Go That Extra Mile (Mt 5:41) by Dr. Rich Reich

15 Jun Go That Extra Mile (Mt 5:41) by Dr. Rich Reich

“Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles.” ~ Mt 5:41 (full readings)
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Rich’s Reflections:  In today’s Gospel Jesus instructs, “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.”  Christ’s instruction deals with the Roman practice of commandeering civilians or their property (mules, horses, oxen, camels, carts, wagons, etc.) to carry the luggage or other burden of military personnel for, in this case, one mile.  No one likes to be made to do someone else’s work.  At the very least, we are apt to complain, argue, or simply refuse to be so used.  Being compelled to engage in “community service” by law or by might is demeaning and perhaps unjust.  But Jesus tells us to take the sting out of the situation by being willing to carry such a burden an extra mile in a cheerful attitude.  Pro-Lifers are often focused mainly on saving the life of the unborn child.  They convince the mother considering abortion that carrying the pregnancy to term is a decision that both the baby and the mother can live with.  This is true, but what about the mother after the pregnancy.  The mother will need just as much support after the pregnancy as she did during the pregnancy.  This is where Pro-Lifers are called by Jesus to go that extra mile.  We need to support programs that take care of the mother and child after the pregnancy.  Our job is not over when the baby is born.
* Dr. Rich Reich is the co-founder of the National LIFE Runners Team.  He is married to Erica and lives in Colorado Springs, CO.  Full bio..

Faith Challenge:   Support pro-life programs that help the mother and child after pregnancy.

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:  St. Germaine Cousin
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Faith Quote:  “At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done.  We will be judged by “I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was naked and you clothed me. I was homeless, and you took me in.” ~ Mother Teresa

Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22