22 Mar Ex 32:8 (Usefulness) by Amanda Hicks
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors.
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“They have soon turned aside from the way I pointed out to them” ~ Ex 32:8 (full readings)
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Amanda’s Reflections: To worship is to love. What or Whom do we worship? What or Whom do we love? We all want to answer this question with an unhesitating affirmation of our love and fidelity to our triune God. This is where true freedom lies, in the obedience to the law of love in worshipping God alone. However, today’s first reading prompts me to reflect on where my devotion really lies. Moses is dismayed to find the Israelites, the very people for whom God has worked miracles, turning to worship a molten calf. It seems ridiculous, and I wonder, “How is it that the Israelites could have turned and worshipped such a blatantly false God so quickly?” Perhaps it can happen more easily than one would think. Our society today is filled with many distractions, busyness, and false gods. And as human beings, we can fall prey to worshipping these. One of the false gods I have noticed in society is that of the utilitarian idea of “practicality”. That which is not useful, we do not want. If that lamp does not give light, I do not want it in the library to study. If that car does not run, I do not want to drive it. These things make sense. However, it is when this thought process sinks into our views of human beings that we can become trapped in worshipping a dangerous false god of utility. My most profound realizations as a pro-life college student have been in my experiences with the elderly with the Little Sisters of the Poor. College facilitates “usefulness”- our schedules are busy, we pursue a degree that will hopefully get us a job, we get these jobs so we can be “useful” in society. These things can be used for our Lord, but it is not where our dignity lies. It is not in what we can do that gives us our value. Our value lies in the inherent dignity of all human beings being made in God’s image and likeness. I see it in the nursing home residents I am blessed to encounter. Some may never remember my name, some cannot talk, many can no longer walk or be independent. But I have learned more from them than any textbook. I have learned from their smiles, the simple act of slowly traveling to the chapel to visit our eucharistic Lord, their surrender, their simple act of showing me what it means to be like Our Lady at the foot of the Cross. The elderly are not viewed as a “useful” population by a society that worships practicality and utility. However, the inherent dignity of the elderly has taught me the radicality of faith, humility, and love. This Lenten season, I challenge myself to go ever more deeply into the mystery of the Cross. What seemed like failure in the eyes of the world, turned out to be the most redemptive act in all of human history. What seems frail, whether that be the unborn child, the homeless woman, or the elderly person, can really be of great value and show us the face of Christ in the world. May we always strive to worship Christ alone in working to recognize and fall in love with Him as we encounter Him in the Sacraments and each other.
* Amanda is a St. Louis University student majoring in Education and Theology. Originally from Colorado, she enjoys pro-life ministry, playing the piano, running (especially in the mountains!), and being with family. She is very blessed to have the opportunity to study at university and hopes to give all glory to God with her life. Her favorite Saints are St. Therese of Liseux and Blessed Rupert Mayer.
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Faith Challenge: Take a moment to thank God for one person who has shown you His face in an unexpected way, and if possible, tell them thanks for helping you grow closer to Christ!
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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, Spiritual Adoption,Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). Add Prayers on ourwebsite. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, LIFE Runners, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day: St. Nicholas Owen.
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Faith Quote: “Be kind, especially with the infirm. Love them well … Oh yes! Be kind. It is a great grace God is giving you. In serving the aged, it is He Himself whom you are serving.” -St. Jeanne Jugan
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Through Christ our Lord,
Amanda
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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.