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Wednesday, March 9, 2016

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St. Frances of Rome


Isaiah 49:8-15
Psalm 145:8-9, 13-14, 17-18
John 5:17-30

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"i will never forget you" (is 49:15)

"Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you." —Isaiah 49:15

Isaiah prophesied the above message from the Lord God over 2,500 years ago. At that time, children were considered blessings from the Lord. The strongest possible human bond was between mother and child. Yet even then, some mothers "forgot" their children and allowed them to be sacrificed to pagan gods (e.g. see Lam 4:10).

At present, surgical and chemical abortions occur in staggering numbers. In some countries, women abort more than twice as many babies as they keep, whether voluntarily or by coercion. Entire generations of children have grown up knowing that many mothers forget and abort their children. Is it any wonder masses of people don't realize God loves them? (Is 49:14)

Isaiah's stirring prophecy rings even more true today. God "will never forget you" (Is 49:15). "God has said, 'I will never desert you, nor will I forsake you' " (Heb 13:5). You may be the only "Bible" some people ever encounter. Repent of any part you may have played in not wanting or loving children. "Make disciples" by generously conceiving, bearing, and raising godly children (Mt 28:19). Love your children as "the Father loves the Son" (Jn 5:20). Thus you will help lost and hurting people to know God will never forget them.

Prayer:  Father, may parents love their children to such an extent that others will be able to see in their love a reflection of Your own personal love for them.

Promise:  "I solemnly assure you, the man who hears My word and has faith in Him Who sent Me possesses eternal life." —Jn 5:24

Praise:  St. Frances led many Roman ladies toward holiness.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, September 28, 2015

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