From Pain to Joy (Jn 16:20) by Shane Kapler

10 May From Pain to Joy (Jn 16:20) by Shane Kapler

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors.
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“You will weep and mourn while the world rejoices …” ~ Jn 16:20 (full readings)
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Shane’s Reflections: Jesus spoke those words in an attempt to prepare the Apostles for His crucifixion.  He continued by promising, “you will grieve, but your grief will become joy.  When a woman … has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the pain because of her joy.”  Right now you and I grieve the loss of our unborn brothers and sisters and our witness to Life is met with the world’s derision.  But our grief and pain will turn to joy on that Day when Jesus brings the atrocity of abortion to an end and the value of human life – infallibly affirmed in His resurrection from the dead – is affirmed of our unborn brothers and sisters.  And if that Day precedes His Coming, then we will rejoice as women throughout our nation and world trade the pain of abortion for the joy of holding newborn children in their arms.
* Shane Kapler is the author of “The God Who is Love: Explaining Christianity From Its Center” and co-author of “Tending the Temple”. He works as a speech therapist in St. Louis, but his favorite “job” is being a Dad. Visit www.explainingchristianity.com.
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Faith Challenge: Right now, and again today each time abortion comes to mind, make an act of faith in Jesus’ power to conquer Death and the worldly system that has embraced it.  “Jesus, I trust in You!”  Petition our Lord for the repose of our aborted brothers and sisters’ souls, and their parents’ healing.
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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. Damien Joseph de Veuster of Moloka’i
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Faith Quote: “In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” ~ Jn 16:33
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Through Christ our Lord,
Shane