October 3, 2024
26th Week in Ordinary Time
‘My Vindicator’
But as for me, I know that my Vindicator lives…
Job 19:25

These words, spoken by Job, arise from the depths of his pain and sorrow. The word vindicator is sometimes translated as redeemer or savior. But it originally meant “next of kin,” or (by extension) my closest relative or friend. It is the answer to the question: Whom can you call at 2:30 in the morning? Or, if you are in deep, serious trouble, who’s the first person you reach out to?

Hopefully, all of us can name someone, or several individuals, we think of in these terms. But later, in Isaiah and the Psalms, the word vindicator is used to speak of God. After all, when all human efforts have failed, God may be the only hope we have.

Redeeming God, I thank you for those individuals I can call upon when I am in distress. But may I always remember to call upon you my greatest hope.

- Sr. Melannie Svoboda, S.N.D.

Job 19:21-27 ✚ Psalm 27:7-9, 13-14 ✚ Luke 10:1-12
Hope written on rural road. Image by gustavofrazao | stock.adobe.com
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Comments

October 3, 2024 at 03:30 PM

Adding Terry, Rusty and Catherine to my prayer list tonight.

October 3, 2024 at 02:46 PM

Prayers and blessings to you Rusty and Catherine and everyone else requesting prayers. Just turned 66 and still can’t fathom how deep God’s love for us is!

October 3, 2024 at 11:20 AM

After the catastrophic event 9 months ago that changed the trajectory of my life forever, I have been blessed with a handful of people who have accepted me for who, what, and where I am now rather than who I was. This supportive band of merry men and women, including my 3 older sisters, my Christian counselor, my priest, and others, have listened to my joys and sorrows. As the return to my Catholic roots continues, I realize I have the entire universe including all the angels and saints I can call upon in times of need or share with great joys, especially my Vindicator.

October 3, 2024 at 11:15 AM

Catherine, now is the time to ask your vindicator, Jesus Christ, to help you get through this ordeal!!!

October 3, 2024 at 10:57 AM

So true, Amen.

October 3, 2024 at 09:56 AM

Living faith family please keep my friend Terry in your prayers today she had a birthday 93rd this week. Yesterday I brought her tim bits [donut holes] Tomorrow I will try to get the morning Mass people to sign a card. I have Pam's greeting, signed. " From Russia with love" Couldn't get to mass this morning as doctor appointment got in way. Her house was filled with flowers and cards and neighbors took her out to lunch and breakfast She has no children but neices and nephews. With the world in conflict it pleasant to see people caring for her and also caring for the folks suffering from natural disasters. Ken

October 3, 2024 at 09:27 AM

AMEN!

October 3, 2024 at 09:09 AM

Upon reading this devotion, my son told me that 4 of 5 men in his Bible study group could name no such friends. I’ll bet four out of five women could name more than one.

October 3, 2024 at 08:40 AM

Peace to everyone. Amen!

October 3, 2024 at 07:45 AM

Sr. Melannie, thank you for this reflection and thanking God for the many vindicators in my life. Amen.

October 3, 2024 at 07:40 AM

Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, as well as those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. 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 Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur 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.

Bill S
October 3, 2024 at 07:48 AM

Amen Jane! The devastation that has been caused by Helene is heartbreaking. The victims of this horrific storm will be trying to recover from it for years. We need to come together to help them out. Thank you for posting this prayer daily, we must not forget these folks.

October 3, 2024 at 05:36 AM

I know that God is My Vindicator & my ever source of help in times of trouble! I thank God for the Living Faith daily devotions! I ask for His buckets of graces to sustain me through a horrible divorce process just beginning after 37b years of marriage. My separated husband asked me for a divorce this past Christmas Eve. He also plead guilty to assaulting me. Please pray that for God's grace to sustain me through this giant storm in my life. Thank you & God bless Living Faith.

Rita
October 3, 2024 at 11:59 AM

Catherine, praying for you right now, lifting you up to our Lord Jesus Christ. May you feel his peace descend upon you. Rita

Cheryl
October 3, 2024 at 11:36 AM

Catherine, I pray for your peace and strength during this difficult period....be comforted by our Lord God always being our Vindicator

October 3, 2024 at 10:41 AM

Prayers Catherine. God Bless us Everyone!

peggyR
October 3, 2024 at 09:51 AM

Praying for you Catherine during these days of upheaval in your life. Know that we all lifting you up in prayer and we pray that you feel Our Lord’s presence with you every step of the way.

Kjc
October 3, 2024 at 09:40 AM

Catherine please know that the living faith family is always there for you. I am praying for you right now. Divorce is a trying time, reach out to people who can help you. Ken

Pam
October 3, 2024 at 09:20 AM

Catherine…please know, you have my prayers and that you are so loved by God. Pray for His peace, if you have that you have all that you need to get through this, trust me. God Bless You Catherine And All Who You Love!❣️

Debbie H
October 3, 2024 at 09:16 AM

Prayers and strength to you, Catherine. ✝️

EN
October 3, 2024 at 08:03 AM

Prayers for you and all who face such difficult times of marriage and divorce. May God give you strength and peace.

Salina
October 3, 2024 at 07:56 AM

I’m so sorry, Catherine :-( May you find Jesus to be your Kinsman Redeemer ✝️ Isaiah 48:17, “This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow!” Amen!

jane
October 3, 2024 at 07:43 AM

Oh Catherine, you are carrying a lot and we are walking with you. May you feel God’s presence on this journey and keep moving forward. Amen.

Lori
October 3, 2024 at 06:19 AM

Prayers, Catherine. ????????

October 3, 2024 at 05:08 AM

Oh, would that my words were written down! Would that they were inscribed in a record: That with an iron chisel and with lead they were cut in the rock forever! (I enjoy the irony in this statement.)

October 3, 2024 at 01:11 AM

Job 19:25, “I know that my Redeemer lives. In the end He will stand on the earth!” *** The kinsman who redeems or vindicates a relative is illustrated most clearly in the book of Ruth, where the kinsman-redeemer is Boaz! Ruth 3:9, ““Who are you?” he (Boaz) asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she replied. “Spread the corner of your covering over me, for you are my family redeemer.”” *** This foreshadowed the ultimate Redeemer Who was to come in Matthew 1:5-6, 16, “Salmon was the father of Boaz. Rahab was Boaz’s mother. Boaz was the father of Obed. Ruth was Obed’s mother. Obed was the father of Jesse. And Jesse was the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon. Solomon’s mother had been Uriah’s wife… Jacob was the father of Joseph. Joseph was the husband of Mary. And Mary was the mother of Jesus, Who is called the Messiah! *** “In the same way, the Lord Jesus Christ bought us for Himself, out of the curse, out of our destitution; made us His own beloved bride; and blessed us for all generations. He is the true kinsman-redeemer of all who call on Him in faith!” ******* My Redeemer Lives by Nicole C Mullen https://youtu.be/y8SIcb2j1kQ?si=wLUbg1J8cQIpd-Ip

Hope written on rural road. Image by gustavofrazao | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

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