October 31, 2023
The Best Is Yet to Come
…creation awaits with eager expectation the revelation of the children of God.
Romans 8:19

What a hope-filled verse for this “mini-Triduum” of All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day! St. Paul describes how we fit into the unfolding of salvation history, highlighting the mystical reality of our relationship with the entirety of Creation. Together, with the whole universe, we are all works in progress. Led by the Holy Spirit, we find our way into the ultimate plan of redemption and glory that the Lord has for us. That may seem a little lofty; we may doubt that we have a part to play in this cosmic drama. Yet, that is exactly what Jesus invites us to be a part of, even in our everyday interactions! Saints are most often made not in great acts of heroism but in the love of neighbor, in the simplicity of prayer, in living a particular vocation. This is why Jesus calls us to be like yeast raising up the dough around us to be something greater. How will we participate in his Kingdom today?

- Steve Pable

Romans 8:18-25 • Psalm 126:1-6 • Luke 13:18-21
North Vermont fall foliage. Photo by Philip | Adobe Stock
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Comments

Cynthia
October 31, 2023 at 09:17 PM

Help me please Father in Heaven to do your will on earth I ask this in Jesus mighty Name Amen Amen Amen

Craig
October 31, 2023 at 10:06 AM

Thank you for that reading God bless you and all who read this on Jesus name I pray.

Anne
October 31, 2023 at 10:00 AM

Again to quote Steve, “Jesus calls us to be like yeast raising up the dough around us to be something greater”. In the midst of these worldwide conflicts we look to Jesus as our hope for peace. Even in our own little corner of the universe we offer prayers and words of hope and consolation to those who feel hopeless. We can make ourselves present to them by offering to lift some of the burdens they carry. In other words, bringing the love of Jesus and hope to those who have no hope; to be like the yeast that changes things.

Holly
October 31, 2023 at 09:52 AM

Amen! Thank you, Steve, and everyone in this circle for sharing the good things that God has done and is doing in people's lives.

Salina
October 31, 2023 at 09:30 AM

Praying as Elijah did for God to open our eyes as He did with Elijah’s situation and prayer in 2 Kings 6:15-18, “The servant of the man of God got up the next morning. He went out early. He saw that an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my master!” the servant said. “What can we do?” “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Elisha prayed, “Lord, open my servant’s eyes so that he can see.” Then the Lord opened his eyes. Elisha’s servant looked up and saw the hills. He saw that Elisha was surrounded by horses and chariots made of fire. Aram’s army came down toward Elisha. Then he prayed to the Lord, “Make these soldiers blind.” So the Lord made them blind, just as Elisha had prayed.” Amen, Lord God for doing what you have always done for Your people in their existence on this earth ✝️ Draw them back to Yourself ✝️

Salina
October 31, 2023 at 12:31 PM

* I meant Elisha…Elijah’s successor!

Aaron D.
October 31, 2023 at 09:24 AM

Thank You for this insightful reading. Amen!

Salina
October 31, 2023 at 09:17 AM

Praying for Israel and the IDF in Deuteronomy 28:7, “Enemies will rise up against you. But the Lord will help you win the battle over them. They will come at you from one direction. But they’ll run away from you in every direction.” *** Do It Again by Elevation Worship https://youtu.be/0B_lnQIITxU?si=R7qYS8hsC2-IAvXr

Salina
October 31, 2023 at 09:08 AM

Thinking of all the captives in Gaza and praying for them in today’s Psalm 126:1-3, “Our enemies took us away from Zion. But when the Lord brought us home, it seemed like a dream to us. Our mouths were filled with laughter. Our tongues sang with joy. Then the people of other nations said, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us. And we are filled with joy!” Amen! *** Famous For by Tauren Wells and Jenn Johnson https://youtu.be/o15X2yZ1LT8?si=f-aKCrbbGLNFPuSg

peggyR
October 31, 2023 at 09:14 AM

Thank you, Salina for the hopeful psalm passage this morning. We pray for the innocent victims in this inhumane war. Dear Lord, please hear the prayers of your people.

