06 Sep Col 2:8 (Empty/Seductive Philosophies)
Posted on Tuesday 06 September, 2011
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided byLIFE Runners (FB). Upcoming Guest Authors.
“See to it that no one captivate you with an empty, seductive philosophy according to human tradition, according to the elemental powers of the world – and not according to Christ.” Col 2:8 (
full readings)
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Rob’s Reflections: Of the many worldly forces that have contributed to the scourge of abortion, it can be argued that socialism is one of the worst. Many believe that Adolf Hitler’s Nazism was the worst human doctrine in history. The staggering number of people killed by the socialists in communist countries (over 100 million) suggest that socialism’s “empty seductive philosophy” is vastly worse. In 1920, the Soviet Union was the first country in the world to legalize abortion. Modern Russia, still suffering from the effects of socialism, has the highest number of abortions per woman in the world. Each year in Russia there are more abortions than live births. However, communist China stands on the top of the culture of death with an estimated 13 MILLION abortions per year. In the United States, we may want to observe closely the impact that socialism has on the cultures where it has taken root. The Catholic Church has spoken out about the evils of socialism early and consistently in her history. Pope Leo XIII with his Encyclicals
Quod Apostolici Muneris (“On Socialism” in 1878) and
Rerum Novarum (“On Capital And Labor” in 1891) condemned all forms of socialism 39 years before the Soviet Union was even formed. Pope Leo XIII’s words simply reinforce the warning of Saint Paul against being “captivated by an empty, seductive philosophy.”
Faith Challenge: Pray for our political leaders now that they will steer our Nation clear of any further socialist doctrines. In dialogues with others regarding this topic, gently remind them that socialism has been a death sentence for millions of children both inside and outside the womb.
Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life, AFA, 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: Saint Onesiphorus. Horribly martyred under Emperor Domitian. Mentioned in chapter four of Saint Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy, the “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith” chapter.
Faith Quote: “How do you tell a communist? Well, it’s someone who reads Marx and Lenin. And how do you tell an anti-communist? It’s someone who understands Marx and Lenin.” ~ Ronald Reagan
Through Christ Our Lord,
Rob
Mark 9:24
* 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.
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided byLIFE Runners (FB). Upcoming Guest Authors.