Faith in Action (2 Mc 7:30) by Diane Overmann

20 Nov Faith in Action (2 Mc 7:30) by Diane Overmann

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB).  Leaders.  Guest Authors.
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“I will not obey the king’s command. I obey the command of the law given to our ancestors through Moses.” ~ 2 Mc 7:30 (full readings)
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Diane’s Reflections:   This entire first reading leaves me in awe at the faithfulness asked of some (probably all of us).  I mentally see those dearest to me in life, especially the young ones in the family.  Would I?  Could I?  It is easy to nod yes, but I can’t picture the scene.  I cannot imagine the pain and the faith of a mother who not only accepts her children being put to death, but recognizes the priority of living her faith.  Her whispered message to her youngest is such a dramatic living out of faith.  I find it easy to stand up every Sunday and profess my creed.  Oh, I know it is a challenge to forgive the driver who cut me off on the interstate.  Really, if I have trouble with that simple of a challenge of faith, what would I do in a situation like that in today’s reading?  I know that in the graced moment I hope; no, I pray, that I would stand up.  Yes, I am Pro-Life, I am anti-abortion.  What does it cost me?  I am surrounded by others who share those beliefs.  I am embarrassed to admit that I become numb; numb to the huge numbers of abortion facts, to the nightly killings (usually drug related) on the streets of the city near me, to the lack of treatment for those with mental illness, to the injustice of school districts near me that are giving a poor quality education to youth.  I should be fighting mad and not rest a minute until I demand change.  I should not judge the good Germans who lived near the concentration camps.  Lord, I know you offer me the courage of this Old Testament mother and the courage of the Virgin Mary.  Help me to stand up for Life with all my life.
* Diane Overmann is the Faith Formation Director at St. Clare Catholic School in O’Fallon, IL. She also presents catechist classes for the Diocese of Belleville, IL.
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Faith Challenge:  Today’s Gospel tells of using our talents.  My own challenge is to use my voice, my heart, my entire self to proclaim that all human life is sacred and injustice is not an option.  We talk of options for the poor, but there is no option when it comes to the fundamental dignity of the human person.  It is not optional to value the sacred in all humanity from conception to natural death.  We cannot make it an option.
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Counter-Culture News:  LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel.
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Our Prayers:  Pray LIFE Runners Creed to end abortion.  Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, unceasingly. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day:  Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne.
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Faith Quote:  “Indeed someone might say, ‘You have faith and I have works.’ Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.” ~ James 2:18
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Through Christ Our Lord,
Diane