28 Jun Authority (Matthew 7:28-29) by Jonathan Konz
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors.
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“When Jesus finished these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.” ~ Matthew 7:28-29 (full readings)
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Jonathan’s Reflections: Jesus was a revolutionary. He got people riled up. He angered the political leaders of his day for the things He said. He did not tip toe around the hard discussions. He took a stance and told people how it was because he had the authority to do so. Today, our Church, the Catholic Church, is revolutionary. We are laughed at, scoffed at, and talked down to for taking a counter cultural stance on issues such as homosexuality, contraception, and abortion. But the Church stands strong. The Church has the authority. It’s easy for individuals to back down in front of a crowd or when confronted by a friend about what Catholicism teaches. But remember the call of Pope Blessed John Paul II: “Be not afraid!” You are not alone in the war against abortion. You are a member of the revolutionary Church. You are surrounded by your fellow warriors, and you have truth on your side. Take the time to learn the truth, to learn the teachings on abortion, contraception, and homosexuality, and move forward, fighting a good fight and trusting in the authority of Christ and His Church.
* Jonathan Konz is from the Diocese of Sioux Falls, SD. He works as the Campus Minister at O’Gorman Catholic High School.
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Faith Challenge: If you find that you are rusty in your apologetics (defending Church teachings), first, take it to prayer, asking for courage. Then pick up a Catholic apologetics book and start reading, and/or start asking your priest questions.
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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. LIFE Runners Creed. Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day: St. Irenaeus.
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Faith Quote: “The way we came to know love was that He laid down His life for us; so we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” 1 John 3:16
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Through Christ our Lord,
Jonathan
Joshua 1:9
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* 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 families): Abortion (images) is #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.