Let's see ... I'm Catholic, a Cowboy's fan, and a Mac user. Seems we're just going to disagree about everything. ;o)
ALL:
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| Saturday, October 20, 2001 Saint Paul of the Cross, priest - Optional Memorial |
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From wau.org ...
When he wanted to give the believers in Rome an example of faith, Paul turned, almost naturally, to Abraham. This revered figure from Israel's ancient history listened when God spoke to him and, despite his doubts, did what God asked of him. When God told him to uproot his family and go to a strange land, Abraham did it. At God's request, he was even willing to sacrifice his long-awaited son.
God responded to Abraham's persevering faith by showering grace on him. Did Abraham earn this reward? Not at all. Even his faith was a work of grace. Grace is overflowing for those who believe, but it is a free gift from God that encompasses all God's gifts. It is mercy and generosity and power to overcome. It is by grace that we receive redemption in Christ, and it is by grace that the Holy Spirit enters our hearts and empowers us to live a life dedicated and obedient to God.
How easy it is to believe that Christianity is a life of giving--of striving to be good enough and selfless enough to merit God's favor. But just the opposite is true! The grace that God wants to shower on us each day comes to us as we learn to receive. Only then, assisted by grace, can we give in return by being good or giving of ourselves to others.
Will you be facing some difficult situation today? A trying incident at work, maybe, or a harried time at home? If you do, try to pause in the midst of it to invite the Lord into that situation and into your heart. Surrender to him and ask for his grace. By his grace, you can be an overcomer--loving the unlovable, denying selfish desires, saying "no" to the world's allurements, and receiving the guidance and strength you need.
The Lord once told Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you" (2 Corinthians 12:9). The same is true for us today. We can draw near to God and pursue a journey of hope and victory through the promise which is ours in Christ Jesus our Lord.
"Father of all grace and favor, I praise and thank you for letting me come into your presence each day. You have given me what prophets and kings longed to know and could only glimpse from afar. How good and generous and merciful you are!"
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Have a great day, everybody!