Do-Overs (Jn 13:15) by Stephanie Kemp

28 Mar Do-Overs (Jn 13:15) by Stephanie Kemp

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors.
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“For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.” ~ Jn 13:15 (full readings)
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Stephanie’s Reflections: The Evening Mass of Our Lord’s Last Supper is perhaps the most beautiful and powerful Mass of the entire liturgical year. On this day we remember the Institution of The Eucharist and Our Lord and Savior washing the feet of His Apostles the night before He died. Afterwards He puts into words what He has already shown in His deeds. I saw Christ’s charity manifested in a most memorable Mass on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Father Bill, who has been offering Mass on the sidewalk at Planned Parenthood  every week for 18 years, had given us an inspiring homily on “Do-Overs”-his family’s expression for getting a second chance to make things right after messing up.  Following Communion, a car drove up, a woman walked towards us and with words and emotions she could not contain, apologized for her interruption and thanked us profusely for being there. She tearfully poured out her heart that she had been raped 15 years before and had chosen abortion. Through the years she had been in and out of hospitals and counseling. It was apparent she was still suffering. Without hesitation, Father Bill stepped away from our humble makeshift altar to console her. It was only seconds, but it was a most profound witness of God’s love and mercy as he embraced her and whispered in her ear.  One could easily imagine Jesus coming down from the Cross enveloping this young woman with arms outstretched and tenderly saying: “I love you. You are My child. You are forgiven. This is My Body given up for you. You have a do-over. Come rest in My peace.”

* Stephanie Kemp is the oldest of twelve, mother of three sons, and grandmother of three.  She has over a marathon of years with Pro-Life work.  Stephanie is the Respect Life Coordinator for St. Peter parish in Monument, CO.
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Faith Challenge: Do we allow for ‘do-overs’ in our own life? How do we model this unfathomable love of God for each of us? Do we humble ourselves in service to others? Do we offer forgiveness to those who have offended us? Do we pray fervently for those who are lost in darkness and don’t yet know the love and mercy of God?.
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Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, 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. Hesychius of Jerusalem
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Faith Quote: “Christian charity flows from the Holy Eucharist, which is the gift that Christ on this holy night leaves to His Church. He confides The Eucharist to the priests of all time.  The disciples whose feet Jesus washes represent all priests who throughout time serve the Church.  Christ further commands priests to instruct the world about the true nature of divine charity.”  ~ Father Romanus Cessario, O.P.
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Through Christ our Lord,
Stephanie
2 Tm 4:7