Author: LIFE Runners

27 Nov The Giving of Thanks (Sir 50:22) by Helena Schmidt

"And now, bless the God of all, who has done wondrous things on earth." ~ Sir 50:22 (full readings) . Helena's Reflections:  Thanksgiving is a day set aside for us to reflect on the goodness of our God.  He has abundantly blessed us from our mother’s womb.  On Thanksgiving Day we generally think...

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26 Nov Are You Ready? (Lk 21:16-19) by Sara Beaner

"You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death.  You will be hated universally on account of my name. but not a hair on your head will be lost.  Your perseverance will win...

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21 Nov Hanging on Words (Lk 19:47-48) by Peggy Bowes

"The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people, meanwhile, were seeking to put him to death, but they could find no way to accomplish their purpose because all the people were hanging on his words." ~ Lk 19:47-48 (full readings) . Peggy's Reflections:  Jesus is with us when...

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20 Nov What Makes for Peace (Lk 19:41-44) by Kathy Forck

"As he drew near, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, 'If this day you only knew what makes for peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes.  For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will raise a palisade against...

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19 Nov Be Strong and Courageous (Ps 150:1) by Pastor Rick Foreman

"Praise the LORD in his sanctuary, praise him in the firmament of his strength." ~ Ps 150:1 (full readings) . Pastor Rick's Reflections:  If there was ever a time for Christians to stand strong and courageous it is today.  Yet the strength source comes from the God inside us, which provides the confidence...

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18 Nov Save What Was Lost (Lk 19:10) by Jeff Grabosky

"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost." ~ Lk 19:10 (full readings) . Jeff's Reflections:  The Gospel today tells the story of Zacchaeus, which many of us learned as kids was the tale of the short man who climbed into a sycamore tree...

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17 Nov Have Sight; Your Faith Has Saved You (Lk 18:39-41) by Ed Heigl

"'Son of David,   have   pity on me!' Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, 'What do you want me to do for you?'" ~ Lk 18:39-41 (full readings) . Ed's Reflections:  Life is not about being successful.  It is...

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13 Nov Rejected (Lk 17:25) by Shane Kapler

"But first He must suffer greatly and be rejected by this generation." ~ Lk 17:25 (full readings) . Shane's Reflections:  Today’s gospel is a roller coaster:  Jesus begins with the good news that “the Kingdom of God is among you” – Jesus is among us and extending the Kingdom, one converted heart...

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11 Nov Sound Teaching (Titus 2:8) by Dr. Rich Reich

"Your teaching must have the integrity of serious, sound words to which no one can take exception." ~ Ti 2:8 (full readings) . Rich's Reflections:  As LIFE Runners, we are the voice for the unborn.  It is our responsibility to speak with "the integrity of serious, sound words" in defense of...

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10 Nov Lived Faith (Lk 8:21) by Kevin McNicholas

"He said to His disciples 'Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the person through whom they occur. It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him...

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07 Nov Perception Becomes Reality (Phil 3:17) by Scott Casmer

"Join with others in being imitators of me, brothers and sisters, and observe those who thus conduct themselves according to the model you have in us." ~ Phil 3:17 (full readings) . Scott's Reflections:  I think we can all agree that by being active supporters of the culture of Life, we...

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06 Nov To Save Even One (Lk 15:10) by Chris Talley

"In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents." ~ Lk 15:10 (full readings) . Chris' Reflections:  I am unfortunately unable to get to the abortion mill on Saturdays to pray with others.  Last year, I was there Mother's Day...

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05 Nov Materialism (Lk 14:33) by Kevin McNicholas

"In the same way, everyone of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be my disciple." ~ Lk 14:33 (full readings) . Kevin's Reflections:  Lord, You mean we have to get rid of everything?  I don't think Jesus meant that we can't keep things we need to live, it...

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04 Nov Empty Yourself (Lk 14:23) by Dr. Rich Reich

"The master then ordered the servant, 'Go out to the highways and hedgerows and make people come in that my home may be filled.'" ~ Lk 14:23 (full readings) . Rich's Reflections:  Have you ever prepared yourself for a really big banquet?  I usually fast or eat small meals throughout the day...

