The attack on marriage is really an attack on the human person, and his dignity, for the devil seeks to pervert our true purpose, to pervert God's holy design. For many of us, we cannot march in protests or write dozens of letters or call numerous times to urge legislators to vote for the Truth. But one thing we can all do is pray and fast. We have designated one day each week to fast for these intentions:

1. That marriage may be preserved, promoted, and understood as God's plan for creation.

2. For all marriages that they may reflect the love of the Trinity.

3. For broken marriages that Christ bring healing and conversion to the spouses' souls.

4. For those who are married, for the sanctification of their marriage and their spouse. For those who are single, for their future spouse and vocation.


Thursday, June 30, 2022

July 1st Fast

 +JMJ

"Let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Colossians 3: 15-17)

In her well known book, The Hiding Place, Corrie Ten Boom details the cruel barbarities of a Nazi concentration camp that she and her sister, Betsy, endure. After a succession of humiliations and subjection to degrading conditions, Corrie nearly yields to despair, incredulous as to how the sisters will bear life in this hellish place. Then, Betsy gently reminds her of Paul's exhortation— "Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God." (1 Thes. 5:18) —emphasizing that one is not only to show gratitude in times of comfort and security. Corrie mostly accedes, but resolutely refuses to thank her Maker for the fleas which are their constant companions until she later discovers that due to one guard's abhorrence of the aforementioned mites, the women can freely conduct prayer meetings in the barracks: a cherished consolation in the midst of their intense tribulation.

Paul's letters consistently remind his Christian audience that they, like the Israelites, are "strangers in a strange land" and must act accordingly to differentiate from their pagan neighbors. In the midst of difficulties, the secularist clings to his victim status: his petulant attitude a derivation of the ingrained expectation that he deserves better than the obstacles that litter his path. His resentment fuels frustration, inflaming a temper that is easily touched off at the slightest provocation. Literally weighing him down, his burdens foster a sarcastic and sullen attitude that is rife with cynicism. 

Yet the faithful Christian courageously refuses to wallow in  the mire of self-pity. He humbly acknowledges his faults and often reflects on the bounteous gifts that His father bestows, despite his many failings. Buoyed by this knowledge, he is not easily piqued by inconsequential burdens, nor vexed to suffer inconvenience. This posture of gratitude secures his peace. Thankful for the slightest minutiae, his patience increases, his perseverance strengthens, his endurance lengthens, and his joy abounds.



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