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God's Plan for
A World Won
It often feels like we live in a world lost. For those with hearts to believe, the most pressing question ought to be, “What is God’s plan for a world won?” Note that He’s already won. He’s making every provision. It's not about merely professing. It’s about engaging in His Power.
This past weekend we powerfully experienced this in the blessed union of Joseph and Abby Schlueter. Something very powerful happened. In their sacred vows, Joseph and Abby were literally forged by the Hand of God into an irrevocable, complete, powerful unity in Himself. Commissioned to participate in the very life of the Holy Trinity. With an identity and mission: Make God, Who is Love, known.
While the vast majority of youth and young adults today are following a different narrative, we experienced at this wedding NUMEROUS souls who truly give witness to having encountered God’s love for them. Each were so filled with exuberant joy. A missioned sense of purpose. A common love of God permeated everything. In words expressed by the emcees, to the speeches, to Joseph and Abby washing one another’s feet. To the crescendo of the evening, a time of praise so exuberantly participated by all present, I couldn’t help but be moved by the thought that, collectively, these have impacted hundreds of thousands of lives for the Kingdom.
Let me just say it: We are people of the Kingdom. Made for abundance of life to radiate throughout this earth. To vanquish every shadow. This is the narrative of human existence. Every other narrative is fiction. A lie.
So, dear brothers and sisters, as you survey what seems to be vestiges of a world lost, know the answer: Your incredible, noble dignity as His son or daughter of God in Jesus Christ, the Font of fecund grace. Know that it flows from sacramental marriage. Meant to claim us. Meant to claim our families. And to overflow into the world and claim that world for the Kingdom. Forever.
Plan on joining us now for Sanctus: Eucharistic Family Revival, led by the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, taking place on Saturday, November 4 at Lourdes University. Limited to probably 100 families, for a short time you can receive a 15% discount using the code: “EarlyBird15.” REGISTER
In Christ's love,
Greg & Stephanie Schlueter
Mass Impact | Image Trinity
(814) 449-8808 | Greg@MassImpact.us
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| CATHOLIC REVIVAL STATUS: $15,850 of $125,000
For over ten years we've been helping thousands of families make their homes places of ever-deepening encounter with Jesus Christ. We're motivated because, beyond great programs, homes are "the cornerstone of civilization." (Pope St. John Paul II). We need your help.
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| | | LIVE IT THIS WEEK: "THE VINEYARD"
September 18-24, 2023
A simple guide to help your family grow in holiness. (full version)
FUN QUESTION:
Would you rather live under the water, or in the sky? (submit your fun question)
LIVE IT TIDBIT
View our new, fun, 60 second story and message at ILoveMyFamily.us.
GOSPEL | Matthew 20:1-16a
Jesus told his disciples this parable:
"The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner
who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard.
After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage,
he sent them into his vineyard.
Going out about nine o'clock,
the landowner saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
and he said to them, 'You too go into my vineyard,
and I will give you what is just.'
So they went off.
And he went out again around noon,
and around three o'clock, and did likewise.
Going out about five o'clock,
the landowner found others standing around, and said to them,
'Why do you stand here idle all day?'
They answered, 'Because no one has hired us.'
He said to them, 'You too go into my vineyard.'
When it was evening the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman,
'Summon the laborers and give them their pay,
beginning with the last and ending with the first.'
When those who had started about five o'clock came,
each received the usual daily wage.
So when the first came, they thought that they would receive more,
but each of them also got the usual wage.
And on receiving it they grumbled against the landowner, saying,
'These last ones worked only one hour,
and you have made them equal to us,
who bore the day's burden and the heat.'
He said to one of them in reply,
'My friend, I am not cheating you.
Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage?
Take what is yours and go.
What if I wish to give this last one the same as you?
Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money?
Are you envious because I am generous?'
Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last."
QUESTION:
What struck you in this reading? Challenged you? Inspired you? What questions did it raise?
YOU IMAGE THE TRINITY: LIVE IT
Going around, affirm how you have been blessed and/or inspired by each person this past week. Encourage him/her.
DAILY QUESTIONS:.
Everyone go around and share...
1) Something you’re grateful for?
2) A recent victory?
3) A current challenge?
4) An affirmation of someone?
5) Something meaningful happening?
GET FULL LIT GUIDE AND FIND OUT MORE AT ILOVEMYFAMILY.US
We are families united in more fully seeking, proclaiming, living and building the Kingdom. |
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EPISODE 391: THE GIFT OF MOTHERHOOD | Andrew Reinhart's interview of Stephanie Schlueter on Physically Spiritual
In this episode Andrew Reinhart (Physically Spiritual) discusses with Stephanie Schlueter the gift of motherhood, being on mission as a family, the loss of a mother, and becoming a gift of self.
LISTEN NOW! SHARE!
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| | | PREACH IT
On Sunday's Gospel (video)
with JOHN MICHAEL TALBOT
Today's Gospel addresses a situation that frequently arises within the church and among ministries and ministers. It's when God showers His blessings upon some people, and those who haven't received such blessings tend to become envious. We begin to covet God's generosity.
Let me provide an example: sometimes, individuals like Joel Osteen become exceptionally popular, and those engaged in regular ministry may become envious and jealous. Consequently, they may resort to criticism and finding fault. It's important to note that you can find flaws in any ministry, and there might be aspects of Joel's work that I wish were different or better. However, I watch Joel Osteen and often find something valuable in his message, something I can deposit into my spiritual bank.
Instead of criticizing, it's essential to ask oneself, "What is he doing that's effective, and how can I incorporate it into my Christian experience as a minister?" These are the types of questions I ask. So, when God blesses another ministry, individual, family, or business, avoid criticism simply due to a low self-image. Instead, inquire about what you can learn from them and how it can benefit you. It's important to understand that God doesn't intend for everyone to achieve enormous success on a physical level. He requires people to serve in regular ministry and in regular churches because, without them, the grander achievements would be meaningless.
God has placed each of us precisely where He wants us to be. We should bloom where we are planted and strive to excel in our current roles because He has assigned us a purpose from eternity. Therefore, let's embrace our positions with enthusiasm and carry out the tasks He has entrusted us with. That's my prayer for all of you today—I love you. Remember to bloom where you're planted, avoid envy of others and their ministries, and together, we will witness the kingdom of God flourishing across the Earth.
Remember, all things are possible with God.
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| | THE PARENT BLESSING PROJECT
We want to send you 100 awesome parent prayer blessing cards for your parish or organization. GO: PRAYER CARD
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who want more than a fleeting moment, but a way of life.
GO: PENTECOST 365
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AND THOSE WHO SUPPORT US.
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"The future of humanity passes by way of the family."
~ Pope St. John Paul II
WE ARE FAMILIES UNITED IN BUILDING THE KINGDOM.
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