Preserve a Life (Lk 17:33) by Michael Rackers

13 Nov Preserve a Life (Lk 17:33) by Michael Rackers

“From the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who died between the altar and the temple building. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be charged with their blood!” ~ Lk 17:33 (full readings)
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Michael’s Reflections:  Is there any other verse in the Bible that epitomizes the dilemma an expectant mother faces with an unplanned, inconvenient, and unwanted pregnancy?  How often does an abortion occur in an attempt to preserve the life that the mother or parents envisioned prior to the unplanned pregnancy?  Whoever tries to preserve their life by choosing to abort their child not only ends their child’s life, but also compromises their own.  It takes courage to sacrifice one’s plans for their own life to choose the life of their baby, but in doing so, two lives are preserved.  As LIFE Runners we must encourage, applaud, and celebrate this courage.  We are also called to display this same courage in our daily lives.  In chapter 22, verse 42 of Luke’s Gospel Jesus prays these words as He contemplates His passion and death,  “Father, if it be Your will take this cup from Me.”  Not unlike how we pray….take this burden, sickness, difficult job, marital problem, unwanted pregnancy, etc. from me.  Preserve my life as I know it.  But Jesus goes a step further as He continues, “yet not My will but Yours be done”.  His ultimate act of courage saves our lives.
* Mike and his wife Patty are members of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Wardsville, MO.  They have two sons, Nolan and Ethan..

Faith Challenge:   Die to yourself today through some act of service for the benefit of someone else or sacrifice something for a specific cause.

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. Frances Xavier Calibrini
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Faith Quote:  “I am only one, but I am one. I can’t do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, that I ought to do. And what I ought to do, by the grace of God and support of friends, I WILL DO.” ~ Author unknown

Through Christ our Lord,
Michael Rackers
Ps 31:24