08 Mar Jer 17:7-8 (Hope in the Lord) by Jenna Henry
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors. LIFE Minute radio.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is the LORD. He is like a tree planted beside the waters that stretches out its roots to the stream: It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; In the year of drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit.” ~ Jer 17:7-8 (full readings)
Jenna’s Reflections: In the current “culture war” it is so easy to get caught in the battle of the day, and feel overwhelmed by the forces of death. Whether it is our national battles or our personal ones, we easily become discouraged, and can even be tempted to despair. We are reminded today, however, to hope in the Lord. Scripture tells us that our hope will not dissapoint — that if we hope in the Lord, even in times of heat and drought we will bear fruit. We must take this to heart: No matter how dark the times may seem, no matter how little our efforts seem to have an effect, God WILL triumph in the end. If we believe that God is truthful, then we must believe that His words will not fail. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that “despair is contrary to God’s goodness, to his justice–for the Lord is faithful to his promises–and to his mercy” (CCC #2091). Let us rejoice, then, continue to run the race, and hope in the Lord today!
* Jenna Henry is a Canadian who graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a BA in Philosophy and a minor in Human Life Studies. She met the LIFE Runners at the inaugural Notre Dame Vita Institute last June.
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Faith Challenge: Especially when you feel overwhelmed by weakness, make an act of trust and hope in the Lord, remembering that “God’s strength is made perfect in weakness.”
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Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, Priests for Life, 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. John of God
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Faith Quote: “Hope in Jesus Christ alone, who, for the trials and hardships we put up with for the love of Him in this poor life, will give us eternal glory, through the merits of His sacred passion, and because of his great mercy. ” ~ St. John of God
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Through Christ Our Lord,
Jenna
Ps 27
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* Pray/Fast: Prayer connects us with God’s will & 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 (& family): Abortion reality (images)…#1 death cause (22% pregnancies). Prov 24:11 & 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 & re-evangelization of self, by way of prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of love (service/sacrifice/mercy). Mt 28:19.