Devotion
Go, Tell the Good News
Frances Taylor
It would be easy to read this gospel passage and get depressed! However, this is only if you read it with a narrow focus. Jesus was speaking to the "Chosen People" of Israel, those who were first, and yet didn't seem to get the message. We are actually the "last" because we are descendants of those who were brought to Jesus through the work of the disciples. But what is the "narrow gate?" It's really not enough to say that we know "about" Jesus; that we went to church a few times. The question is really, but what did we DO? The answer to the question about what it means to do the will of God is really, "Go out to all the world and tell the Good News." This is from the gospel of Mark, then how do we do this? If you have ever been in love, you know that it is almost impossible not to let people know about it. And, if you do try to keep it a secret, all someone has to do is look at your face and they can tell there's something different about you. You light up when you see those you love be it friends, children or your spouse! Do you light up when you are in the presence of God? Does your face glow when you talk about your faith? How do people know that you love God? Are you the kind one in your neighborhood, at work, at school – at home? Is your life – and I ask the same questions of myself – a witness to what you profess to believe? St. Francis of Assisi is credited with saying that we should preach the gospel always and, if necessary, use words. As we go forward with our efforts of the new evangelization in our planning, the answers to these questions become even more important. Our role as disciples is to go and tell the good news. May those who know us and come to know us see in our words and our works that we truly believe that the "Good News" is Jesus.
Prayer
Gracious God, help me to show my love for you in my actions as well as my words. Help me lead others to you. Amen.
Night Prayer
Let me not be ashamed, O Lord; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.
Inspiration
We humble ourselves before the Lord when we come to Him with earthly burdens. We understand we do not have the power to control or fix our problems alone, so we lay our egos down and align our lives with the will of God. We are proud to be His servants and accept His help throughout our struggles. His love is unconditional, and His wisdom parallels none other.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we humble ourselves before You, seeking Your wisdom and guidance all the days of our lives. Thank You for Your presence and unfailing love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
You are a Temple of The Holy Spirit
Frances Taylor
This is a hard saying in today's world. Sexual immorality is so rampant and public that few people believe it to be immoral! People no longer think of sexual behavior outside of marriage as wrong and, in fact, have no problem with going from one person to another quite publicly, broadcasting their behavior on social media and if you're famous enough, on twitter, on TV, in magazines, etc. What happened to "Thou shalt not commit adultery?" I guess I'm old fashioned. I'm not about to condemn anyone who truly loves another and is faithful to them regardless of marriage, but I don't understand and cannot condone random sexual encounters that are not based on love but lust, have no desire for permanency but are literally just to satisfy a sexual itch.
Sorry if I offend anyone, but if we believe that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit to be kept holy, how can we treat them as what – toys, prizes? I'm aware that women have often ...
Morning Prayer
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Inspiration
Think of a grudge that you held on for a long time. Did you feel better from holding this grudge? Now think about this deeper: what if God held a grudge against us? Wow, how blessed we are that he forgives our sins! He leads by example, forgiving those of us that do exactly what he asks us not to do. We all should all be more forgiving, like God is to us.
Prayer
You sent your only son to the world to die so that we may be forgiven, merciful God. Forgive me, once again, for being too selfish and proud to not forgive those that trespass against me. I wish that I can sin less and ask for forgiveness and guidance when I need it. I thank you for sending your son to us, Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.
