Daily Gospel Reflection for January 23, 2017 - Day of Prayer for the Unborn

Today's Gospel: Mark 3:22-30 - Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children

Today we begin the first full week of a new presidential term. The Gospel for today recalls the famous speech by Abraham Lincoln where he referenced that "a house divided cannot stand." While his words about our country continue to ring true to this day, we also want to look at our faith and our families.

Gathering for worship do we always recognize the values of opinions not our own? How quick we can be to dismiss those whose ideas differ from ours. We take great pride in being strong and independent people, yet Jesus reminds us that no one can enter a strong man's house without first tying him up. We struggle against giving up our will to allow God to plunder our house - to get rid of what we don't need, to make us whole.

An ideal way to bring about unity in our country and churches is to begin in our families. There is wisdom in the babbling of a baby, the ramblings of the toddler, and the texting of the teen. If we spend all our time trying to cast out the problems of others, we never allow our guard down to let God into our house. A house gathered around God is a house united and that should be our foundation.

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Ponder:

What is the "strong man" in your life that you need help in restraining?

Pray:

On this day of prayer for legal protection of the unborn, Lord, we ask that as families, churches and a nation we stand as a house united in your love for all.

Holy Trinity Youth Ministry meets in East Liverpool, Ohio for prayer, reflection, service and good food. Activities can be followed on Facebook.