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31 Oct Sabbath Doesn’t Mean Stop Loving (Lk 14:5) by Stephen Holinaty

"Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern, would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?" ~ Lk 14:15 (full readings) . Stephen's Reflections:  Jesus was dining with Pharisees and in today's terminology He was "under the spotlight".  People were watching His every move and word.  The...

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30 Oct Pray Always (Eph 6:18) by Brandon McAuliffe

"With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit.'" ~ Eph 6:18 (full readings) . Brandon's Reflections:  Prior to this, St. Paul talks to the Ephesians about the importance of family relationships at the start of Chapter 6.  As we are nearing the end of the 40 Days for...

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29 Oct Jesus, Lead the Way (Mt 7:13-14) by Mary Ellen Hoffman

"Enter though the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few." ~ Mt...

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27 Oct Be Kind (Eph 4:32) by Amy Kosta

"Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ." ~ Eph 4:32 (full readings) . Amy's Reflections:  In today’s first reading, Paul instructs the Ephesians to "Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ."  These words from Paul...

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20 Oct In God We Trust (Lk 12:19) by Dr. Rich Reich

"I shall say to myself, 'Now as for you, you have so many good things stored up for many years, rest, eat, drink, be merry!'" ~ Lk 12:19 (full readings) . Rich's Reflections:  In today's Gospel, Jesus called the rich man a fool for preparing his own future.  In our independent...

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17 Oct Do Not Be Afraid (Lk 12:7) by Kevin McNicholas

"Even the hairs of your head have all been counted.  Do not be afraid.  You are worth more than many sparrows." ~ Lk 12:7 (full readings) . Kevin's Reflections:  "Do not be afraid."  Those are really simple words that Jesus speaks in the Gospel today, but why do we live in...

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15 Oct Tree Near Running Water (Ps 1:3) by Jimmy Mack

"He is like a tree planted near running water, that yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade." ~ Ps 1:3 (full readings) . Jimmy's Reflections:  It was 37 years ago that I became that tree planted in good fertile soil.  After a bad year of teenage peer...

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14 Oct Clean Hands (Lk 11:41) by Dr. Rich Reich

"But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you." ~ Lk 11:41 (full readings) . Rich's Reflections:  Is the Lord welcomed at your table and are you ready to feast at His table?  A Pharisee, after hearing Jesus preach, invited Him to dinner, no...

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13 Oct Christ Set Us Free (Gal 5:1) by Pastor Don Bird

"For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery." ~ Gal 5:1 (full readings) . Pastor Don's Reflections:  Paul’s application of the Genesis account exposed the real danger facing the Galatians.  They were on the brink of losing their freedom in Christ. ...

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09 Oct Under a Spell (Gal 3:1) by Dr. Rich Reich

"O stupid Galatians!  Who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?" ~ Gal 3:1 (full readings) . Rich's Reflections:  In today's reading, St. Paul appears to be a little harsh to the Galatians, but in reality, St. Paul is grieved and hurt by their unfaithfulness.  He...

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06 Oct What must I do to inherit eternal life? (Lk 10:27) by Paul Westendorf

"…love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." ~ Lk 10:27 (full readings) . Paul's Reflections:  Well you really can’t give a better answer than that now can you?  Short reflection.  I’m...

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03 Oct Knit in Our Mother’s Womb (Ps 139:13-14) by Dr. Kevin Vost

"Truly you have formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb.  I give you thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made; wonderful are your works.  My very self you know." ~ Ps 139:13-14 (full readings) Kevin's Reflections:  Talk about a responsorial psalm that eloquently proclaims the beauty and goodness...

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02 Oct Believe (Ps 27:13) by Pastor Steve Selfridge

"I believe I shall see the Lord's goodness in the land of the living." ~ Ps 27:13 (full readings) . Pastor Steve's Reflections:  Belief is a huge thing.  We have abilities to believe in many things.  You believed your legs would work this morning and didn’t even worry about getting out of...

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01 Oct All In (Lk 9:59) by Dr. Rich Reich

"Jesus said: 'Come after Me.'" ~ Lk 9:59 (full readings) . Rich's Reflections:  Jesus calls us to follow Him not on our own terms, but on His.  He has no intention of recruiting us.  In fact, Jesus does not even promise us a roof over our heads.  The foxes and birds...

