19 Nov Luke 23:42 (Christ The King)
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (archive, Facebook).
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Luke 23:42 (full readings)
Steve’s Reflections: This Sunday we will reflect on the Solemnity of Christ the King on the final Sunday of ordinary time before we enter the Advent season. Pope Pius the XI instituted this special feast in 1925 in response to a growing secularism. Sound familiar? Our county today is bearing the fruits of that secularism. Pope Pius hoped that this feast would have three effects: (1) That nations would see that the Church has the right to freedom and immunity from the state (2) That leaders and nations would see that they are bound to give respect to Christ and (3) That the faithful would gain strength and courage from the celebration of the feast, as we are reminded that Christ must reign in our hearts, minds, wills, and bodies. The humble and contrite words of St. Dismus, the good thief, are a powerful reminder of the kingship of Jesus at the Father’s right hand in heaven. St. Dismus had the faith to see Jesus as King even as he hang dying on the cross and for that he was blessed. Jesus said in reply, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” This promise remains for all of us. As you gaze upon the cross this Sunday will you see your King?
* Check out this beautiful worship song of Jesus our King by Chris Tomlin & Steven Curtis Chapman, We Fall Down.
Faith Challenge: Every knee shall bend and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord – have you?
Sr. Francelle’s Devotion: Thank You “Gratitude is a practice of the soul that helps us live happier lives and grow closer to God…My heart is full of gratitude for each one of you. Without you, my life would be a lot emptier – thanks for reading these emails. for your love, loyalty, support and prayers.”
Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). View, add, update Prayers on our new website. Let’s pray now.
Feast Day: St. Agnes of Assisi (Nov. 19)
Faith Quote: “One must pass through solitude and dwell in it to receive God’s grace. It is there that one empties oneself, that one drives before oneself all that is not God, and that one completely empties this little house of our soul to leave room for God alone. In doing this, do not fear being unfaithful toward creatures. On the contrary, that is the only way for you to serve them effectively.” ~ Charles de Foucald, founder of the Little Brothers and Sisters of Jesus
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.