July 26 Sermon

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Prayer for the Week (July 26-August 1)

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Let us pray to God that we be to everyone a sign of his healing love: Lord God, you showed in Jesus Christ, how your compassion reaches out to those in difficult situations. Mold us into a people set free by Jesus Christ and lead us to be responsible for one another as a living sign of your tender love and compassion.  We ask this in the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.

(Claretian Publications)

Sunday Reflection (July 26, 2020)

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Despite our sufferings, hardships, fault, and failures, God can bring about healing and restoration. This does not necessarily mean we will escape the consequence of our actions or the evil others plan against us; rather, God works through our situations and the messes in which we find ourselves to bring about healing and restoration (Romans 8:26-30).

The present and future can be different because the Holy Spirit leads us to inject grace, mercy, kindness, and forgiveness into human life, and nothing can ultimately thwart that. We participate in the move of God’s love for the world.  This is part of God’s plan of healing and restoration, so that “all things work together for the good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose.”  May we be conformed to the image of Christ according to the divine purpose.

Daily Devotion July 23

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Daily Devotion July 22

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Daily Devotion July 21

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Daily Devotion July 20

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July 19 Sermon

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Sunday Reflection (July 19, 2020)

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Paul paints a rather bleak picture of creation.  It is not one of peace, harmony, and co-existence in joy (Romans 8:18-30).  Paul points out that creation groans in labor pains as it awaits something better.  We ourselves groan in labor pains for a better world because we know there is much that is wrong in the world.  We have a great challenge before us to make the world a better place until that final transformation that comes from God.  The hope of a better world challenges us to begin that work today.

Being part of Christ’s Church, we are part of something bigger than ourselves.  The Holy Spirit affirms God’s presence with us as we await that final transformation.  Until then, Paul challenges us to live up to our calling as Christians and this is more than about “me and Jesus.”  This is about Jesus and us and the renewal of the world.  We are among “those whom God first reaches in the unfolding of God’s plan!” (Karl Barth) (Romans 8:12-17).  May the restoration of the world begin with us who follow Christ as we await its final manifestation.

Prayer for the Week (July 19-July 25)

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Let us pray to God our Father for discerning hearts: Lord God, our Father, our heart remains restless until it has discovered the peace you offer us in your Son Jesus Christ.  May we not put our trust and joy in brittle, perishable things, but in your Son, his Good News, and the kingdom he came to build among us. May we be receptive to your calling with an attentive and wise heart.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.