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01 Oct All In (Lk 9:59) by Dr. Rich Reich

"Jesus said: 'Come after Me.'" ~ Lk 9:59 (full readings) . Rich's Reflections:  Jesus calls us to follow Him not on our own terms, but on His.  He has no intention of recruiting us.  In fact, Jesus does not even promise us a roof over our heads.  The foxes and birds...

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30 Sep Don’t Lose Faith (Job 3:3) by Doug Lugge

"Perish the day on which I was born, the night when they said, 'The child is a boy!'" ~ Job 3:3 (full readings) . Doug's Reflections:  The reading from the Book of Job is the part of Job’s life where he feels abandoned by God as he has lost his family and...

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29 Sep Archangels (Rev 12:7) by Shane Kapler

"Michael and his angels battled against the dragon." ~ Rev 12:7 (full readings) . Shane's Reflections:  Today, Catholic Christians throughout the world celebrate the help God gives us through our brothers-in-arms, the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.  It is a wonderful reminder that reality is often far different than what we can...

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29 Sep Archangels (Rev 12:7) by Shane Kapler

"Michael and his angels battled against the dragon." ~ Rev 12:7 (full readings) . Shane's Reflections:  Today, Catholic Christians throughout the world celebrate the help God gives us through our brothers-in-arms, the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.  It is a wonderful reminder that reality is often far different than what we can...

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26 Sep God-Pleaser (Lk 9:18) by Dr. Rich Reich

"Jesus put the question to them, 'Who do the crowds say that I am?'" ~ Lk 9:18 (full readings) . Rich's Reflections:  Before Jesus asked His disciples who He was (Lk 9:20), Jesus asked:  "Who do the crowds say that I am?" (Lk 9:18)  Jesus did this to show we must...

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24 Sep America’s 1st Pro-Life Half Marathon (and 5K)

Wow!  Just 6 weeks from now on Sunday, November 9, 2014, we will rock the Katy Trail with America’s 1st Pro-Life Half Marathon (and 5K).  Have you started your training? Got your trip planned yet? You can find out all you need and more at the race website...

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24 Sep America’s 1st Pro-Life Half Marathon (and 5K)

Wow!  Just 6 weeks from now on Sunday, November 9, 2014, we will rock the Katy Trail with America's 1st Pro-Life Half Marathon (and 5K).  Have you started your training? Got your trip planned yet? You can find out all you need and more at the race website...

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23 Sep Say Yes to God (Lk 8:21) by Kevin McNicholas

"My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it." ~ Lk 8:21 (full readings) . Kevin's Reflections:  Well, yes that is true, now isn't it!  I imagine that Jesus had many people start off following Him who were very well-intentioned and initially excited...

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18 Sep Grace of God Within (1 Cor 15:10) by Alice Chapman

"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me has not been ineffective.  Indeed, I have toiled harder than all of them; not I, however, but the grace of God that is with me." ~ 1 Cor 15:10 (full readings) . Alice's Reflections:  Tomorrow...

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16 Sep One Act at a Time (1 Cor 12:12) by Franz Chenet

"This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.  When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit." ~ 1 Cor 12:12 (full readings) . Franz's Reflections:  One of the greatest things about the Bible is how timeless it is....

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15 Sep Open Heart (Lk 2:34-35) by Dr. Rich Reich

"Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, 'Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.'" ~ Lk...

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12 Sep Run So As To Win (1 Cor 9:24) by Kevin McNicholas

"Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win." ~ 1 Cor 9:24 (full readings) . Kevin's Reflections:  Yes!  That is what we are called to do!  As Life Runners, clearly our goal is to run...

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12 Sep Run So As To Win (1 Cor 9:24) by Kevin McNicholas

"Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win." ~ 1 Cor 9:24 (full readings) . Kevin's Reflections:  Yes!  That is what we are called to do!  As Life Runners, clearly our goal is to run...

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11 Sep Love Our Enemies (Lk 6:27-28) by Shane Kapler

"I say, love your enemies…pray for those who mistreat you." ~ Lk 6:27-28 (full readings) . Shane's Reflections:  Given the date, today’s Gospel reading is providential.  To love our enemies, to forgive them, does not mean to ignore the pain that has been inflicted.  The pain must be acknowledged, must be...

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10 Sep Time is Short (1 Cor 7:29-31) by Lisa Skowron

"What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short.  From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not;  those who buy something,...

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