The Song of Life (Lk 1:44) by Fr. Joseph Oganda

21 Dec The Song of Life (Lk 1:44) by Fr. Joseph Oganda

Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders. Guest Authors.
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“For at the moment the sound of Your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.” ~ Lk 1:44 (full readings)
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Fr. Joseph’s Reflections: Elizabeth is our model of hope and joy: “For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy” and Mary is the mother of our faith in God and our life in Jesus, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.  May it be done to me according to your word.”  The dark cloud of sin may be blocking our vision and preventing us from seeing the victory of the light, the power of life over death, the gift of God’s love for all humanity, a savior who is named Jesus. God, our light, has illumined our path: “Fear not…do not be discouraged for the Lord is in your midst and will renew you in love.”  God has chosen us as a people of his own heart, a people of his own inheritance and he is our only help and shield against the disdain for life.  United with the fruit of Elizabeth’s womb, we offer God a new dance of praise and thanksgiving for the gift of his life to us.  And with joy and gladness, we join our voices with Mary in a song of, “Yes, Lord, let Your will be done to us.”  Nothing is impossible for God and for those who believe.  Life will always prevail, for it is beautiful.
* Father Joseph Oganda has extensive experience working with and caring for the poor, orphans, and those suffering from AIDS in his home city of Nairobi, Kenya and is currently the Parochial Vicar at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Belleville, IL.
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Faith Challenge: During this Advent season, leap for joy at Christ’s coming and let God’s light shine forth through you.  
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Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, 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. Peter Canisius.
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Faith Quote: “Nowadays, in a special way, the world needs people capable of proclaiming and bearing witness to God who is love, and consequently the one light which in the end, illumines the darkness of the world and gives us strength to live and work.” ~ Pope Benedict XVI, Deus Caritas Est.  2006
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Through Christ our Lord,
Fr. Joseph