Foolish? (1 Cor. 1:18) by Steve Castle

“The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” ~ 1 Cor. 1:18  (full readings)

Steve’s Reflections:   I recently read an article (here) about a rather popular atheist blogger, Leah Libresco, who announced in stunning fashion that after careful consideration she was converting to Christianity (specifically Catholicism).  There were two items that struck me in her conversion story which happened on Palm Sunday of this past year.  First, she still did not fully understand all the teachings of the Church (like homosexuality), but submitted herself to the Church anyway.  I found this particularly revealing in a culture of moral relativism that discounts objective truth (something either is or it isn’t).  For her this epiphany is just the beginning of  her journey and a profound understanding of Paul’s words in Romans 12:2 that we are not to be conformed to the world, but rather renewed in mind.  It is then that we are able to truly discern what is “good, pleasing, and perfect”.  Secondly, her faith stems from an understanding that TRUTH is not a distant, disembodied force, but rather a Person, Jesus Christ (“I am the way, the truth, and the life”).  Over the past 2,000 years many have heard the Gospel, but not all have believed.  Why?  The story of Jesus is scandalous and the Cross is a stumbling block.  The world will never understand why a man would lay down his life.  As Paul asks today, “Where is the wise one?  Has not God made the wisdom of the world foolish?”  His answer?  “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom…”.  In God’s foolishness (wisdom) He chooses us.  
* Steve Castle serves the LIFE Group on the corporate board, is a regular author for LIFE Group Devotions on Fridays, and is the editor/voice of the LIFE Minute. He lives in Fergus Falls, MN with his wife, Tina, where they attend to their number one ministry; their four children.  Full bio.

Faith Challenge:  Have you fully informed your conscience on matters of faith and morals like homosexuality and contraception?  Dig into the teachings of the Church on these matters or others that may challenge you today. 

Sr. Francelle’s Devotion:  You will seek me and find me when you Search (19 Sept. 2008) The story of Sr. Francelle founding the Aberdeen Search for Christian Maturity youth retreat in Aberdeen, SD.  

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:  Sts. Joseph of Arimathea & Nicodemus

Faith Quote:  “You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.” Jer. 29:13

Through Christ Our Lord,
Steve
Romans 12:12

* 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 family): 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.