C.J
October 31, 2023 at 09:07 AM

AMEN ;)

StephenG
October 31, 2023 at 08:55 AM

To quote Steve, “Saints are most often made not in great acts of heroism but in the LOVE of neighbor, in the SIMPLICITY of prayer….that is YOU my brothers and sisters of the LFF.

freeter
October 31, 2023 at 07:50 AM

Amen. :)

jane
October 31, 2023 at 07:47 AM

Thank you Steve for the “mini-Triduum” theme. I hadn’t really connected those dots before. Sharing a holy moment on the last day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. At my office we do quite a bit of fundraising for charities that help women get screenings. One of the things is a bake sale for 2 days over the lunch hour which actually raises about $3000, which amazes me. I wanted to amplify the bake sale and I put up for auction slots to do a “baking day with Jane” in honor of my mother who passed away from breast cancer. I taught folks how to make a Slovak recipe we called kolach, or nut roll, which they took home. Everyone also received an embroidered apron with “Baking it Better” in pink, with the pink breast cancer ribbon on it. I also made lunch and mimosas. It was a great day and we raised close to $2000. I was so happy to make that impact, but also tired at the end of the day. Happy Halloween all.

Pam
October 31, 2023 at 11:39 AM

Jane!!! What sweet treats with double benefits! I'm a breast cancer survivor, did my chemo at MDA and my Support Group in Houston was the Rosebuds. I grew up thinking I was Polish, my Dad spoke it...taught me how to count! And there are many wonderfully tasty memories... especially babka! I remember my Dad's family in Chicago sitting around the kitchen table drinking coffee and nibbling on homemade babka. Truly a sweet memory! Praying that God continues to bless all your efforts.

peggyR
October 31, 2023 at 09:08 AM

Good morning Jane! We’re on a road trip right now and I just had to come downstairs and congratulate you on your Holy Moment for your co workers and for the bigger cause of Breast Cancer Awareness! What a beautiful idea! Oh yes, my little Polish friend’s Mom used to make kolachy and they truly are a work of art. Your goodness just brings me to tears. Your family, co workers, friends and our LFF are blessed to have you!

Salina
October 31, 2023 at 08:47 AM

Thank you for sharing what a wonderful and blessed day leading the “Baking Day with Jane!” I would have loved to participate :-) Reminds me of my MIL nut roll!!! She has passed years ago…

jane
October 31, 2023 at 07:37 AM

Lord, please hear our continued prayers for those grieving in Lewiston, Maine and the extended community. Also our continued petitions for the Ukraine and Middle East, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Maine, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.

GHH
October 31, 2023 at 08:12 AM

Thank you, Jane, for your continued dedication in posting this prayer everyday. We are all one and in this life together. I cling to God now and the hope of Christ in the face of all this pain. Your post every day helps so much. Peace, peace, peace.

Linda
October 31, 2023 at 07:09 AM

Steve, the mini-triduum theme for this time of year helps us as Catholic Christians, focus on the spiritual side of these three celebratory days rather than the commercial. Your insight has given us a whole new perspective on how we can all be saints, even in the most simplistic gestures to others! Thank you for your wonderful devotional!

JJC
October 31, 2023 at 06:59 AM

Thank you Steve, beautiful devotional. The Best Is Yet To Come. Lord Jesus, help us plant that seed of love today with the expectation that your kingdom will continue to expand and to flourish into something greater than that one seed initially planted. Make us all participants in the building of your Kingdom today. Amen. Prayers and blessings sent for all with special intentions and needs. Happy October 31st LFF, Blessings.

Mike
October 31, 2023 at 06:48 AM

Amen Steve . Thank you for the wonderful reflections. Bring our bounty of blessings to better those around us . Love and prayers for all those in need and all the saints and souls that have gone before us Marked with the the sign of faith and our LFF. Amen Mike

North Vermont fall foliage. Photo by Philip | Adobe Stock
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