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Choosing Life

Sat, 14 Oct 2023 17:57:42 GMT

Creator God, you are author of every single life. Help us to view all people as you see them and to build a culture of love where all are valued and no life is in danger of being “thrown away.” Amen.

This content comes to you from Our Sunday Visitor courtesy of your parish or diocese.

Appreciating the here and now

Sat, 14 Oct 2023 17:57:41 GMT

Three men were sitting together on a park bench, sharing stories on an autumn afternoon. The first man recounted one tale after another about his past. He longed for the simplicity of yesteryear. He spoke of nostalgic days of yore, recalling events of times gone by. The first man yearned for his youth. He closed his eyes and pictured things the way they once were, frustrated at what had been lost.

The second man spun yarns about the future. He imagined lavish vacations he planned, picturing places he would go near and far. He imagined things he would do once he retired. He envisioned a boat he would build. He fantasized about all the free time he would have for fishing. Lost in his reveries, the second man closed his eyes and sighed in anticipation of things to come, frustrated by waiting for what would be.

The third man did not step back into his past nor did he lean into his future. Instead, he pointed out the fair day. He called attention to the beautiful colors of the changing leaves, the deep blue skies. He greeted people as they passed; and they returned his good cheer. The third man felt the sun on his face. He smelled the scent of purple grapes ripe on vines covering a nearby arbor. And he was content in the moment.

The good steward understands the importance of the present, neither dwelling on nor forgetting the past, neither anticipating nor ignoring the future.

This article comes to you from Grace In Action ( Our Sunday Visitor ) courtesy of your parish or diocese.

October 14, 2023

Sat, 14 Oct 2023 17:13:39 GMT

A woman in the crowd expresses her admiration for what Jesus has done and how he responded to his critics. She praises his mother who gave birth to him and raised him. Jesus replies with words of praise for the greater value of spiritual relationship, hearing God’s word and acting on it.

How blest are we! You give yourself to us completely. You teach us to listen, to understand and to act.

This content comes to you from Our Sunday Visitor courtesy of your parish or diocese.

No more room for God

Sat, 14 Oct 2023 17:01:20 GMT

“When our heart is rich and is so self-satisfied, then it has no more room for God. Please, let us avoid ‘remaining shut up within structures which give us a false sense of security, within rules which make us harsh judges, within habits which make us feel safe’ (Evangelii Gaudium, 49).” — Pope Francis

Reflection:

Where do you look for a sense of security? How do humility and trust in God factor into your sense of safety?

This content comes to you from Our Sunday Visitor courtesy of your parish or diocese.