on our website. Let’s pray now.

Feast Day: St. Juan Diego "Similar to ancient biblical personages who were collective representations of all the people, we could say that Juan Diego represents all the indigenous peoples who accepted the Gospel of Jesus, thanks to the maternal aid of Mary, who is always inseparable from the manifestation of her Son and the spread of the Church, as was her presence among the Apostles on the day of Pentecost” (Pope John Paul II, beatification homily).

Faith Quote: "Don't lose any opportunity, however small, of being gentle toward everyone. Don't rely on your own efforts to succeed in your various undertakings, but only God's help. Then rest in God's care of you, confident that God will do what is best for you, provided that you, for your part, work diligently but gently. I say 'gently' because a tense diligence is harmful both to our heart and to our task and is not really diligence, but rather over eagerness and anxiety.... I recommend you to God's mercy. I beg God, through that same mercy, to fill you with God's love." ~ St Francis de Sales

Through Christ Our Lord,
Jean Noon
Luke 4:17-19

* 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.

Matthew 26:21-22 ('Yes, It Is.')

Let's welcome God today with this Living In Faith Exchange (LIFE) Group devotion (archive, Facebook), based on Living Faith. Prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not merely hearers. James 1:22

And while they were eating, [Jesus] said, "Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me." Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, "Surely it is not I, Lord?" Matthew 26:21-22 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "As it turned out, of course, almost all of Jesus' disciples betrayed him, at least in the sense that they ran away and left him to his cruel fate. Judas did the dirty work in the most direct sense, yes. But when those who felt threatened by Jesus came for him, the men who were Jesus' closest companions turned tail and ran like startled rabbits. So when each one asked, "Surely it is not I, Lord?" Jesus could have said, "Yes, it is." So it went with Jesus' disciples, and so it goes with us as well. We may not betray Jesus in big, noticeable ways. But we do betray him in smaller, personal ways whenever we fail to live up to what Christian discipleship requires of us in our own time and place." by Mitch Finley

Rich's comments: Peter and Judas both betrayed Jesus, but they chose different ways to reconcile themselves. Peter was sorry for his sins and continued to be a follower of Christ becoming the foundation of the Christian Church. Judas on the other hand was sorry for what he had done ("I have sinned in betraying innocent blood." Matthew 27:4), but instead of choosing Jesus (eternal life), he chose death (suicide). As with Jesus' disciples, we too have betrayed Him. It is not a question of whether we will betray Jesus (fail to live as a disciple of Christ), but what we do as a result of our sins. This Easter, choose Christ, for He has already chosen you.

Faith Challenges: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding devotions or using the Facebook "invite people" link.

* NEW: In what ways have you betrayed Jesus? How do you show Jesus that you are sorry? Please consider sharing your devotion thoughts on the Facebook page, to be appreciated by many.

* NEW: Read Sr. Francelle's devotion that outlines the richness of Holy Week (Easter Joy).

Counter-Culture News: 40 Days for Life, 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 expose abortion's unjust peace, rebuilding a Culture of Life for setting the unborn (and parents) free!

* NEW: March 31 Marks Fifth Annual National Memorial for 'Terri’s Day'

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together, and close to God (footnotes). Peters family (JP), Prayer to end abortion, Stephanie Kemp (special intention), Pat Castle (Uncle Jim Castle with blood clots).

Faith Quote: "Let us celebrate the feast not with the old yeast, that of corruption and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth" (1 Cor 5:8).

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).

Joel 2: 13-14 (LENT)

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

For gracious merciful is [the Lord], slow to anger, rich in kindness, and relenting in punishment. Perhaps he will again relent... Joel 2: 13-14 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "'Perhaps' God will relent: Is it a lack of faith to suggest that God might actually punish us, or, on the other, is it presumptuous to say that God would never punish us, no matter how richly we deserved it?" by Mark Neilsen

Steve's Thoughts: This question posed by our author resonated with me this morning as we begin our 40 day Lenten journey together. Do I presume that God will have no recourse for my sins? Yes, I am forgiven, but as a parent I have learned that even when my children disobey me and I forgive them there are still consequences (punishment) for their poor choices. I do so because I love them. Father, thank you for drawing close to me and disciplining me in your love - for we know that those you love you also reprove. Lord, I have sinned. Set me free to love and serve both you and my neighbor. Amen.

Sr. Francelle's Devotion: Lent - A time of Joy!

Faith Challenges: Let's generously share the LIFE Group by forwarding a devotion or using our Facebook Group "invite people to join" link.
* In preparation for Easter (Lent), let's give something up (fasting) and take something on (service). Consider giving even just one hour of prayer in front of your local abortuary (foot of the Cross) in support of the 40 Days for Life campaign (17 Feb - 28 Mar). What is the value of Lenten sacrifices...and what sacrifices do you have planned? To encourage others, consider commenting on our Facebook Group.

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...and closer to God (see prayer/fasting footnotes).
* Prayer to end abortion, Peters family (JP), Haitian earthquake victims

Faith Quotes/Media: Check out Matt Kennon's "The Call" (music video) - a wonderful pro-life theme and is currently climbing the charts!

Through Christ our Lord,
Steve
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, 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).

Matthew 21:31 (LISTEN UP!)

Let's welcome God by reflecting on this short 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

Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. Matthew 21:31 (full readings)

Living Faith snippets: "Not the kind of news we like to hear, is it? We may not be canonizable saints-in-the-making, but we think of ourselves as basically decent people unlike, you know, "those people." The problem with this perspective is that for Jesus there is no "us and them." We're all in this together, as far as he's concerned." by Mitch Finley

Steve's Thoughts: I once heard a bible scholar say, "Whenever you see Jesus start something with, "Amen, I say to you..." you better LISTEN UP!" That has stuck with me over the years and I have found myself paying extra attention when I see that in scripture. I know Jesus is really driving a point home that needs to be considered within my own heart. Today's reading reminds me that I have bias, judgement, and prejudice in my heart. Only God knows and judges hearts. I can say that in my life some of the most powerful witnesses for God have come from people who came from extreme backgrounds prior to encountering the Risen Lord and repenting. Jesus is calling all of us to repentance this Advent season, so we will have room in the manger, our hearts, for Jesus. Dear Jesus, please clean out the garbage in the manger of my heart so that there is room for you this Christmas season.

Faith Challenges: Let's generously share our LIFE Group by forwarding a devotion to others or by using the "invite people to join" link on the Facebook Group. Steve, Rich, or Pat will gladly add others to the email list.
* NEW: Advent is a time for waiting and preparation...take some time this Advent season to receive the grace of the Sacrament of Confession.

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 (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 bill, Scott Casmer (Helene Couchon, accident recovery)
* NEW: Joe Hourigan (Anne Hourigan's intense pregnancy nausea)

Feast Day: Blessed Honoratus Kosminski

Faith Quote: "The Advent mystery is the beginning of the end of all in us that is not yet Christ." by Thomas Merton

Through Christ our Lord,
Steve
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, 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).