SUFFERING…
To suffer without a purpose is hell, but to suffer with a good purpose is Fortitude. To know how to suffer for God is martyrdom, and to know how to suffer for the good of others is true charity. Canon Heitor Matheus
Suffering….it’s not a popular concept. It is something all of us try our best to avoid. But when we are faced with unavoidable suffering, we have two choices; Embrace it with resignation and love…or become bitter and discouraged. It is rare to find people who will suffer voluntarily, for the good of others…but as Christians, that is what we are called to do.
The new parochial vicar at my parish, Most Precious Blood of Jesus, gave a homily two weeks ago that was so encouraging to me that I decided to use it to encourage our 40 Days for Life family in Pittsburgh. The quote above is taken from that homily. I thought it was amazingly profound, and something that we can cling to during the remainder of these 40 days. We have 26 days left to offer our suffering on the sidewalk for our city…for the salvation of souls who do not know how good our God is, nor how much He loves them. I encourage you to read and reflect on the entire homily.
To read the entire homily on the value of suffering, written by Canon Heitor Matheus, CLICK HERE
My dad is facing his last day or two on this earth, which is why I chose the photo above for this blog post. He is in my home, with his family all around him. If he passes today, on this wonderful feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, I will be comforted in the knowledge that God has heard the prayers of many and has taken my dad into His loving arms. Thank you for your prayers. Nikki
Tracy, Anthony & Jackie
Anthony led the Rosary, Charlie held a sign, and Jackie held out info on the sidewalk. I attempted to do the same, although Jackie is always more outgoing than I am! There was a steady flow of clients going in, mostly singles. One couple, a mom and her daughter, were the only ones who pushed back when offered help. That mama bear was not having it! (so much for “my body, my choice, right?!) It rained a little, but not enough to annoy us, thank God!
Beth
Sad day at PP made bearable by friends helping cover our shift. Special thanks to Rita who stopped and blessed us with her prayers. Good to see Claudia coming in from Conneaut and Charlie, who’s almost a Tuesday regular.
Barb & Rose
(From Barb) – The light rain was no problem today. The abortion mill was busy. We were able to talk to several women at length, but they went in anyway. Many accepted materials and were pleasant. All decades of the Rosary were prayed in honor of the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.
Sandy, Kim & Mike
(From Sandy) – I was joined today on my shift not only by powerful prayer warriors Mike&Kim but also additional warriors from their parish in Greene County- St. Matthias. It was a wet day, but not as bad as we anticipated. It was like the heavens were crying about the deceit and death driven by misguided compassion and deception going on in PP. It was special that today is celebrated in the Catholic Church as a memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary- also known as Our Lady of Victory. We trust that through her intercession we will have victory one day There was the usual mix of being given the finger, but also thank yous for what you’re doing. Yet I actually had a couple of positive exchanges I hope will encourage you. There was a young lady who I wasn’t hopeful about with hair of several colors, tats and piercings but who took the flyer and card and seemed genuinely grateful. The young lady with the Point State Park sweatshirt who we were alerted to at the beiginning of our shift- assured me she hadn’t done that and listened attentively as I gave her info , explained what we do and pointed out that she would likely become aware of some young women on campus in need. She also took a look at the powerful poster with the children whose mom’s chose life and commented in a positive way about it. There were also a couple of men who listened and agreed to take info to pass on. One of the saddest encounters of the day, however, was when a mom & daughter rushed out. Then the daughter realized she’d left something in PP so went back in. I walked across the street and tried to engage the mom who told me “it was done.” – when I said I was sorry she became increasingly hostile and said I did it once, too and …I pointed out that her anger tells me that she is not at peace, about it and that both she and her daughter would benefit from healing help. She sent me away and continued to mutter negative things in an angry tone. I prayed for them both. We do our best and trust in the Lord to provide the grace. As David once boldly said about Goliath- ‘The battle is the Lords.
From Kim- St Matthias prayer warriors were amazing. ( six of us) We prayed all four mysteries of the rosary, a chaplet of divine mercy and a chaplet of divine will. What a blessing to pray on the sidewalk.
Virginia & Bill