14 May The Chosen (John 15:16) by Rich Reich
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors. LIFE Minute radio.
“It was not you who chose Me, it was I Who chose you to go forth and bear fruit.” ~ John 15:16 (full readings)
Rich’s Reflections: In the first reading today, Jesus chose Matthias to be an apostle and replace Judas. Matthias did not choose Jesus, but Jesus chose him. This is the same for us. We may choose to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, but it is really not about choice, but rather obedience to God’s will (i.e., submitting to the Lord and denying ourselves). Even when we think about God choosing us, our self-centeredness makes us think that God is preferring us over others. Being chosen does not mean comparing ourselves to others, but rather an acceptance to share the Gospel. We are chosen to witness to the risen Christ and to bear fruit for His kingdom. We are chosen not for selfishness, but for fruitfulness.
* Rich Reich is the co-founder of the LIFE Group Devotions and the National LIFE Runners Team. He is married to Erica and lives in Satellite Beach, FL. Full bio.
Faith Challenge: As Christians, do not think that you are better than others, but accept your calling as disciples of Christ and share the Gospel with others.
Counter-Culture News: LSN, LifeNews, Priests for Life, AFA, Vatican, Project Rachel.
Our Prayers: Prayer to end abortion, Spiritual Adoption, Alpha Center, Peters family (JP). AddPrayers on our website. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, LIFE Runners, etc. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
Feast Day: Saint Matthias
Faith Quote: “It behooves us to combat the flesh, and make use of it, without pampering it by unlawful gratifications. As to the soul, we must develop her power by faith and knowledge.” – Saint Matthias
Through Christ our Lord,
Rich
James 1:22
* 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.