Lk 11:29 (belly of darkness) by Jean Noon

29 Feb Lk 11:29 (belly of darkness) by Jean Noon

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Upcoming Guest Authors.
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“No sign will be given except the sign of Jonah.” ~ Luke 11:29 (full readings)
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Jean’s Reflections: Jesus’ primary metaphor for the mystery of transformation is the sign of Jonah which points to a paradigm, the model of redemption for all of us.  That pattern demands that we release ourselves into the belly of darkness where we are inclined to be open to healing, to live what is essential and most important.  Blessed are the poor in spirit (those who look to God for healing).  Our spiritual journey lies in giving up control (ego issues) rather than taking control.  It lies in knowing that God is in control.  It lies in knowing that others may throw me overboard or betray me (like Jonah and Christ), and that I will get to the right shore by God’s grace rather than by my ego’s efforts, or gritting my teeth.  The ethos of Jesus is that he wants to give me — through relationship with him — consolation, rescue, and a sense of safety (salvation) to the very parts of myself that naturally want to run the show (ego) so that I can, finally, be open to healing, so that I can love as God loves from the core (coeur = heart) of my very being.  Because of Christ’s vulnerability and willingness to share in my darkness I am healed:  I have awareness of God With Us (Immanuel) – ESPECIALLY in my darkness.  Thank God for the Pro-Life Christians who are willing to share in the darkness of those who are not aware of, or do not trust in God’s providence and care, who feel ill-equipped to bring into our world a mouth to feed, or soul to tend.  Through the example of our own compassion we pray that those considering abortion will, too, find within their core (heart) the compassion of God for the still, small soul awaiting its first birth.
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Faith Challenge: Live your soul into the vulnerable, compassionate heart of God.  
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Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life,AFA,Vatican, Project Rachel.
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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.
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Faith Quotes:  “We are called to be contemplatives in the heart of the world — by seeking the face of God in everything, everyone, everywhere, all the time”  ~ Mother Teresa.  “To love another person is to see the face of God” ~ Jean Valjean in Les Miserables. 
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Through Christ our Lord,
Jean
John 15: 17

* 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.