08 Aug Merciful Love (Jer 37:3-4) by Sara Hofflander
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors.
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“With age-old love have I loved you; so I have kept my mercy toward you. Again I will restore you, and you shall be rebuilt, O virgin Israel.” ~ Jer 37:3-4 (full readings)
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Sara’s Reflections: Today’s first reading comes from a pivotal moment in the Old Testament where the prophet Jeremiah reveals God’s promise to the Jewish people that He will bring an end to their suffering and punishment. God reveals that He has always loved them with a fervent love despite their sins and unfaithfulness. God is still calling them back and desires them to be His own. The revelation of God’s merciful love speaks to us today no matter what our current situation may be. For those who suffer from past regrets, this is a reminder that their mistakes are nothing against the ocean of God’s mercy. For all who work daily to promote the culture of life, this is a reminder that we are all called to be witnesses of God’s merciful love. We live this call by never condemning but by always calling others forth to a greater experience of the freedom and joy of living according to God’s design for everyone. Promoting the culture of life means helping everyone to see that people possess a right to life and also a right to hope and to sincere happiness.
* Sara Hofflander lives in Sioux Falls, SD where she teaches theology at O’Gorman Catholic High School and leads the O’Gorman LIFE Runners chapter.
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Faith Challenge: Think of someone in your life that you are tempted to condemn. Commit to making some sort of sacrifice today that you can offer up to God on their behalf.
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Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life, AFA,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. Dominic.
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Faith Quote: “I see now, that true charity consists in bearing with the faults of those about us, never being surprised at their weaknesses, but edified at the least sign of virtue. I see above all that charity must not remain hidden in the bottom of our hearts: ‘nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.’ It seems to me that this lamp is the symbol of charity; it must shine out not only to cheer those we love best but all in the house.” ~ St. Therese of Lisieux
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Through Christ our Lord,
Sara
Phillipians 4:4
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* 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 families): 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.