08 Mar Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (Mark 12:29-31) by Rosemary Bernth
Welcome God now with this LIFE Group Devotion (FB), provided by LIFE Runners (FB). Leaders.Guest Authors.
“Jesus replied, ‘The first is this: Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.’”~John 10:37-38 (full readings)
Rosemary’s Reflections: Growing up, I always enjoyed watching “Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood” on PBS. Whenever he started singing his song, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” I couldn’t help but want to have him next door. He seemed so friendly and always had a smile on his face. Unfortunately, we do not live in a world full of nice neighbors, especially if one of those includes Planned Parenthood. But as the Gospel states, we are called to love those who work there or visit the facilities. Does that mean we let them continue with their actions? Of course not! If your neighbor was backing out of the driveway and a child ran into his or her blindspot, you should stop them. Wouldn’t you want someone to give you the same warning? Caring about your neighbor includes some tough love, but it doesn’t mean degrade them or be apathetic in an effort to be “tolerant.” We must help our neighbors grow to be the best beings God created them to be.
* Rosemary Bernth (LIFE Runner) was a journalist for the Diocese of Sioux City’s newspaper and is now a writing/travel graduate student at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA.
Faith Challenge: Do you know who your next-door neighbor is? Maybe today say hello while you grab the mail or offer to shovel their sidewalks (for all of you hit with snow). If you live near a Planned Parenthood or an abortion mill, take some time to pray outside and let those there know you are there to lend a hand to help them over to the side of Truth and Life.
Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, Priests for Life, Vatican, Project Rachel.
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.
Feast Day: St. John of God
Faith Quote: “A man is called selfish not for pursuing his own good, but for neglecting his neighbor’s.” ~Richard Whately