11 Jul Sowing Justice (Hosea 10:12) by Diane Overmann
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors.
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“Sow for yourselves justice, reap the fruit of piety: break up for yourselves a new field, for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes.” ~ Hosea 10:12 (full readings)
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Diane’s Reflections: Living in the midst of corn fields, I am sometimes reminded of the patience and trust of those who plant. A farmer has to believe in life as seeds are placed in the soil that has been turned over. A farmer must do all that is humanly possible, but then trust the seeds to the sun and rain. A farmer must live in hope through the nights and welcome the Creator into all. While concerned and troubled by the culture which often fails to exhibit wonder and awe in the goodness of God, I cannot deny the very presence of the Holy in all that surrounds me. If I stop sowing for justice there will be a smaller harvest. If all of us continue to plant justice seeds with respect for the unborn, the homeless, the mentally ill, and those with physical and emotional ills, we will reap the fruit of piety. It comes down to this: I know it is true because God said it. My eyes fill with tears when I realize “who am I to doubt the Word.” I treasure the youth and must join with others in teaching them to plant the seeds of justice. This is a sacred calling and a magnificent responsibility. We still have more seeds in our bags and the youth are following our lead. Those issues involving the wonder of human life will bring forth piety.
* Diane Overmann is the Faith Formation Director at St. Clare Catholic School in O’Fallon, IL. She also presents catechist classes for the Diocese of Belleville, IL.
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Faith Challenge: Picture yourself planting seeds by hand in a field and see Jesus walking along with you as together you plant. Then see yourself with Jesus at the end of the day, sitting near the field on lawn chairs and smiling together as you enjoy the beauty of the day and the hope for the future.
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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. Benedict.
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Faith Quote: “Rightly, then, the liturgy is considered as an exercise of the priestly office of Jesus Christ. In the liturgy the sanctification of man is manifested by signs perceptible to the senses…; in the liturgy full public worship is performed by the Mystical Body of Jesus Christ, that is, by the Head and his members.” ~ St. Benedict
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Through Christ our Lord,
Diane
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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.