January 20
"I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."
-John 10:10
Today's Reflection:
Lack of forgiveness blocks the grace of God in our lives. It brings death--spiritually, emotionally, and often, physically. Examine your life. Where do you need to forgive? Pray for the grace to do so.
January 19
"Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it until it receives the early and the late rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand."
-James 5:7-8
Today's Reflection:
To evangelize effectively, we must be patient. When we look around us to our family and friends, do we impose our Faith on them? Or do we, instead, propose it through our testimony and the example of our life? How beautiful it is to patiently sow the seeds of truth in the hearts of others, water the seeds with prayer and friendship, and wait for the seeds to take root. This process can take time, but we must be willing to invest the time, confident that the Lord's work will be accomplished in the end.
Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City left pro-abortion talking points in tatters last night when he delivered a powerful homily in defense of life at the National Prayer Vigil for Life.
January 18
"Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law."
-Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2271
Today's Reflection:
Human life is sacred. How do we allow this Church teaching to move us forward with faith and confidence in the public square to proclaim this truth?
Aside from being an exciting, fun, and powerful way to witness to the dignity of human life, those who participate in the National Prayer Vigil for Life and other sacred celebrations surrounding the March for Life in Washington DC tomorrow will also have the opportunity to gain a plenary indulgence.
On the eve of the March for Life, and in the face of aggressive pro-abortion moves by the U.S. House of Representatives, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has countered by filing a motion to proceed to a cloture vote on a bill that will make long-standing abortion funding restrictions into permanent law.
January 17
"The ultimate solution for restoring and promoting justice at all levels lies in the heart of each man." -Fr. Francis Fernandez
Today's Reflection:
It is in the heart that injustice comes into existence. Examine your own heart in this regard. Seek the sacrament of penance and resolve to practice justice in the areas in which you have been remiss.
Another extremely dangerous health-food fad known as the soy sauce cleanse has left a woman brain dead.
Pope Francis has announced the advancement of the sainthood causes of 17 women, including that of Blessed Marguerite Bays, a humble laywoman who devoted her life to serving peasant farmers in spite of great physical suffering.
January 16
"Blessed are those that hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall have their fill."
-Matthew 5:6
Today's Reflection:
We must do more than agree with Church teaching on issues. We must form our conscience according to them, and we must let Church teaching move us forward with faith and confidence into the public square to proclaim the truth at every opportunity. How do your actions indicate your beliefs about the sanctity of life? How can you bring greater justice into the contemporary culture?
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