Luke 9:24 (cycle of Christian life)

[Jesus said,] “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” Luke 9:24

Living Faith snippets: “You can’t “lose” a life for Jesus’ sake if you don’t have a life to “lose.” Anytime you begin to feel like you no longer have a life, that’s when you need to take some time for yourself. The mature Christian life is cyclic, giving and serving, prayer, learning and leisure, then going back to serving others. Lord Jesus, help me remember to nourish my life so I can give it away.” by Mitch Finley

Rich’s comments: Today’s Gospel reading reminds me of Toby Mac’s lyrics “I don’t want to gain the whole world, and lose my soul.” I believe this message is addressing those who believe that they can find happiness in serving themselves. There are many examples in the media of those who have reached stardom, fame, and fortune, but still are not happy. Jesus is trying to show us the way to true happiness, which is found through serving others. I heard an analogy during Fr. Jose’s homily yesterday that when we are focused on ourselves, we start spinning around like a dog chasing its tail, which can only lead to us becoming dizzy and nauseous. It is only when we begin looking outward in serving others, that the wooziness subsides and we find true focus in Christ.

Faith Challenge: Let’s challenge each other to joyfully live out the Good News. Suggestions?

NEW: Make a list of the things that make you truly happy and thank God for these gifts.

Culture War/ProLife News: LifeSiteNews, American Family Association, Priests for Life

* Let’s never forget the horrific reality of abortion (images). Abortion is #1 cause of death in America.

* 40 Days for Life campaign (25 Feb – 5 Apr) is an around the clock prayer vigil in front of abortion mills in 130 communities around the world. Please sign up for even just one hour (sacrifice out of love for God & neighbor).

Our Prayers: Those who pray together stay together. Fasting ideas below.

* Let’s pray for courage to share ProLife Truth to those around us (John 14:6)…rebuilding a Culture of Life (Matt 5:16).

* Prayer to end abortion, abused children, chastity, peace, our enemies, our troops, depression/ despair, prisoners, ProLife politicians, lack of faith, illnesses/injuries, Mark Nelson (Pat Barton cancer), Peters family (JP updates), Rob Ouellette (Janet Colson by-pass surgery)

* NEW: Rich Reich (friend undergoing surgery to remove breast cancer)

Faith Quote: “It is not repentence that save me; repentence is the sign that I realize what God has done in Christ Jesus.” by Oswald Chambers

Rich

Romans 12:12

* Bible: Readings and reflections for today.

* Prayer: Prayer connects us with God’s will & His miracles, changing us & helping others. ‘If you pray that God will move a mountain and He doesn’t, assume Christ wants you to climb it instead.’

* Fasting: Let’s fast from things that take our eyes off Jesus (selfishness, bitterness, being so critical, impatience, gossip, excessive video games, etc) and take on things that fix our eyes on Jesus (selflessness, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, patience, understanding, caring, helping, listening).

* Defend the unborn: ‘Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don’t stand back and let them die’ (Prov 24:11). ‘Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you’ (Jer 1:5). ‘It is a great poverty that a child must die that you might live as you wish’ (Blessed Mother Teresa).

* Evangelization: Let’s make room for unbelievers (be a friend, make a friend, lead friend to Christ) and perpetual re-evangelization of self and those near us, by way of daily prayer (relationship) and following Christ’s example of selfless love, mercy, and service.